GDD Issue #19

A weekly dose of practical tips, honest moments, and gear recs for dads raising daughters.

In partnership with

Sadie Story Of The Week

The Great Roll-Around Era Has Begun

We’re officially in motion.

At almost 4.5 months old, Sadie has turned into a full-time tumbler. What used to be stationary tummy time is now a full-blown gymnastics session.

She’s rolling from back to belly, belly to back, side to side, basically any direction except the one that keeps her still.

The bed? She rolls.
The changing table? Blink, and she’s sideways.
The crib? She’s done a full 180 by the time the baby monitor loads.

We used to place her down and walk away for 30 seconds. Now? It’s like defusing a bomb with a 10-second timer, you better move quick.

And yet, as exhausting as it is to constantly hover and reposition, it’s also beautiful. She’s discovering momentum. She’s chasing toys. She’s testing her independence one wiggle at a time.

Lesson Learned:
You can’t pause the growth. One minute she’s a snug little bundle, the next she’s rolling her way into the next chapter. The days are getting more active, more chaotic… and way more fun.

Together With Money

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Dad-Stuff We’re Eyeing

➠ Six-Speed 1200W Brushless Electric Leaf Blower 

➠ Mens Brown Leather Motorcycle Jacket with Removable Hood

Dad-To-Dad Wisdom

Quote Of The Week

Sometimes the best thing you can do for your child is let them be loved by someone who loved you first."

— Unknown

If your dad (her grandpa) is a little more reserved around your daughter, you’re not alone. Maybe he’s afraid to hold her too tight. Maybe he’s never been around small children much. Or maybe he just doesn't know where he fits in.

Here’s the thing: just like we’re learning how to be dads, our dads are learning how to be grand dads. And sometimes, that takes a nudge.

Start small. Ask him to read her a short board book or hold her while she watches the ceiling fan spin (it’s a thing). Hand him a bottle, or let him take the lead on a walk around the backyard. Remind him she doesn’t need perfection, just presence.

And if he's worried about being too rough or doing something wrong? Reassure him that little girls are way more resilient than they look. What she really needs is to hear his voice, feel his arms, and see the face that raised you.

Dad Tip:
Give him a role that feels natural, maybe he’s the designated baby stroller driver, the backyard explorer, or the snack-time storyteller. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s connection. When he sees her light up just from being near him, confidence follows. Sometimes all it takes is one small shared moment to unlock a lifetime of bonding.

Dad Hacks & Tips

The Emotion Coach Gameplan

When your daughter’s 4 and sobbing because her sock “feels weird,” your instinct might be to fix it, fast.

Swap the sock. Distract with a snack. Offer logic: “It’s just a sock!”

But here's the thing: at this age, she's not just melting down about the sock.
She’s learning how to feel… and how you respond becomes the blueprint for how she’ll handle big emotions for years.

Here’s your 3-step Dad Hack for Emotional Moments:

  1. Name It to Tame It
    Say what you see:
    “Looks like you’re frustrated because your sock feels uncomfortable.”
    This helps her connect physical feelings with emotional language.

  2. Stay Steady, Not Stoic
    You don’t need to match her meltdown.
    Keep your tone calm, your body language open. Let her borrow your calm instead of absorbing her chaos.

  3. Validate First, Fix Later
    Before jumping to solutions, say:
    “It makes sense that would bother you. Socks can be tricky!”
    Then… fix the sock. (Obviously.)

Why It Works

You’re not just ending a tantrum. You’re building her emotional vocabulary, showing her that feelings are safe, and teaching her that you’ll show up, even when she doesn’t have the words yet.

Dad Tip:
When she’s falling apart, don’t rush to “end” the moment.
Lean in. That’s when she learns what kind of dad she really has.

Small Moments. Big Memories. Everyday Bonding Made Easy.

Being a dad isn’t about grand gestures, it’s about the little moments she’ll remember forever. Here are simple, screen-free ways to laugh, learn, and connect with your daughter (even on your busiest days):

Daddy & Me Learning Pack - Never run out of ways to keep her entertained and learning. 92 pages of screen-free games, crafts, and educational activities that make bonding effortless.

Girl Dad Guide to Mindful Parenting - Beat dad guilt with quick, practical tips to show up with intention. Packed with bite-sized wins that fit into any schedule.

100 Kid-Friendly Recipes - Turn mealtime into memory-making time. Delicious, simple dishes designed to bring dads & daughters together in the kitchen (yes, even picky eaters).

Daddy & Daughter Coupon Book - 30 silly, sweet, and unforgettable coupons she can cash in. From pancake breakfasts to dance-party nights. Guaranteed giggles every time.

Papa Poll Of The Week

Public, Private, Or Homeschool. Where is your daughter?

If she's not there yet, where do you think she'll end up?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Vote now!

Results will be posted in next Friday’s newsletter. (All votes are anonymous)

Last Week’s Poll Results

What kind of parent do you think you are?

This was close, but it looks like the Fun Dad is winning, and honestly, we love to see it.

According to last week’s Papa Poll, most of you see yourselves as the go-to for giggles, games, and controlled chaos. But close behind? The Rule Enforcers and the Softies (which, let’s be real, might just be two sides of the same bedtime coin).

This poll wasn’t just about picking a label, it’s a reminder that we all bring something different to the table.

Whether you’re the one cracking jokes or laying down the law, what matters is showing up with love, presence, and intention.

And hey… maybe some days we’re all five.

Featured Dad Spotlight

We want to shine the spotlight on you.

We’ll be featuring one incredible Girl Dad in an upcoming newsletter. Someone who’s in the trenches, doing the work, and showing up with love, laughter, and maybe a little bit of chaos.

Want in?

Tell us about your journey so far, the wins, the lessons, the moment she melted you into a puddle.

And most importantly, share one piece of advice you’d pass on to other Girl Dads.

Submit your story here for a chance to be featured.

We can’t wait to brag about you.

The Last Crumb

The Power of Little Friendships

Playdates might look like chaos, tiny shoes by the door, giggles echoing down the hall, and toys scattered in every room, but they’re building something bigger than just memories.

When your daughter plays with other girls around her age, she’s learning empathy, communication, and the magic of collaboration (even if it’s just building a block tower or negotiating over which color tutu is best).

She’s discovering that friendship isn’t just about fun, it’s about understanding others, solving tiny conflicts, and finding her voice among peers.

So say yes to the messy living room. The extra juice boxes. The glitter trails.

Because one day, those early friendships become the foundation for how she trusts, leads, and loves.

And it all starts with a simple knock at the door: “Can she come play?”

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