Sadie Story Of The Week

The Holiday Magic

Some moments as a parent feel like they’re straight out of a Hallmark movie and this week, it was Sadie’s first pumpkin patch photo shoot.

Okay… “patch” might be a stretch. It was our front porch, a giant pumpkin with two leg holes, a few mini gourds, and leaves that I may or may not have hand-arranged for aesthetic crunch factor. But none of that mattered when she flashed that gummy, wide-eyed smile like she knew she was the star of the show.

It hit me right then: we’re the ones who create the magic.

The joy. The wonder. The tiny traditions they’ll remember.

To them, it’s just a funny pumpkin seat.
To us, it’s the first page in a thousand holiday memories.

Because at the end of the day, the holidays aren’t about elaborate parties or Pinterest-perfect decor. They’re about showing up, being silly, making them laugh, and turning the ordinary into something they’ll never forget.

This year, we’re starting early. Because magic doesn’t just happen, it’s made.

Lesson Learned: You don’t need a big budget or a big plan to make big memories. Your kids won’t remember how perfect the setup was, they’ll remember that you made it special.

Dad-Stuff We’re Eyeing

➠ 35 Inch Fire Pit with 2 Cooking Grates & Charcoal Pan

➠ Woodhaven Black 4 Foot Firewood Storage Log Rack With Seasoning Cover

➠ Timberland PRO 6IN Soft Toe MaxTRAX Slip-Resistant Work Boot

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Dad-To-Dad Wisdom

Quote Of The Week

“ Feelings are much like waves. We can’t stop them from coming, but we can choose which ones to surf."

— Jonatan Mårtensson

“Why are you crying?”

We’ve all said it. Maybe with confusion. Maybe with frustration. Maybe with a touch of panic.

But here’s the thing, your daughter isn’t always looking for answers. She’s looking for space. Space to feel. To be seen. To let it out without judgment.

In a world that often tells girls to “be sweet,” “be quiet,” or “don’t overreact,” our job is to show her that every emotion she feels is valid.

Frustrated? Let her stomp it out.
Sad? Let her cry it out.
Excited? Let her yell it out.

Because when we make room for her big feelings now, she learns it’s safe to bring them to us later.

Let her know: “It’s okay to feel it all here. I can handle it.”

And the beautiful part? You’re not just raising a daughter who feels.
You’re raising a woman who knows herself, and trusts her dad always has her back.

Looking for more tools to support her emotional growth?

Our Girl Dad’s Guide to Mindful Parenting is filled with everyday language and techniques to help your daughter process, express, and understand her emotions with confidence.

Dad Tip:
Name your own emotions out loud. “I’m feeling tired today.” “That made me a little frustrated.” It models emotional intelligence and makes it normal for her to do the same.

Dad Hacks & Tips

Managing Screen Time & Tech Without Losing Your Mind

Screens are everywhere. TVs, tablets, phones, smart watches, even the fridge (why?!). And when your daughter hits that magical 3–7 age range? Suddenly, everything is a “Can I watch?” or “Just one more episode!”

Here’s how to keep tech in check, without turning into the Screen Time Police.

Hack #1: Set Boundaries Early and Stick to Them
Create clear screen time windows (like 30 minutes after dinner) and keep them consistent. Consistency makes it feel like routine, not punishment.

Hack #2: Co-Watch Whenever You Can
Use her favorite shows as bonding time. Ask questions, laugh together, talk about what’s happening. You're not just monitoring, you’re connecting.

Hack #3: Use a Visual Timer
Especially helpful for younger girls. When they can see the time winding down, transitions are smoother and meltdowns are fewer.

Hack #4: Balance Screen Time with “Dad Time”
For every screen session, plan an activity together, drawing, a dance party, a Daddy & Me Learning Pack page, or redeeming one of your Daddy Daughter Coupons. Show her real life is even more fun than YouTube.

Hack #5: Don’t Be Afraid to Say No
You’re not the bad guy, you’re the guide. She might not thank you now, but you’re helping her build a healthy relationship with tech (and her attention span).

Screens aren’t going away, but how you manage them teaches her boundaries, balance, and that your time together matters most.

Pro Tip: Keep one of our Daddy-Daughter Coupons handy for screen-free fun at the ready. “Good for one living room fort” beats one more episode every time.

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

Vote now!

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

Last Week’s Poll Results

What’s your Halloween plan with your daughter this year?

The results are in… and it’s safe to say we’ve got a neighborhood full of Girl Dads lacing up their sneakers for trick-or-treat duty.

🥇“Trick-or-treating with the neighborhood crew” ran away with the vote and honestly, we love that for you. There’s nothing like a sugar rush, flashlights, and a swarm of costumed chaos to make core memories.

Other dads?
Some are going all in on Halloween magic, costumes, candy, decorations, fog machines (respect).

A few are keeping it simple with cozy PJs, a movie, and a bowl of candy at home.

And some are still playing it by ear, watching how the spooky season shakes out.

Wherever you fall, remember: she’ll remember the joy more than the Pinterest-perfect details. Just show up, take the pics, and maybe sneak a Reese’s for yourself.

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

Hey dad, give yourself some credit.

You’re not just “trying your best.”
You’re showing up, when you’re tired.
You’re learning, even when you don’t have a playbook.
You’re loving, even when you’re not sure it’s enough.

But it is enough.
Because you’re still here. Still reading. Still trying.

And that matters more than you know.

So tonight, when you’re replaying the day—what you missed, what you could’ve done better—pause for a second… and celebrate what you did do.

You’re doing a better job than you think.

See you next Friday. Keep going, dad.

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