I’ve Missed You…

It’s been 4 weeks since the “weekly” Girl Dad Diaries, and a few of you noticed.

Early fatherhood has a way of swallowing time whole. Between Sadie learning how to sit up, roll around like a tiny tornado, and reminding me daily that I’m no longer in charge of my schedule, the days have been full. Beautiful, chaotic, exhausting, full.

I started this newsletter to capture what it feels like to be a dad. The good. The hard. The in-between. But lately, I’ve been so deep in it, I haven’t had a second to write about it.

That changes now.

Sadie is 6.5 months old. She’s changing fast. And I’ve got stories, lessons, and late-night realizations that I’m ready to share with you again, from one dad to another.

If you’re new here: welcome. If you’ve been reading since day one: thank you for sticking around.

Oh, and I launched our very first children’s book, Daddy, My Hero. It’s something special.

Daddy, My Hero isn’t just another bedtime story.
It’s a full-on bonding experience made for dads and daughters.

Let’s get back to bonding, belly laughs, and the kind of dadhood no one warned us would be this rewarding.

— Brandon
Sadie’s Dad & Founder of Girl Dad Diaries

Sadie Story Of The Week

She's Got Wheels Now

I looked away for two seconds. Two.

When I turned back around, Sadie had army crawled halfway across the living room, grinning like she just got her license.

She’s discovering independence one floorboard at a time. And as wild as it is trying to keep up, there’s something magical about watching her realize, “Hey… I can go places.”

At 6.5 months old, she’s figured out how to drag those little knees, push off her toes, and launch herself across the room like a tiny, determined soldier on a mission.

Mission Objective: Whatever she’s not supposed to have.
TV remotes. Charging cords. The dog’s tail.
No obstacle is too great. No toy is safe.

It’s wild how fast things change.
One month you’re wondering when she’ll move.
The next, you’re Googling “baby-proofing tips.”

But honestly?
Seeing her grow this confident in her body, and watching her go, it’s one of the coolest parts of being a dad so far.

We’ve officially entered the mobility era.
And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Dad Tip:
If it’s on the ground, it’s fair game. If it’s quiet for too long… she’s up to something. And if she’s smiling? She’s already won

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Dad-To-Dad Wisdom

Quote Of The Week

“ Even the best players need the bench sometimes."

— Anne Lamott

Let’s be real, sometimes life gets heavy.
The to-do list piles up. Sleep gets short. Your patience thins.
And something has to give.

Maybe it’s a project.
Maybe it’s that hobby you love.
Maybe it’s… writing the weekly newsletter you promised 10,000+ dads.

Here’s the thing:
Taking a break isn’t quitting.
It’s honoring your limits, so you don’t burn out before the next big moment.

And your daughter?
She’s watching.

Not just how hard you work, but how kindly you treat yourself when you need rest. How you bounce back. How you don’t pretend to have it all together.

Because one day, when she needs a breather, she’ll remember the grace you gave yourself.

It’s not just okay to take a break.
It’s necessary.
And it’s something worth passing down.

Dad Tip:
Feeling off your game lately? Narrate it. Say, “Daddy’s tired today, but I’ll be ready to play again soon.” It teaches her that slowing down isn’t weakness, it’s self-awareness. And that’s a lesson she’ll carry for life.

Dad Hacks & Tips

Plan Like a Dad, Not a Hero

You’ve heard it before:
“Failing to plan is planning to fail.”
And nowhere is that more true than in the chaos of fatherhood.

Because with daughters?
The meltdown isn’t if it happens… it’s when.
The outfit change isn’t optional… it’s inevitable.
And the moment you don’t pack the extra snack? That’s when she’s starving.

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being prepared.

Want smoother mornings?
Lay out her clothes the night before, and yours too.

Tired of rushed dinners?
Pick 2 go-to meals each week you can make on autopilot.

Need more time together?
Schedule it like a meeting. 25 minutes of one-on-one is better than none.

Planning ahead gives you margin, and margin gives you presence.
And when you’re not playing catch-up, you’re free to actually enjoy the time with her.

Dad Tip:
Start your Sunday night with a 10-minute “Dad Prep” session.
Glance at the week. Prep a few meals. Set out a book to read together.
The little things make a big difference, and they turn good dads into great ones.

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 “Month’s” Poll Results

What's been your most unexpected joy in fatherhood?

This one hit us right in the feels.

The overwhelming favorite?

“Watching her personality bloom.”

Turns out, seeing your daughter’s quirks, curiosity, and spark take shape is one of the greatest surprises fatherhood has to offer.

Coming in next?

“The ‘just us’ moments no one else sees.”

The silent snuggles. The goofy dance-offs. The inside jokes. Those tiny, everyday memories are quietly shaping lifelong bonds.

While a smaller portion of dads mentioned “how much I’ve grown as a person,” “seeing the world through her eyes,” and “hearing ‘I love you, Daddy’ for the first time,” each one speaks to the deep, emotional evolution that comes with raising a daughter.

👊 Keep soaking in the magic, dads. You’re doing more than you think.

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

More Is Caught Than Taught

Every now and then, you get a glimpse.

She copies the way you wave.
She smiles at the same things you do.
She hugs a stuffed animal when she’s overwhelmed, because she’s seen you pause, breathe, and handle hard things with care.

That’s when it hits you:

She’s watching. Always watching.

Not for perfection, but for presence. For patterns. For love.

You don’t need to have all the answers.
You just need to keep showing her what it looks like to be kind, consistent, and fully in her corner.

Little eyes. Big impact.

You’ve got this, Dad.

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