Sadie Story Of The Week

Her First Smile (Maybe?)

We’re just past 30 days, and I swear she smiled.

Not a gas bubble. Not a sleep twitch. A real, honest-to-goodness smile.

It happened right after a big spit-up. I sprinted to find the nearest burp cloth and proceeded to wipe her face.

She paused, locked eyes with me… and gave the tiniest little grin.

Was it real? Was it reflex? I don’t care. I’m counting it.

Because in that split second, the 3AM wakeups, the blowouts, the burp rags in every room, it all faded.

Sometimes, the tiniest things leave the biggest mark.

Dad Tip: Want to catch those first smiles? Go full clown mode. Funny faces, silly dances, high-pitched voices.

She may not get the joke, but she feels the joy.

Dad-To-Dad Wisdom

Quote Of The Week

"Speak to your children as if they are the wisest, kindest, most beautiful humans on earth, for what they believe is what they will become."

— Brooke Hampton

We’re not just shaping how they see the world, we’re shaping how they see themselves.

So even when you’re exhausted or moody, say the words that build her up. One “I’m proud of you” goes a long way.

- Today’s Sponsor -

Dad Hacks & Tips

The Emotional Radar Rule

One thing every girl dad learns fast: daughters come equipped with emotional radar.

They can sense your mood, your tone, and whether you’re actually listening, even if they’re only 3.

Here’s the hack: Stay calm, even when she’s not. Your energy sets the tone.

Validate first, fix later. “I see you're upset” works better than “You’re fine.”

Get low and make eye contact. You’ll be amazed at how quickly she responds when she feels heard.

Skip logic, go to comfort. Sometimes she just needs a hug, not a solution.

It’s not about walking on eggshells, it’s about showing her how to feel safe being herself.

And the more you lean in now, the more she’ll come to you later.

Dad Gear Check

Trending products dads love.

_{Rain Showers Splash Pond & Water Table}

What it is: A sensory-packed water table with rain showers, toy accessories, and all the summer chaos your toddler can handle, without needing to leave the backyard.

Why I like it: This is toddler summer magic in plastic form. She gets to pour, scoop, splash, and command an entire duck fleet like a tiny water park CEO.

The rain shower at the top actually mimics real rainfall (with less thunder and more giggles). It’s big enough for multiple kids, which is great for playdates or bribing cousins to visit.

Bonus: Built-in drain plug = less bailing water with plastic cups after bedtime. You’re welcome.

Dad Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

_{ArtCreativity Bubble Lawn Mower}

What it is: A push-along toddler lawn mower that shoots out a stream of bubbles while making realistic mower sounds, aka pure outdoor chaos in the best way.

Why I like it: This thing turns your backyard into a bubble-filled wonderland. She pushes it like she’s “doing yard work,” but really she’s leading a parade of squeals and suds.

The sound effects make it feel like the real thing, and the wheels click like she’s going somewhere important, even if it’s just the flower bed and back 12 times.

Bonus: It burns toddler energy like cardio and keeps her giggling the whole time. You might even get a few minutes to sip a cold drink and not answer “why” for once.

Dad Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Papa Pop Quiz

How well do you know your daughter’s world?

Test your Girl Dad knowledge now!

*Correct Answer & explanation posted at the bottom of the newsletter 

Fact-based news without bias awaits. Make 1440 your choice today.

Overwhelmed by biased news? Cut through the clutter and get straight facts with your daily 1440 digest. From politics to sports, join millions who start their day informed.

Sign up now!

Last Week’s Poll Results

When Does Your Household Really Start to Wind Down at Night?

When’s bedtime?

Apparently… not when we hoped.

Only a handful of you are locking it down at 7:30 with military precision.

The rest of us? Living in the bedtime gray zone, aka “we tried,” “it’s a process,” and “send caffeine.”

Shoutout to the brave souls admitting bedtime is just “whenever we can.” You are the real ones.

Lesson learned: bedtime is less of a schedule… and more of a vibe.

The Last Crumb

Her Tiny World, Your Big Role

She won’t remember the day you changed her diaper 20 times, or the third time she asked for water at bedtime.

But she’ll remember that you showed up.

That you said “yes” to the tea party.

That you were there, messy, tired, but all in.

So here’s to the dads still figuring it out.

You don’t need to be perfect. Just present.

You’ve got this, Dad.

_{Trivia Cheat Sheet}

^{The correct answer is: Elsa}

^{While Elsa is one of the most iconic Disney characters from Frozen, she is not officially part of the Disney Princess lineup.}

^{Here’s why:}

^{Elsa is considered a queen, not a princess, and because Frozen is such a successful franchise, Disney markets Elsa and Anna separately from the core “Disney Princess” brand.}

^{So if you guessed Elsa, you win ultimate Girl Dad bragging rights.}

^{No worries if you didn’t get it right, you just gotta Let It Go…} 🎶