Sadie Story Of The Week

The Poolside Power Nap

We took Sadie for her first dip in the pool this past 4th of July weekend.

I came fully prepared.

UPF swimsuit? Check.

Tiny sun hat? Check.

Swim diapers and backup bottle? Double check.

We were ready for anything. splashing, crying, mid-swim poop emergency.

What we got instead?

A baby who fell asleep mid-float like a sun-safe sea cucumber.

She slept through half of it, arms relaxed, totally unbothered by the water, the heat, or her overly anxious lifeguard dad.

No tears. No chaos. Just calm little snoozes and the occasional soft snore.

Lesson learned: I thought her first pool day would be wild. Instead, it was peaceful, simple, and somehow… perfect.

Dad Tip: For pool days with young kids, think shade first. Pack a full-body UPF swimsuit, a wide-brimmed hat, a “cooling towel” for the heat, and a swim diaper just in case something else wants to float…

Dad-To-Dad Wisdom

Quote Of The Week

"A child seldom needs a good talking to as much as a good listening to."

— Robert Brault

In a world where we’re always trying to teach and guide, it’s easy to forget the power of just listening.

Even if she’s not speaking full words yet, your daughter is communicating in a hundred ways. Every coo, reach, and grumble is a message.

Whether she’s telling you about the monster in her closet or why the blue crayon is "sad today," lean in.

Because when you make space for her little stories now, she learns that her voice matters.

- Today’s Sponsor -

Dad Hacks & Tips

The “Tiny Choice” Trick

Kids love control, but giving them too many choices can lead straight to meltdown city.

Here’s the hack: offer two “tiny choices” that both work for you.

“Do you want to wear the pink shoes or the sparkly ones?”

“Milk in the blue cup or the yellow one?”

“Brush teeth before or after story time?”

She gets to feel in charge. You stay sane.

Why it works: It feeds her independence without opening the door to chaos (aka her suddenly demanding to wear a Halloween costume in July).

Girl Dad Spotlight

Share Your Story & Be Featured In An Upcoming Newsletter

Have a story that made you laugh, cry, or question your sanity?

We want to feature your funniest or most emotional girl dad moment in next week’s issue.

Whether it’s a tea party meltdown, a bedtime heart-to-heart, or the moment she called you “dude” in public, we want to hear it.

Just fill out this quick form to be considered:
👉 https://forms.gle/4Sp7KTMaUAqWKxP6A 

The more heartfelt or hilarious, the better.

Papa Poll Of The Week

Vote now!

Results will be posted in next Friday’s newsletter.

Last Week’s Poll Results

What’s Your 4th of July Parenting Strategy??

The people have spoken, and apparently, it was a mixed bag.

Top spot went to backyard vibes only. Kiddie pool, sparklers, and no stress. It's close to home, easy to manage, and still gives your little one a taste of the holiday magic.

Right behind that?

No plan at all, just winging it.

Not chaos, flexibility.

Because sometimes, the best 4th of July memories come from going with the flow… and that’s ok too.

Looking for simple ways to connect and grow together?

Daddy & Me Learning Pack - Packed with screen-free educational activities.

Girl Dad Guide to Mindful Parenting - All about showing up with intention.

Quick wins for a deeper connection, all for less than a cup of coffee.

The Last Crumb

Making Time When It’s Hard to Find

Summer’s here, and while she’s out of school, your calendar probably isn’t.

Early meetings. Late emails. A to-do list that doesn’t take summer break.

But here’s the thing: she just wants you.

Even if it’s ten minutes before work to build a block tower…

Or a quick dance party after dinner before soccer practice.

It’s about giving her new experiences and showing her you’re in her corner, cheering her on, even if it means rearranging your day.

It’s not about having endless time.

It’s about being intentional with the time you do have.

And she’ll remember that more than anything.