Hope you survived the brunch chaos and remembered the flowers - now back to dad mode.

Here’s what’s on tap…

• Why checking out is necessary

• Retired MLB player turned business-owning dad

• Beach dad mode; engaged

• Avoid late-night snacking

👉 PS - If this landed in your Promotions tab, do us a solid and move us to Primary.

📕 DAD WISDOM 

It’s Okay to Check Out

There’s a moment every dad hits.

The kids are wild. You’re getting “NO” shouted in your face like it’s their new favorite word. You’re trying to stay calm, trying to engage… but the tank is empty.

And suddenly, you feel that pull to check out.

Here’s the truth: it’s normal. You’re not failing. You’re a human being navigating humans who haven’t mastered their emotions yet, while trying to regulate your own in real time.

Sometimes checking out is actually a sign you’re trying. Trying not to explode.
Trying to stay in control. Trying to remember that this is a phase.

So take the moment. You don’t have to be perfect.

RAD DAD 

Zach Neal

📍Fort Worth, Texas
💼 Former MLB Pitcher | CEO of Golf Dads
👶 Dad to two kids: Ages 4 years old and 8 months old

Zach Neal is a former pro baseball player turned full-time dad, entrepreneur, and private pitching coach. Had a chance to connect with him last week over a Google Meet. Solid dude. Solid dad!

A typical dad day for Zach? “Simple but intentional.” He juggles early mornings with his 4-year-old and 8-month-old, client pitching sessions, and content for his brand (Golf Dads), while carving out non-negotiable solo time for a workout. Because, as he puts it, “If I don’t get to work out, I’m not the best version of myself.”

The hardest part of parenting so far? Managing his emotions when things get overwhelming. But the highs always outweigh the lows. “Watching them grow, hearing them laugh, getting those spontaneous hugs—it’s the best.”

His advice to new dads?
“Enjoy the ride. It’s fast, messy, wild—and worth every second.”

→ Follow Zach on IG: @_golf_dads / @zach_neal_

DAD TOYS 

Shibumi Shade

The older I get, the more I lean into full dad mode at the beach. There’s just something about looking dialed in.

Enter: the Shibumi Shade.
This thing is a game-changer. Sets up in seconds, actually stays put, and gives you a quiet, breezy canopy that doesn’t collapse the moment the wind picks up.

Ya, it’s a bit of a splurge. But invest once, and you’re set for summers to come. No more awkward umbrella rentals. No more chasing shade down the beach.

Just you, your crew, and a setup that says: this dad came prepared.

→ Get it here

PS: We’re giving away one of these to a fellow Dad Day subscriber. To enter, use your referral link below and get two friends to sign up for Dad Day this week. Yes, they have to be real people. Not your 4th email account. Winner announced next week.

DAD BOD 

How to Avoid Late-Night Snacking

The kids are down. The couch is calling. And so is… the snack drawer.

Here’s a trick: brush your teeth early. Not right before bed - a few hours before. It’s a simple mental switch. Clean teeth = kitchen’s closed.

Other dad-tested moves:

• Drink a tall glass of water first (you’re probably just thirsty)

• Keep healthy snacks out of sight

• Set a hard “snack curfew” (no food past 8pm)

• Go to bed earlier (the later you’re up, the louder that ice cream whispers)

JUNK DRAWER 

• Challenge of the week: 25 burpees a day. Break ‘em up however you want throughout the day. Read 10 pages per day.

• Run Clubs: We’re launching grassroots Dad Day Run Clubs across the country—and we need leaders. If you’ve been looking for a reason to stay consistent, push yourself, and rally a few good dads for a weekly or bi-weekly run… this is it. It’s about conversation, not pace.

  
  We’ll hook you up with some gear from Ten Thousand for leading the charge. All you need to do is show up, run, and keep the group moving. Interested in starting a local crew? Tap here.

👉 If you’re looking for an elevated group text thread with dads, join the Dad Day Slack group (it’s free).

DAD HUMOR