Happy Friday. Hope the week treated you well. For the hockey guys… NHL Playoffs are back. Best time of the year.
Also…this is our 250th newsletter. Kind of wild. Appreciate y’all being a part of it. Have a weekend. See you Monday.
PS: If you’re new here, we mix it up on Fridays with a quick recap from the week and a few extra gems to head into the weekend right.
"If you do not know which port you are seeking, no wind is favorable."
Seneca
THE DIGEST
Wisdom of the Week: Kids bounce back faster than we do. They’re still learning. We are too. Do your best. And when you miss, just own it and keep it moving.
Most Clicked: Tech Rules for Kids Who Won’t Be Eaten Alive by the Internet
Gear of the Week: Aeropress. The best alternative French Press. Take 20% off with code: DADDAY. Get it here.
Community: Last Call For Our First Multi-Day Experience
For the Kids: Kinetic Sand Playset
📕 Read: Start With Why - Simon Sinek
📺 Watch: Inside the World of Nike ACG. They’re So Back
🍔 Eat/Drink: Simple & Authentic Carne Asada Street Tacos
🎧 Listen: Life Lessons for Ambitious People
IN THE TRENCHES
Topic: When Dads Feel Most Present
We asked when you feel most present as a dad. Not even close…playing with the kids ran away with it.
A few notes from the field:
Play is the unlock. A lot of dads said it’s the one time they can actually drop everything. No work. No phone. Just being there.
It forces presence. One dad put it perfectly…hard to get distracted when you’re fully in it (or trying not to take a toy to the face).
For some, it shows up through coaching. Games, practices, being on the field together. More reps, more connection.
Bedtime had its own lane too. Slower pace. One-on-one time. No rush. Just talking, reading, winding down together.
And a few dads said it’s less about a moment and more about the rhythm. Being home, building routines, stacking those small daily interactions.
Different answers, but the theme was simple. Presence doesn’t usually happen when life is calm. It happens when you’re fully in something with them.
GARAGE
Send us what you’re working on…
Outdoor shower build for the win! Thanks for sharing, Mike.
We want to see your projects. Send ‘em our way! Just reply to this email.
WEEKEND BURNER
12min. Zero fun. Enjoy.
12 min as many rounds as possible:
• 200 m Run
• 10 Pull-ups
• 10 Dumbbell Thrusters (scale accordingly)
ONE LAST THING
y
🎧 On Repeat
This week’s playlist. Throw it on and don’t think about it. Updated weekly.
→ Listen
🧠 Worth Knowing
Research shows kids are far more likely to cooperate when they feel like they have a choice, even if both options lead to the same outcome. “Put your shoes on now” vs “red shoes or blue shoes?” hits very different.
👊 Try This
Start a dumb, ongoing joke with your kid this weekend. A nickname, a handshake, a made-up rule. Something small that’s just yours. That’s the stuff that sticks.
dad shower thoughts: We’re learning how to limit screen time…from screens.