Happy Friday, guys. Hope the week was solid. I know I’ve mentioned it a few times, but our new site launches next week and it’s the real deal.

As Dad Day keeps growing, the community is what matters most to me. It’s been awesome connecting with so many of you in our Slack group and beyond. Swapping parenting wins, asking questions, and just being real.

That said, I could always use an extra hand. If you’re into community-building, conversation-starting, or just helping shape something meaningful, hit reply.

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. 

THE DIGEST 

• Most Clicked: The Hidden Fatigue of Switching — And How to Fix It

• Best Community Reply: Don’t let fear or doubt dictate your decisions.

• Wisdom of the Week: Kids don’t listen half as well as they imitate. So if you want your kid to grow up kind, driven, curious, disciplined, don’t just tell them. Model it. Be the example they’ll replay long after you stop reminding them.

• Product of the Week: Proof Patina Crewneck Sweatshirt

• In Case You Missed It: Pinter is giving the Dad Day crew a free beer machine.

FROM THE TRENCHES

Topic: When Should Kids Defend Themselves?

One dad threw out a classic dilemma in our Slack group: “If your kid gets hit or pushed at school, do you tell them to fight back or walk away?”

Turns out, this one hit a nerve. The thread lit up with stories, scars, and some seriously thoughtful dad philosophy.

The vibe from the group? Most dads agreed: kids need to feel empowered to defend themselves. Not reckless, not aggressive, but confident that they don’t have to rely on someone else for protection.

A few standouts from the thread:

• Let them figure it out: One dad shared how his father stopped his mom from stepping in when a bully tripped him on the playground. He got up, wrestled the kid down, and years later they’re still friends. “There’s something to be said for letting kids work it out in their own way,” he said.

• Context matters: “If they’re attacked and can’t get away — defend yourself,” one dad wrote. “But if it’s just a shove, walk off. That’s a skill too.”

• Zero tolerance ≠ zero logic: Many mentioned the tricky part…schools today often punish both kids equally. “You have to teach them to defend themselves just enough,” said another dad. “Otherwise, your kid can be the one who gets in trouble.”

• The real lesson: A few dads told stories of being suspended for standing up for themselves and being taken out for ice cream or lunch by their proud dads afterward.

Bottom line: No dad’s rooting for playground brawls, but most agreed, there’s a line between turning the other cheek and teaching your kid to stand tall. Sometimes the best lesson is knowing when to fight back… and when to walk away.

GARAGE

Send us what you’re working on

Matt L. with an absolutely dialed-in basement gym. Thanks for sharing, Matt.

We want to see your house projects. Send ‘em our way! Just reply to this email.

WEEKEND BURNER

Weekend Burner: 30-Minute AMRAP

You’re kicking off each round with a 400m run. Then:

• 15 Burpees

• 20 Dumbbell Goblet Squats

• 25 Sit-Ups

• 15 Dumbbell Shoulder Presses

Keep cycling through for 30 minutes total as many rounds as possible.

Goal: 4–6 rounds if you’re moving steady, 7+ if you’re pushing.