Dad Braids Club: Different Roads, Same Table

Estimated read time: 3 min

🧠 Today’s Idea

We had a couple of close friends over for dinner last night. They’re likely not going to have kids — meanwhile, we’ve got two (a five-year-old and a one-year-old).

We’ve walked through a lot of chapters of life together, but the differences between our lives are very real now. They tell stories about trips, hobbies, late nights… while our stories usually involve snacks, naps, and early mornings.

And yet — it all works. They’re incredibly wonderful with our kids, and as we took an after-dinner walk together, I couldn’t help but feel grateful.

Grateful for the reminder that family life is one path, not the path. Grateful that friendship can stretch and adapt. Grateful that while our roads look different, we can still meet at the same table.

It’s a funny thing: seeing their freedom makes me laugh at how little freedom I have right now.

Or maybe it’s just a different kind of freedom — one that’s anchored to the next generation. A freedom measured in sidewalk chalk drawings, bedtime stories, and yes… pasta spilled all over the floor.

And there’s a real beauty in that.

🗳️ Poll of the Week

P.S. Last week, I asked: What’s the trickiest part of school mornings?

By far, the top answer was: getting out the door 🚪. (Solidarity, dads. Solidarity.)

📸 Community Highlights

In just a few short hours, I’m hosting the first-ever in-person Dad Braids class — and I’m beyond excited (and yes, nervous too). Usually that just means I care a lot, so I’ll take it as a good sign.

I’ve received dozens of questions and requests about classes or pop-ups in other parts of the country (and even the world!). If that’s something you’d be interested in, reply to this email and tell me where you are — and whether you think other dads in your area might be interested too.

📩 Want to share your own braid story or photo? Submit it here — we’d love to feature more of our community each week!

🌀 Braid of the Week

This week’s most-loved style was the Deluxe Elsa Braid ❄️

📷 Watch on Instagram

🎥 Watch on TikTok

🔗 Useful things I’ve found this week

📖 Would You Do It Again? – A quick but powerful reflection from Daily Dad. Read here

📵 Phone-Free Day – On August 31, thousands worldwide will ditch phones and social media for 24 hours. RSVP here

🛠️ Never Lose the WD-40 Straw Again – One of those hacks you’ll wish you knew sooner. Watch here

✌🏻 Final Thought

Whether it’s family life or no kids at all, freedom looks different for everyone. The trick is to notice what makes yours beautiful.

– Strider

P.S. 

Got a braid, story, win or fail you want to share? Reply to this email—I’d love to hear it.

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