Estimated read time: 3 min

🧠 Today’s Idea

I used to think being a great dad meant adding more.

More activities. More plans. More effort.

Pack the day, prep the crafts, juggle the snacks, nail the transitions.

But somewhere along the way, all that more started costing me something.

It stole presence.

It raised stress.

And it turned joy into just another box to check.

So I started to wonder:

What if I removed things instead?

What if I ditched the friction?

What if I stopped chasing perfect… and started chasing presence?

This past week, I caught myself overplanning a Saturday morning.

I had this idea to do something “special”…

But it quickly became a long list of supplies, snacks, backup plans, Plan B, and—of course—stress.

So I scrapped the plan.

We stayed in pajamas, opened the back door, and just… played.

Chalk drawings. Scooter rides. Orange juice and bubbles.

And you know what? It was the best day of the week.

I didn’t lift a finger. I just showed up.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

When I do less, I’m more there.

When I stop trying so hard, I start connecting more easily.

When I quiet the chaos, I can finally hear what matters.

Sometimes the best thing you can give your kid isn’t a plan.

It’s your presence.

🗳️ Poll of the Week

Results from last weeks poll

Keep an eye out for an Elsa braid tutorial!

📸 Community Highlights

We’re doing it! The first-ever Dad Braids in-person class is happening at my family’s studio, The Rabbit Hole Children’s Theater in San Francisco.

It’s called the Garden Fairy Braiding Workshop — with dress-up, crafts, a puppet show, and yes, braids… plus a real fairy meet & greet.

If you’re in area I’d love to see you! If not and you know someone who would love that, I’d appreciate the share 🙂

👉 Sign up here

(Space is limited — and we’d love to see you there!)

Watch our preview video here

🌀 Braid of the Week

This week’s most engaged braid video was a hit:

👉 Slow Motion Dutch Braid — clear, slowed down, and super helpful.

Coming in close second:

👉 Rope Lace Braid — elegant, simple, and beautiful.

Thanks to everyone who sends in requests—keep them coming!

🔗 What We’re Into This Week

🎬 Movie Night: Monsters Inc.

Classic Pixar with big laughs and even bigger heart.

👉 Watch on Disney+

👉 Watch on Amazon

🛠️ At-Home Kids Activities (Dad Edition)

Simple, creative ideas to keep the little ones busy (and off screens).

👉 Watch on YouTube

🥾 Making Hikes More Fun for Kids

Tips, games, and tricks to make getting outside easier—and more fun for everyone.

👉 Read more

✌🏻 Final Thought

Thanks for being here and for all the sharing of this newsletter — your support means so much. Many of you have said you’ve shared this weekly subscription to friends and family and it means everything to me!

Excited to keep showing up with you — and for you.

Big things are coming soon (looking at you, scrunchie levels 👀).

Till next week 🤘🏻

– Strider

P.S. 

You don’t need a perfect plan.

Just show up—and see what unfolds.

P.P.S.

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

New round here? Join the newsletter (it’s free).