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Estimated read time: 4 min

🧠 Idea of the Week: A Reset I Didn’t Know I Needed

This Thanksgiving was the first time in four years we didn’t travel - no airports, no rushing kids through terminals, no juggling schedules. And honestly? It was incredible.

We slowed down. Moved at our own pace. Just existed together for a few days.

But on that first “off” day, something weird happened. I felt this uneasy pressure - like I should be doing something. As if slowing down was wrong.

It hit me how fast life actually moves when we’re not paying attention - especially with kids, with school schedules, with work. And how easy it is to slip into a rhythm of hurry without even realizing it.

But here’s the part that matters: Our kids learn what life feels like by watching us live it.

If we’re always rushed, they think life is rushing. If we never pause, they learn not to pause.

These few slow days were a reset - a reminder of the kind of life I want to model: one built on presence, ease, creativity, and love… not constant hurry.

A good reminder that slowing down isn’t falling behind.

It’s showing them what really matters.

🛠️ The Tools

Braid of the Week: The No-Bumps Ponytail

If you’ve ever battled the crooked ponytail struggle… this one’s for you. My go-to trick for getting it clean, centered, and bump-free every time.

👉 Instagram

👉 TikTok

Gear of the Week: Kitsch Spray Bottle

A perfect light-mist spray bottle for quick dampening - super helpful for clean styling and taming bedhead.

👉 Amazon

And for everything we use daily:

👉 Full Gear List

📸 The Moment

This week I was tagged in a video that honestly stopped me in my tracks - a girl proudly asking her dad to French braid her hair, filming him, then writing how proud she was and thanking him for being the best dad ever.

She’s older than the kids I usually hear from - not a preschooler, but old enough to ask, to appreciate, and to articulate the love behind it.

A perfect reminder that yes, the braids are fun… but the heart of this whole thing is connection.

That’s what sticks. That’s what they remember.

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🧰 The Goods

The big Dad Braids holiday sale is live - and both first-edition products are selling fast. Seriously blowing my mind seeing so many of you grab these!🙏🏻

If you’ve been thinking about starting, leveling up, or gifting these… now’s the moment.

✨ The Scrunchie Course

Learn the fundamentals with confidence

🧰 The Dad Braids Toolbox

Everything you need in one clean, custom-designed kit. Dad-proof, travel-ready, and built with love.

Use code BRAID30 for 30% off while supplies last.

🔗 Three Things Worth Sharing

1. “Things my high effort dad did that would send a low-effort dad into a coma”

   A hilarious and oddly inspiring look at the power of showing up.

   👉 Watch here

2. How to win the claw game (yes, seriously)

   I am 100% trying this next time.

   👉 Watch here

3. Reddit thread: Best dad advice you’ve ever received

   Deep stuff. Funny stuff. Truth bombs everywhere.

   👉 Read here

🗳️ Poll of the Week

Results from last week…

“Most meaningful Thanksgiving Moment?“ Overwhelmingly the answer was “to see extended family”

✌🏻 Final Thought

Wherever you’re landing this week - energized, exhausted, behind, or ahead - just know I’m right here with you. These seasons are fast, but they’re full. And slowing down even a little helps us hold them better.

Talk soon,

— Strider

PS.

Marcus Aurelius once wrote: “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”

Maybe this week we choose slower thoughts… so our kids learn slower lives.

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