Dad Braids Club: When You’re Not the Favorite Parent

For those seasons when she just wants Mom

Author

Dad Braids
August 17, 2025

Estimated read time: 3 min

🧠 Today’s Idea

“Some days I’m just the ride. Other days I’m the hero. But I’m always Dad.”

If you’ve been there, you know the sting: your kid reaches for Mom. She wants her comfort, her attention, her lap. And for a second, you feel… unnecessary.

But here’s the truth: being “second choice” in a moment doesn’t make you less important.

It’s just a season. Just a mood. Just a preference in that moment.

And the best thing you can do? Keep showing up anyway.

Because kids don’t just need favorites — they need constants. And when you stay present (even when you’re not picked), you’re showing them what unconditional love looks like.

One day, you’ll be the one she runs to. The one she needs. The one who knows how to braid her hair just the way she likes.

So don’t take it personally. Take it patiently.

🗳️ Poll of the Week

What’s the trickiest part of school mornings for your family?

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P.S. Last week, the majority of you shared that your biggest challenge was letting go of the past. That one hit home for me too — something I’m definitely working on.

📸 Community Highlights

Huge shoutout to Richard, who shared photos of his Dragon Braid attempt. His words:

“It was easier than I thought but I rushed it. Definitely would have been better if I had damped the hair first.”

And this note from Johannes in Scotland warmed my heart — a simple 3-strand braid turned into 20 minutes of connection with his daughter. That’s what this club is all about.

📩 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

First-ever side-by-side comparison 👀

Small sections vs. large sections in a fishtail braid.

One looks delicate and intricate, the other bold and chunky.

I love both for different reasons — which one’s your favorite?

🔗 Useful things I’ve found this week

1️⃣ Avocado Storage Hack – Save that half without the sad brown spots. Watch here

2️⃣ The Power of Reading at Bedtime – Dads reading nightly = kids with stronger vocabularies, empathy, and emotional intelligence. Screens can’t compete. Learn more

3️⃣ Zendoodle – A calming activity that’s surprisingly fun for both dads and kids. See it here

✌🏻 Final Thought

You won’t always be the favorite. And that’s okay.

Because being Dad isn’t about winning the moment — it’s about showing up for the long game.

– Strider

How did you like todays newsletter?

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P.S. 

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