She got strep. We got closer.

This week was slow, messy, and kinda beautiful.

Author

Dad Braids
March 16, 2025

Estimated read time: 3 min

My daughter came down with strep this week—fever, fuzzy voice, the works. Somehow, my baby boy, my wife, and I dodged it. But man… I felt it for her. It’s hard seeing your kid feel miserable. Still, somewhere between the naps and the sips of water, we found pockets of connection. A soft braid. A story read slow. This week reminded me: love shows up in the quiet moments, too.

Here’s what we’re loving this week:

The French Braid Reboot

Quick, clean, and locks in hair like a champ—perfect for sick days or on-the-go mornings.

What We’re Watching: Shape Island (Apple TV+)

This one’s a gem. Shape Island is calm, clever, and kind of hypnotic—in the best way. It’s based on the book series by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen, the same Klassen behind This Is Not My Hat (a household favorite over here). If you like that dry, deadpan humor and simple yet gorgeous design, you’ll love this show. Great for sick days, lazy weekends, or just winding down with your little thinker.

What We’re Cooking: Vegetarian Red Beans & Rice

Comfort food level: expert. This meatless version is packed with flavor and perfect for batch-cooking when you don’t have the energy to think.

What We’re Listening To: Frozen Forces of Nature (Podcast)

Science + storytelling = a great listen with or without the kids. Ever wonder why water expands when it freezes? This episode makes it cool (literally).

Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

Community Highlight: Dads Crushing It

This week Joe crushed the Elsa braid for his daughter!! Way to go buddy 🤘

Tag me or DM your braids, and I’ll feature more next time!

Dad Philosophy: There’s No Such Thing As Wasted Time

When your whole day is caring for someone else, it can feel like you didn’t get anything “done.” But presence is productivity. Every glass of water. Every forehead check. Every braid.

That’s it for this week! I definitely fell behind in vids on social this week, but I’m giving myself a hall pass on that. It was a doozy of a week. See you all next week with more hair/life lessons we’re learning 🙌

If you got something out of this, share it with a fellow dad.

From my family to yours,

– Strider

P.S. Got a question, a dad win, or a total fail you want to share? Reply to this email—I’d love to hear it.