Tangles, Twists & a Touch of Theater

Braiding, books, and a reminder to give yourself a little grace

Author

Dad Braids
March 30, 2025

Estimated read time: 3 min

Spring is here and the warmer days are doing something good to our energy. The jackets are lighter, the windows are cracked, and somehow everything feels just a little easier. Whether you’re braiding hair on the front steps or chasing a scooter down the sidewalk—this is a good season to be a dad.

Here’s what we’re loving this week:

Hair Hack of the Week

Product Pick: Detangling Spray
A total game-changer. If you haven’t added detangling spray to your toolkit, let this be your sign. These sprays make brushing smoother, reduce breakage, and cut down the “ouch” factor. We’ve tried a few and love them all:

Spray lightly before brushing, section the hair, and go slow—it’ll make a huge difference.

Dad Hack of the Week

Twisted Car Seat Strap Fix
If you've ever fought with a twisted car seat strap while your toddler screams and you sweat through your shirt—you’re not alone. This simple trick is gold:

Watch it here: Car Seat Strap Hack

Book of the Week

Elephant and Piggie: I Really Like Slop! by Mo Willems
These books are simple, hilarious, and surprisingly deep. We’ve read them all, but this one’s a favorite lately. Mo Willems is a creative genius and his work never misses.

Movie Club

Wicked
If your house is anything like ours, there’s singing and dancing happening on the daily. “Wicked” has been our go-to lately. My daughter and wife can perform the whole thing, and I’m just happy to be the backup dancer.

Community Highlight

Big shoutout to the dad who sent in a photo of his half up half down braid this week—nicely done! These wins are what keep us all inspired.

And—we launched the Dad Braids Discord! If you want a place to ask questions, swap tips, or just hang out with other dads learning as they go, this is it. It's like the comment section, but organized. Join the Discord here

Got a proud braid to share? Reply to this email or post in the Discord.

Dad Philosophy

Patience isn’t just for your kids—it’s for you, too. Learning something new is tough. Braiding is tough. Doing it while also making breakfast, packing lunches, and brushing teeth? That’s heroic.

Go easy on yourself. The goal isn’t a perfect braid—it’s presence. It’s being there, being calm, and showing your daughter that you’re in it with her.

She won’t remember how neat the braid was. She’ll remember the way you sat beside her with care, with your full attention. That’s the real magic.

Thanks for reading. If this made you smile—or think of another dad who’d love it—forward it along. And don’t forget to join the Discord if you haven’t already.

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

Till next week,


—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.