The Little Things Aren’t So Little

Author

Dad Braids
April 13, 2025

Estimated read time: 3 min

This week was a special one—my daughter performed in her very first musical! I stood in the back row of a packed auditorium, trying to film through the heads in front of me, grinning like a fool and maybe wiping away a tear or two. There’s nothing quite like watching your kid step into the spotlight for the first time. What a joy.

But lets get into the goods this week:

Braid of the Week

Fishtail Braid – This one cranked on TikTok especially—and for good reason. It’s a super fun next-level style once you’ve mastered the basics. It looks fancy, but it’s surprisingly approachable with a bit of practice. A great one to pull out when you want a cool, textured braid that holds strong.

Book Club

Dragons Love Tacos
A household favorite. It’s goofy, smart, and full of delightful chaos. If your kiddo hasn’t read it yet, this one always lands. Bonus: it’s a great read-aloud book, especially if you commit to silly dragon voices.

Check it out here:
Bookshop | Amazon

Movie Club

Shrek (2001)
This one’s a dad classic. And while the animation might feel a little early-2000s clunky, it holds up surprisingly well. Big laughs, bigger heart, and enough grown-up jokes to keep you entertained while your kiddo falls in love with Donkey. Plus, you will be singing "I'm a Believer" for the rest of the day.

Watch on:
Prime Video | Apple TV

Community Highlight

Huge shoutout to the dads who sent in braid pics this week—you’re crushing it! From tidy ponytails to first-time French braids, it’s awesome to see your progress and your pride.

Haven’t joined our Dad Braids Club Discord yet?
It’s where dads from around the world come together to share wins, ask for help, and build community. Think of it like the barbershop meets the playground.

Dad Philosophy

Love Looks Like This
Love doesn’t always show up with balloons or big speeches. Sometimes it looks like early mornings and mismatched socks. A quiet moment brushing out tangles. A dad kneeling in front of his daughter with a comb in hand and patience in his heart.

When you show up—not just physically, but with your full attention—you’re giving her more than a hairstyle. You’re giving her presence. Connection. Calm.

She may not say it now. She may never even remember that particular braid. But one day, she’ll remember how it felt—to be cared for, to be prioritized, to be loved in the little moments.

And if you're ever feeling the weight of it all, or just want to swap stories with other dads in the thick of it—join our Parenting Support Channel on Discord. We’ve got your back.

Thanks for being here. If this newsletter made you smile, send it to a dad who could use a reminder that he’s doing great.

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.