Issue #2: Join Us On Our Journey to Dadlightenment
Date: January 14th, 2025

In This Issue

• Dadding 101: Baby Proofing for Dummies

• Radical Marriage: The Bird Test

• Radical Mental Health: The Power of Gratitude

• Radical Fitness: 10 Alternative Ways to Stay Active

• Radical Finances: Building your Dad Emergency Fund

• Radical Faith: Childlike Faith

• DAD Review: The Catchy

DADing 101: Baby Proofing for Dummies

Fatherhood doesn’t come with a manual, but that doesn’t mean we can’t figure it out together. This section is all about navigating the joys, challenges, and daily adventures of being a dad, with tips to help you thrive - not just survive.

Tips and Tricks for Protecting Your Little One

For legal purposes, this is not a comprehensive list…

When your baby becomes mobile they automatically think they’re Johnny Knoxville. They will explore their surroundings without regard for life, limb, or eyesight.

• Tie down all furniture: Especially in the nursery/playroom. Make sure everything that could tip over is securely attached to a stud in the wall. Gives you a good excuse to break out the ole “stud finder” dad joke.

• Cabinet locks: If my cat can figure out how to open the doors and crawl inside you bet a baby can.

• Door and window locks: Might not need these for a year or so, but eventually they will be a NECESSITY. Do they make teenager proof ones?

• Outlet covers: I mean…pretty self-explanatory.

• Weapons/firearms: Imagine your 6-month-old is an ATF agent with a search warrant. The Glock duct-taped underneath the coffee table needs to be locked up.

• Choking Hazards: If it is small enough to fit in your baby’s mouth it either needs to be screwed down or out of reach. Everything will go in their mouth. EVERYTHING.

• Baby gates at top and bottom of stairs: When I was a toddler I fell down the stairs and landed right on the top of my head.

• Padded mats for high play areas: As your baby learns to sit, crawl, and walk, they will fall. All the time.

• Sharp Corners: Install corner protectors on anything and everything that has a corner. Also helps protect shins during those 2am feedings.

• Air vents: Yes, they make child-proof air vents. Baby fingers are the perfect size to get caught in normal air vents.

• Batteries: Apparently they make batteries that turn the mouth blue when swallowed.

• Charging cables/appliances: When not in use, unplug and cover with outlet cover. Your dangling phone charger is a live wire.

• Chemicals/cleaning supplies: The Tide Pod challenge does NOT need to make a comeback. Keep behind a door/cabinet lock and up high out of reach.

Okay if this list seems intimidating to you, that’s okay. You don’t have to nail it perfectly to be a Rad Dad. Just use this to make a risk assessment of your home and a plan to mitigate those risks.

 Pampers has a really good article with a checklist!

⭐️Thursdays Deep-dive: Why Radical Fatherhood?⭐️

Radical Marriage: Does your marriage pass the “Bird Test”?

Parenting starts with partnership. Whether you’re newly married, dating, or years into it, this section is here to help you strengthen your marriage and relationship, communicate effectively, and keep the spark alive - even when life gets messy.

Recognizing and reciprocating your partner’s “bids for connection”

“The Bird Test”

• Originally conducted by John Gottman in 1998 and recently went viral on TikTok

• He met with 130 couples as newlyweds and then the same couples six years later

• He studied how the couples responded to each other when one of them said something seemingly small and insignificant

  • eg “Oh babe look! A bird out in the yard!” (hence the name “Bird Test”)

• Couples that were still married, turned towards each other 86% of the time in these “insignificant” moments and responded with genuine interest and curiosity

• Relationships where the couples did NOT turn towards each other…ended in divorce 67% of the time

• For a better understanding check out this article from Business Insider

The Challenge

The temptation is to immediately run to your partner and say something small to gauge their response…but let’s be honest. No one likes pop quizzes, especially when they don’t even know they’re being quizzed. Don’t be petty. Instead:

• Use the “Bird Test” to identify your partner’s micro bids for connection.

• How do you respond…do YOU pass the test?

• Begin to respond with genuine interest and curiosity and watch how it changes your relationship!

Radical Mental Health: The Power of Gratitude

Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your family. Here, we explore ways to manage stress, cultivate resilience, and find balance in the chaos of dad life.

Life as a dad is a balancing act, and let’s face it… it’s often overwhelming. Between career demands, family responsibilities, and the never-ending to-do list, it’s easy to slip into frustration, impatience, or even burnout. But what if there’s a simple, science-backed way to lighten the mental load?

Enter: Gratitude.

Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good buzzword or a fake construct invented by major corporations trying to sell “thank you” notes. Research consistently shows it’s one of the most powerful tools for improving mental health, building resilience, and rewiring your brain for positivity. It’s something our team is actively practicing because we’ve experienced the difference it can make — AND we have conviction that it’s a key pillar of being a Radical Father.

Why Gratitude Works (According to Science):

• Neutralizes Negative Emotions: Gratitude shifts focus away from envy, frustration, or resentment. Instead, it redirects your energy toward what’s good in your life, making it harder for negativity to stick around. (Source: APA, Greater Good Magazine)

• Rewires Your Brain for Resilience: Studies using fMRI scans reveal that practicing gratitude activates the medial prefrontal cortex — the brain’s center for decision-making and emotional regulation. Over time, this makes you more optimistic and better equipped to handle challenges. (Source: Harvard Health)

• Long-Term Gains: Gratitude is like a workout for your mind. It doesn’t deliver instant results, but consistency over weeks and months leads to lasting changes in how you perceive and respond to life’s demands. (Source: Psychology Today)

Your Gratitude Challenge This Week

This isn’t about adding another task to your already-packed schedule. It’s about small, intentional actions that can build into a life-changing habit. Here’s how to start:

• Write a Note to Your Kids: Jot down one thing you love or appreciate about each of your children. Share it at bedtime or dinner. Watch their faces light up.

• Recognize Your Partner’s Efforts: Think of one way your spouse made life easier this week — even something small like taking out the trash or a thoughtful text. Tell them you noticed and appreciate it.

• Daily Wins List: At the end of each day, write down three things that went well or brought you joy. They don’t have to be monumental — even a nice cup of coffee counts. 

The Radical Impact of Gratitude

Gratitude isn’t about ignoring life’s challenges. It’s about finding strength and joy despite them. Start small. Stay consistent. And remember, building this habit will not only improve your mental health but also model resilience and positivity for your kids.

For more insights on gratitude and mental health, check out Harvard Health’s Guide on Gratitude or Greater Good Magazine’s research.

Radical Fitness: 10 Alternative Ways to Stay Active

Fatherhood is a marathon, not a sprint, and your body needs to keep up. This section dives into how to stay strong, healthy, and energized—so you can chase both your goals and your kids with confidence.

We live in a world of competing priorities, and from personal experience, I know how easy it is for personal health to take a backseat. When work gets hectic and the demands of being a present husband and intentional dad pile up, fitness is often the first thing to go. I’ve been there. After gaining 20 pounds in a year, I had to face the hard truth: I didn’t enjoy traditional workouts, and it was affecting my health, my relationships, and my self-esteem.

Fitness should be something you enjoy — not another chore.

If you’re tired of the gym or find traditional workouts draining, here are 10 fun and effective ways to stay active!

• Rock Climbing: 774 calories/hour. Full-body strength and endurance.

• Jumping Rope: 704 calories/hour. A cardio and coordination boost.

• Beach Volleyball: 563 calories/hour. Fun in the sun with friends.

• Ultimate Frisbee: 493 calories/hour. High-energy and social.

• Rollerblading: 493 calories/hour. Balance and leg strength.

• Dancing (intense): 422 calories/hour. Turn up the music and move.

• Kayaking: 352 calories/hour. Upper-body workout on the water.

• Mowing the Lawn: 400 calories/hour. Functional and productive.

• Playing with Kids: 356 calories/hour. Bond while staying active.

• Washing the Car: 400 calories/hour. Combine chores with fitness.

These activities prove that fitness doesn’t have to mean lifting weights or running on a treadmill. Start with what excites you and see how movement transforms your day!

Radical Finances: Building Your Dad Emergency Fund

Money might not buy happiness, but managing it well can give your family peace and opportunity. Learn how to take control of your finances, plan for the future, and lead your family with financial wisdom.

Life throws curveballs and as a dad, it’s your job to catch them. (Sorry, the baseball metaphor was harder to use than we thought).  Whether it’s an unexpected medical bill, a car breakdown, or even something as big as a job loss, having a financial safety net is non-negotiable. That’s where an emergency fund comes in.

An emergency fund is your family’s financial shield, ensuring you can survive without racking up debt or dipping into long-term investments. Here’s what you need to know to build (or improve) your fund.

Keep in mind that we are not financial advisors, just dads trying to create stability for our families. I do have a guy I can send you too though.

How Much Should You Aim For?

The general rule of thumb is to save 3–6 months of essential living expenses. This includes:

• Mortgage or rent payments

• Utilities (electricity, water, internet, etc.)

• Groceries and essential household needs

• Insurance premiums

• Transportation costs (if you have them).

If you’re self-employed, have irregular income, or work in a volatile industry, or (like us) are risk-averse, aim closer to 6–12 months of expenses for added security and peace of mind.  If you have over 12 months of expenses saved and you’re not sure what to do with it, we recommend scheduling a time with a financial advisor. Too much idle money is wasted opportunity.

Where Should You Keep It?

Your emergency fund needs to be accessible, safe, and separate from your regular spending accounts. Here are a few options:

1. High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA):
   These accounts offer easy access to your money while earning a higher interest rate than traditional savings accounts. Some popular options include Marcus by Goldman Sachs, Ally Bank, and Discover Online Savings.

2. Money Market Accounts (MMAs):
   These accounts often have higher minimum balance requirements but combine the benefits of savings and checking accounts, offering liquidity and competitive interest rates.

3. Cash in a CD Ladder (for larger funds):
   If you’re saving more than 6 months of expenses, consider a certificate of deposit (CD) ladder for part of your emergency fund. It earns higher interest while staggering maturity dates for liquidity. (Source: NerdWallet)

 How to Start Building Your Fund

1. Start Small, Stay Consistent:
   If 3–6 months of expenses feels overwhelming, aim for a smaller goal first — like $1,000. Once you hit that, focus on building toward your target.

2. Automate Your Savings:
   Set up an automatic transfer to your emergency fund every payday. Even $50 a week adds up to $2,600 in a year.

3. Cut Non-Essentials Temporarily:
   Pause subscriptions, dining out, or other non-essential expenses until you’ve reached your goal. Tools like Trim or Rocket Money can help identify where to save.

4. Use “Lump Sums” Wisely:
   Got a tax refund, bonus, or birthday money? Funnel it straight into your emergency fund instead of spending it.

For more tools and resources to strengthen your financial foundation, check out NerdWallet’s Emergency Fund Guide for tips on saving effectively, or dive into Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps for a proven framework on financial security.

Have questions? We’re not financial advisors but we definitely recommend setting up time with one. Not sure who or where? Feel free to shoot us an email and we can chat! 

Radical Faith: Childlike Faith

Life is full of questions, and faith can be a powerful foundation. This section encourages exploration, growth, and grounding—no matter where you are on your spiritual journey.

How our children’s faith in us inspires our faith in Christ

I recently accomplished one of my dad goals. Ever since my wife and I found out she was pregnant, I dreamed of being that fun cool dad that tosses his kids high up into the air. My wife, being a pediatric PT and all, made me wait for this opportunity until she was confident in our daughter’s head control and core stability. Well, it finally happened! And not just one of those weak tosses where you keep your hands on them. I tossed my daughter high into the air catching her while she laughed and shrieked with joy. One, two, three, FOUR times! Each time she laughed harder and harder, not an ounce of fear in her eyes.

There are several places in the New Testament where Jesus encourages his disciples to be more like little children (see Matthew 18:3). He wanted them to have this childlike trust, faith, and dependence on Him. The same kind of trust my daughter has in me. She never even considered the possibility I would drop her. This is the kind of faith that God calls us to. When He calls us, when He asks us to step out, He will catch us. This is not a call to “ignorance is bliss” or to live naively, but rather to live with complete confidence in Him. This faith is the crux of the Gospel, we know we will not be dropped…not because of who we are, but because of Him.

DAD Review: Is the Catchy more than just a catchy name?

Not all gear is created equal, and dads need tools that work as hard as they do. In this section, we break down products, gadgets, and services to help you make smart, dad-approved choices for your family.

About the time your baby starts solid food, they also begin tryouts for the minors on the pitching mound. The end result - constantly cleaning food off the highchair, floors, and walls. The Catchy attaches to the highchair and (supposedly) prevents food and utensils from going splat.

What we love:

• Delivers as advertised, stops the majority of incidental drops and weak throws from reaching the floor

• Multiple options to fit all sorts of high chairs

• Won’t break the bank

• Easy install (Pro tip: install while assembling high chair…or you’ll have to disassemble and reassemble the whole chair…😬)

What we don’t love:

• The material makes it difficult to clean

• Very quickly becomes a feeding trough for the family doggo(s)

• If you’re raising the next Ohtani you’re SOL

Check them out here (Not a paid sponsorship….yet.)

Bonus dad tip: TBH we’re all balling on a budget, and if you aren’t…good for you. I’ll send you our kickstarter campaign. For the rest of us, if you’re in the CLT area check out this auction site. They auction off Amazon returns, most are brand new. Snagged a Catchy for 12 bucks. Most other major metros have something similar.