Hey, Ready To Dad Crew!

Thanks for joining us. You could be reading any newsletter in the world, but you are on this journey with Ready To Dad, and your support is greatly appreciated!

We’ve been reaching more people because you shared Ready to Dad with your friends and family!

By mid-February, our home often feels different. We spend more time inside, outdoor plans are shorter, and bad weather can cancel school or activities. These changes in our routine can make things feel unpredictable, and sometimes tears appear out of nowhere.

Sometimes I find myself wondering, "Why are they crying right now?"

Most of the time, it isn’t really about what’s happening in that moment. Kids often show us how they feel through their behavior. They might not have the words to explain what’s going on inside. Maybe they’re missing something they were excited about, or they feel bored, restless, or disconnected. These feelings can manifest as frustration, resistance, or tears that seem disproportionate to the situation.

When I pause and try to understand instead of correcting right away, I notice things often shift. The feelings don’t just go away, but my child feels truly seen.

Listening closely doesn’t mean abandoning boundaries. It means beginning with understanding. When children feel heard, they relax, and it becomes easier for them to manage their emotions. That connection stays strong, even on tough days.

Behavior is information, not defiance.

By mid-February, our home often feels different. We spend more time inside, outdoor plans are shorter, and bad weather can cancel school or activities. These changes in our routine can make things feel unpredictable, and sometimes tears appear out of nowhere.

Sometimes I find myself wondering, "Why are they crying right now?"

Most of the time, it isn’t really about what’s happening in that moment. Kids often show us how they feel through their behavior. They might not have the words to explain what’s going on inside. Maybe they’re missing something they were excited about, or they feel bored, restless, or disconnected. These feelings can come out as frustration, resistance, or tears that seem bigger than the situation.

When I pause and try to understand instead of correcting right away, I notice things often shift. The feelings don’t just go away, but my child feels truly seen.

Listening closely doesn’t mean giving up on boundaries. It means beginning with understanding. When kids feel heard, they relax, and it gets easier for them to handle their emotions. That connection stays strong, even on tough days.

Next time a behavior surprises you, pause before you respond.

Ask yourself one of these questions:

Then respond with a simple sentence that shows you’re listening:

You don’t have to get it perfect. Just stay curious long enough to let connection lead the way.

Reply directly to this email with your question, or use this quick form to submit anonymously. Whether it’s about family routines, connecting with your kids, or managing stress, I’m here to help!

Let’s tackle parenting together, one question at a time!

Ready To Dad offers coaching services explicitly tailored for dads with young children.

We help you:

We aim to help you feel more fulfilled and confident in your parenting journey.

Please reply to this email to book a free consultation when you're ready to work with me!

If there are specific topics you’d like to see in an upcoming RTD newsletter, reply to this email with your suggestions, and we’ll do our best to include them in future editions.

Did a friend forward this email to you? Subscribe here to ensure you don’t miss future insights and updates.