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!

This month, we’re unpacking the mental load, the invisible weight of remembering, planning, and managing everything that keeps a family running.

It’s not about guilt; it’s about awareness and partnership. When we shift from “helping out” to co-leading, we lighten the load, strengthen trust, and model real teamwork for our kids.

This month is about showing up differently, together.

Here’s the truth. The mental load in a family often goes unseen. While we may be working hard and showing up physically, our partners might still be carrying the invisible weight of keeping the household running, scheduling doctors’ appointments, tracking school events, remembering birthdays, and making sure that snacks are packed for the event we’re taking the kids to. It’s not easy, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed by it.

When we step in to take something off her plate, it’s not about “helping.” It’s about co-leading. That means taking ownership of tasks around the house without waiting to be asked. If laundry is piling up, start a load. If the fridge is running low, plan a trip to the grocery store. These seemingly small actions are actually significant and greatly appreciated, and their impact on the family is massive.

There’s a Bluey episode my wife loves called “The Pool.” Bandit takes the kids to the pool, but he forgets everything: towels, floaties, sunscreen, and even snacks. The fun turns to frustration until Chilli shows up with the bag packed, everything ready. It’s funny because it’s true. We’ve all had a “Bandit at the pool” moment.

But here’s the jewel: when we don’t anticipate the mental load, it falls right back on mom. By sharing the cognitive load, we, as dads, play a crucial role in modeling teamwork for our kids. They grow up seeing that responsibilities at home aren’t tied to gender, but to cooperation and partnership. This is a powerful inspiration for them and a significant contribution to their values.

When we lean in, our families thrive. We’re not just easing our partner’s stress; we’re modeling balance, presence, and respect for our kids, and that’s legacy work. Shared responsibility also leads to a more harmonious family life, where everyone feels valued and contributes to the household’s well-being.

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!

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