Episode 179 - From Dad Space, With Love - Honoring the Moms in Our Lives

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity for dads to step up, celebrate the incredible women in our lives, and set the tone for how our kids honor their mom. This year, let’s make it extra special-not with expensive gifts, but with meaningful gestures and family fun.

How Dads Can Celebrate Their Partner and Moms in the Family

• Lead by Example: As dads, we set the standard for appreciation. Show your kids how to honor their mom by being the first to say “thank you,” plan a surprise, or simply make her feel seen and valued. Even small gestures-like her favorite coffee in bed or a heartfelt note-go a long way
• Model Appreciation: Teach your children to express gratitude. Encourage them to brainstorm what makes mom special and help them put it into words, crafts, or actions
• Celebrate All Moms: Don’t forget grandmothers, aunts, and other mother figures. A quick call, a homemade card, or a small bouquet can make their day too

Special Ways to Celebrate This Year

• Family Spa Day at Home: Draw mom a luxurious bubble bath, set up candles, and let her enjoy some quiet time while you and the kids handle chores or prepare a meal5.
• Mother’s Day Adventure: Take a family walk, hike, or even plan a backyard picnic or BBQ. Let mom pick the activity-her day, her way
• Memory Book or Playlist: Gather favorite photos from the past year and create a simple memory book, or curate a playlist of songs that remind you of her. Present it during a special family meal
• Handmade Gifts: Help the kids craft something unique, like a painted terra-cotta pot, a paper bouquet, or a handprint dish towel. These keepsakes are heartfelt and cherished for years

Bonus Idea: How Kids Can Spoil Mom

• Surprise Morning Flower Jar: Have the kids prepare a hanging mason jar bouquet the night before and hang it on mom’s bedroom door. When she wakes up, she’s greeted with fresh flowers and a sweet note from her kids-a simple, beautiful start to her special day
• DIY Craft Session: Organize a craft time where kids make bead bracelets, painted wooden bracelets, or a cupcake liner flower card. Present these gifts with a homemade breakfast or brunch

Mother’s Day isn’t about big spending-it’s about big feelings. Dads, your role is to lead the celebration, teach gratitude, and help your kids create memories that mom will treasure. Remember, a little planning and a lot of heart go a long way.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms from Dad Space!

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 177 - Overview of Daily Dad - A Powerful Resource for Modern Fathers

Overview of Daily Dad: A Powerful Resource for Modern Fathers

Daily Dad a thoughtfully curated platform designed to inspire, encourage, and equip fathers on their parenting journey. Founded by bestselling author and modern philosopher Ryan Holiday, Daily Dad brings together wisdom from a diverse group of contributors-including Brett McKay (Art of Manliness), Charlamagne Tha God, Casey Neistat, and Dr. Drew Pinsky-to address the realities, challenges, and joys of fatherhood.

• Short, actionable emails delivered every morning, each focusing on a key theme relevant to dads: grit, resilience, curiosity, compassion, character, unconditional love, purpose, stress management, masculinity, creativity, and more.
• These reflections are designed to be quick reads that pack a punch-offering practical advice, perspective, and encouragement to help you show up as your best self for your family.

• Global community: By subscribing, you join a worldwide network of dads who are committed to growth, learning, and supporting one another.
• Shared wisdom: The site features insights and stories from well-known fathers and thought leaders, providing a wide range of perspectives and experiences.

• Articles and interviews: In-depth pieces on parenting challenges, relationships, personal development, and navigating the complexities of modern fatherhood.
• Book recommendations: Curated lists of books that help dads grow in wisdom, patience, and understanding.
• Themed content: Regular focus on important topics like family fun, loss, stillness, truthfulness, initiative, and passion.

• Actionable advice: Each meditation or article includes real-life takeaways you can apply immediately-whether it’s a new approach to discipline, a way to foster curiosity in your kids, or strategies for managing stress.
• Encouragement for all dads: Whether you’re a new dad, a stepdad, or a seasoned parent, there’s something for everyone.

Why Daily Dad Is a Great Resource for Dad Space Podcast Listeners

Shared Mission:

Like Dad Space, Daily Dad believes that every father has value and that intentional, reflective parenting can change lives. Both platforms encourage dads to build confidence, grow in knowledge, and foster positive mindsets.

Bite-Sized Wisdom for Busy Dads:

Daily Dad’s meditations are perfect for dads on the go-short enough to read with your morning coffee, but deep enough to spark real change.

Diverse Voices, Universal Themes:

With contributors from different backgrounds and professions, Daily Dad offers a rich tapestry of perspectives-mirroring Dad Space’s commitment to community and connection.

Practical, Actionable Advice:

Each meditation or article is designed to help you take immediate steps toward becoming the dad you want to be-aligning perfectly with the practical, encouraging approach of Dad Space.

Ongoing Inspiration:

Subscribing to Daily Dad means you’ll never run out of ideas, encouragement, or motivation to keep growing as a father.

If you’re a Dad Space listener looking to deepen your growth, find daily encouragement, and connect with a global brotherhood of fathers, Daily Dad is a resource you don’t want to miss. It’s a simple, powerful way to bring a little more wisdom, perspective, and joy into your life-and into the lives of the people who matter most.

Check it out, and let’s keep building a supportive, inspired community of dads-one day at a time!

Episode 176 - More Than Time - The Watch That Reminds You You’re Enough - John Cena

Today on Dad Space we unpack the story behind John Cena’s habit of carrying two watches-one for time, one for perspective-and how dads can use these lessons to find balance, self-worth, and humility in everyday life.

The Two Watches: What They Represent

The Functional Watch:

• Represents the practical side of life: schedules, commitments, the daily grind.
• For dads, it’s the reminder of responsibilities-work, family, and the ticking clock of fatherhood.

The Pocket Watch of Perspective:

• This broken watch doesn’t tell time; it holds two powerful engravings:
• “Comparison is the thief of joy”: A reminder to avoid comparing yourself to others or other dads, and to recognize that you are enough and worthy of love
• “Memento mori”: Latin for “remember you will die,” it’s a call to humility, reminding us that we’re all human, no better than anyone else, and to stay grounded even when we feel successful or important

Cena uses the watch as a “keeper of perspective, not time”-balancing moments of low self-worth with reminders of his value, and moments of ego with reminders of his humanity

Lessons for Dads

• Self-Worth:
• Like Cena, many dads struggle with feeling “not enough.” Use daily reminders-whether it’s a watch, a note, or a mantra-to affirm your worth and importance to your family.
• Humility:
• Success as a dad isn’t about being better than others, but about being present and grateful. “Memento mori” grounds us in reality and gratitude.
• Avoiding Comparison:
• Social media and societal expectations can lead dads to compare themselves to others. Remember: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Focus on your unique journey and the love you bring to your family.
• Perspective Over Perfection:
• The broken watch symbolizes that life isn’t about perfect timing, but about seeing things clearly and appreciating what matters most.

Practical Takeaways

• Create your own “perspective anchor”-an object, phrase, or ritual that reminds you of your worth and keeps your ego in check.
• Share these lessons with your kids: model self-acceptance and humility, and talk openly about the dangers of comparison.
• When feeling overwhelmed or inadequate, pause and reflect: What would your “pocket watch” say to you right now?

What’s your keeper of perspective? Share your story with the Dad Space community.

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270