🧔🏻‍♂️ Dad’s Home Alone

Nothing like a dad flying solo for the weekend with all the kids.
Let’s be honest: moms are built different.
If parenting were March Madness, dads are the scrappy 16-seed IUPUI trying to hang with #1-seed Duke. (Any dad out there proving this wrong? We want to hear from you.)

And to all the single parents holding it down full-time, you’ve got the strength of an ox. 💪🏻

🤹‍♂️ Dad Mode Enabled: Survive First, Then Maybe Thrive

Don’t get us wrong… dads are amazing!

They can try their darndest to keep up with schedules, maintaining a clean house, meal planning and attempt any tasks on the honey-do list

But when left to manage the house solo, we’re usually just trying to survive.
The mission? Keep the kids alive and semi-fed.
The vibe? Non-sustainable college frat house:

• Pizza deliveries

• Questionable hygiene

• Mysterious odors

• Video games

• “Slop-eration” if you will

It’s not exactly health code compliant, but hey, it’s honest work.

At least we can’t be any worse than these fathers out in the wild.

Also, let’s retire the idea that a dad watching his own kids qualifies as “babysitting.” 😂

💣Landmines and Breakfast

In this Dad’s most recent solo quest, the floors became a war zone of Play-Doh, action figures, and shoes, arranged like strategic landmines.

The toddler decided to destroy his room while I made French toast and bacon (a household staple) only to take one microscopic bite before declaring, “I’m full.” 🤦🏻

How these tiny humans survive on zero calories while sprinting around the house like they’re in the Boston Marathon is beyond comprehension.

These are the moments that define us as adults and mold our kids into resilient monsters.

🙌 Moms Deserve Trophies (and Maybe a Nap)

To all the amazing moms: We see you. We love you.

We do not know how you do it so well, every day.
That said, dads can and should step up.

Tackle some toils outside your comfort zone.
You might not have Mom’s superpowers, but you can still:

• Attack the honey-do list

• Cook something new

• Wash the dishes

• Put on the apron if you’re feeling spicy

Spoiler alert: She will notice. 😉

😇 Be Kind. Do Better.

In our house, we strive to be the best version of ourselves. 

After four days alone, I was completely overwhelmed. I didn’t get to my to-do list.
I barely kept up with demands, playdates and snow removal (surprise storm dropped 5 inches out of nowhere when it was 70° two days prior… thanks, Wisconsin).
I was exhausted and running on fumes.

And that’s OKAY!

Some days, parenting feels like stepping into a superhero costume that doesn’t quite fit.

The cape is dragging. The mask is crooked.  We’re a couple sizes larger than our 20’s 😩

And deep down, you're wondering if everyone else got a manual you somehow missed.

You feel like a failure but still enrolled in the class. 

Not every day will be perfect. You’ll fall short of your goals sometimes.
But you should never sacrifice your effort.

Parenting is a team sport, and if both partners are in the game?
Unstoppable.

🫣 Worst Case Scenario?

Preparing Pizza, chicken nuggies, corn dogs or Mac n cheese every night? 🍕

Delaying laundry for a couple days, only to remember you left a load in the washer? 🫧

Taking the kids for an unsupervised trip to target for hot wheels and pokemon cards? 🎯

Couch fort turns into home model renovation obstacle course tripping hazard? 🚧

Somehow we all pushed through and survived, but not before core memories were created 🧠

💔 Time to Get Personal

My biological father was never involved in my life.
No calls. No visits. No real presence.

Growing up, I was the only kid at Father-Son sports events without a dad on the field.
I used to wonder: “Why doesn’t he want to see me?”
I had to figure out “guy stuff” on my own—with help from my mom and my friends

So when we found out our first child was a boy, I made one vow:

“He will never wonder where his dad is.”

I didn’t know how to be a dad, but I knew I’d show up.
And I’ve learned that’s what fatherhood is really about.

Now I’m trying every day to be the dad I never had.

Be present, and you’ll never regret it.
That’s the win. That’s the reward.

🙋🏻 Someone That’s B.A.

Scott Galloway │NYU Professor │NYT Best Seller │ Prof G Media 

His Three pillars of masculinity: 

1. Protector - not just physically but also standing up for marginalized communities and individuals facing persecution or discrimination.  Let’s improve our society.

2. Provider - work hard, save and invest wisely to manifest financial stability long term.  Not the breadwinner in the relationship? NBD. Use time to care for the household and kids.  

3. Presence - engage in and enhance your relationships towards not only family and friends, but in your own life; to stay physically, mentally and emotionally healthy. 

By restoring aspirations for what it “takes to be a man”, we can avoid toxic masculinity and deploy better tactics to shape a positive evolution of men, without the detriment to women. 

🔩 Something That’s B.A.

Ryobi 40 Volt Tools (exert Tim “The Toolman” Taylor grunt)  RYOBI 40V - Home Depot

We own the Mower, trimmer, blower and chainsaw… so far

Our oldest son mows the lawn, along with other close friends/family members as a side hustle (possible future company sponsor 👀).

He had trouble getting the old pull cord engines to start, but this baby is a simple push button.

With 90+ minutes runtime and extra battery pack & charger kits to boot.  This was a no brainer.

All for the low, low price of under $800 for this package, including 3 batteries/chargers 😱

There will definitely be more of these tools added to our inventory by summer’s end. 📈

🥑 This weeks Sponsor: Vocado MKE https://www.vocadomke.com

A delicious snack for the morning, afternoon or night time at your favorite local festival.   

As Wisconsin’s very 1st avocado toast food truck, they specialize in bold flavors and unique combinations you won’t find anywhere else.  These are a must try!

💡 Inspirational Quote:

"Failure will never stand in the way of success if you learn from it." - Hank Aaron

💬 Final Word

We hope you had a beautiful Father’s Day weekend. Whether you’re single-parenting, co-parenting, step-parenting, or full-team parenting: keep showing up.
Your family needs you. They see you.  And they’ll remember.

I guarantee you will be happy with the results.

🥣 Shoutout!

Big love to my father-in-law for showing me what it looks like to manage life with 3 wild kids. Sometimes, it’s cereal for dinner, silly games, and a cold beer on the deck. 🍻
And someday soon?
You’ll share that beer with your grown-up kid and say, “We made it.”

✨ If this one hit home, share it with a dad who’s doing his best.
Better yet, subscribe so you don’t miss the laughs, the mess, or the moments that matter.

Showing up strong to support your family?
now That’s B.A.