The 10-Minute Reset Every Dad Needs This Spring

Spring has sprung, and the kids are loving it. I’ll admit—I am too.

It’s so much easier to get outside without digging around for coats, gloves, and hats.

The other day, I was sitting on the front lawn with my 9-month-old daughter. It was probably her third or fourth time sitting on grass, and she was completely fascinated. I just watched as she grabbed handfuls, pulled them out, and dropped them again. Over and over.

Of course, the moment I looked away, she shoved a fistful into her mouth. Gotta keep things interesting, right?

Still, it was a quiet, simple moment—the two of us just sitting in the grass, feeling the breeze, and being together.

That moment reminded me how much spring gives us, without asking for anything in return. We don’t need a big plan or an exciting outing. Just stepping outside is often enough. The world is waking up again—flowers pushing through the soil, birds back in the trees, daylight stretching a little longer—and it naturally invites us to slow down and notice.

As dads, it’s easy to get caught up in doing and planning, but spring is a gentle reminder: sometimes the best way to reconnect with our kids is to simply share the season with them.

You don’t have to make spring magical—it already is. All you have to do is bring your kids into it. Go outside and sit for a few minutes. Let them wander. Smell the air. Notice the little things: bugs, buds, birdsong. You don’t need to direct the moment—just be in it with them. These quiet outdoor pauses have a way of softening the edges of a long day and creating space for connection without forcing it.

Mini-Adventure of the Week: The "Lead the Way" Walk

On your next walk, let your kid set the pace and choose the path. No agenda. No hurry. Just follow their lead—literally. If they want to stop and look at a puddle for five minutes, great. If they want to run ahead and then double back, that's fine too. You'll see the world the way they do: full of curiosity, wonder, and detours that don't need to go anywhere.

Why This Matters:

• Gives children rare moments of genuine leadership

• Demonstrates that their curiosity matters deeply

• Helps you see the world through unrushed, wonder-filled eyes

Pro Tips:

• Choose a safe, contained area like a neighborhood park

• Silence your inner urge to hurry or correct their path

• Bring a spirit of genuine curiosity about where they'll take you

Try asking this:
At the walk's end, ask: "What made you choose this path today?" Listen—just listen.
The magic isn't in the destination, but in the shared journey.

Dad-to-Dad Tip

You don’t need to have a plan to have a great time outside with your kids. Just showing up—and letting them lead—is often enough.

Until next week...

Spring doesn’t just wake up the world—it’s a chance for us to wake up a little too. If things have felt rushed or distracted lately, step outside this week with your kid, even just for ten minutes. Let the season do the heavy lifting.

If this week’s adventure helps you reconnect, hit reply—I’d love to hear about it. And if you know another dad who’d enjoy this newsletter, forward it along. Let’s grow this unplugged community one dad at a time.

— Ted