Can you trust Dad hacks from someone who isn’t actually a Dad?
Maybe.
But there’s nothing quite like the school of hard knocks.
I’ve experienced the Lows & Highs of Fatherhood
I’m a proud Dad of three, a husband to the love of my life, and a guy who’s always looking for the best ways to simplify, optimize, and truly enjoy Dad life. More about me here.
I’ve experienced the lows and highs of being a Dad. From navigating life as a single divorced Dad with two kids in a studio apartment, to now building an incredible life with my wife and three kids in our beautiful home.
Through it all, I’ve learned this critical concept.
Dads need smart solutions to stay physically strong, mentally sharp, and emotionally present for the long haul.
Raising small humans is one of the most rewarding things in life, but let’s be real — it’s also exhausting. That’s why whenever I find a tip, trick, tool, or tidbit to help grease the gears of Dadhood, I’m all in!
Intro to my Dad Hacks listing
Below is my ultimate list of Dad hacks, categorized to help you find what you need. Looking for ways to make car rides more enjoyable? I got you. Need to master kitchen and food prep? I can help. There’s much more.
- Mental Health
- In the Car
- Conversation Starters
- Food, Prep, Nutrition
- Household
- Fitness
- Fun & Entertainment
Note: I’ve listed a total of 18 Dad hacks across these categories, but I add to this list regularly! There’s always something new to learn as a Dad.
Dad Hacks for Mental Health
We all know we’re better Dads when our minds and spirits are in a good place. When I lack patience with my kids, I now realize it’s typically rooted in stress, distractions, or to-dos I haven’t addressed.
1. Get Your Head Clear of Ideas, To-Dos, Goals
Getting what’s in your head, out, is a great first step to being an engaged Dad.
That’s why an idea and thought organizer is a Dad must-have.
I avoid deep thinking about work, business ideas, or my to-do list while spending quality time with my kids. It robs them of my attention and disrupts my ability to be present. Things changed for the better when I started organizing my ideas in a digital app. Offloading my real brain into a “digital brain” (I love ClickUp and they have a FREE plan) helps me stay focused on my kids in the moment while knowing my ideas are safe and ready for me later.
2. Remove Seed Oils from your kids’ Diet (and your own!)
Why do I include it in mental health? Long story short, seed oils (e.g. vegetable oil, canola oil, etc.) negatively impact brain function. They contribute to brain fog, poor memory, and cognitive decline due to an unhealthy omega-6-to-omega-3 fatty acid ratio.
Being a Dad requires optimal energy and focus. Why make your brain work harder than it should? Though seed oils are in nearly everything, you can avoid seed oils them with these tips, here are a few:
- Cook at home, using butter, ghee, tallow, or olive oil.
- Avoid fried fast foods
- Read labels — anything with “vegetable oil” should be a no-go.
Dad Hacks for in the Car
All Dads need some peace and quiet on the road. Here are some top hacks to keep your car rides smooth.
3. Magna Doodle
This classic drawing board (invented in 1974) is a lifesaver for long car rides. My kids play Tic-Tac-Toe, draw silly pictures, and even practice things they’ve learned at school—bonus!
What I love MOST about the Magna Doodle:
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- No mess (no crayon shavings or marker caps everywhere)
- Easily slides into the backseat pocket
- Endless entertainment for kids = quiet time for Dad
4. Books (interchange them monthly)
Encouraging reading and curiosity is huge in our house. We visit the library (see this hack further below) every few months and check out 8-10 books, some of which stay in the car. This ensures there’s always something fresh to read.
Pro tip: Pick books that fit easily in your car’s storage compartments. My kids love An Anthology of Intriguing Animals — though a bigger hardcover book, it’s a captivating read for ages 5-10.
5. Wipes in the Glovebox
When your kids lick their dirty fingers after a day at the petting zoo, you’ll never be the same.
Having antibacterial wipes in the car is a must—not just for toddlers, but for all ages (including adults). Whether after a snack break or an impromptu outdoor adventure, having a pack of Wet Ones in the glovebox will save you from sticky, germy chaos.
6. Activity Books
Get an activity book with crossword puzzles, line mazes, and “find the differences” between two photos. It keeps kids entertained, improves problem-solving skills, and is a mess-free way to pass the time.
Dad Hacks for Starting Conversations
Looking for ways to engage your kids, spark creativity, and get some laughs? These conversation hacks are great for car rides, dinner time, or any downtime together.
7. Play Tongue Twisters
When boredom strikes, try classic tongue twisters like:
- “I saw Susie sitting in a shoeshine shop.”
- “She sees cheese.” (x3)
- “Black back bat.” (x3)
Lots of laughs are guaranteed!
8. Play ‘Would You Rather’ Game
A simple and fun way to spark conversation:
- “Would you rather be a lion for a day or a bald eagle? Why?”
Kids perk up when playing, and their creative answers are hilarious! Plus, you’ll learn something new about your kid along the way.
Dad Hacks for Food/Prep/Nutrition
Being a Dad means you’re also now a chef. Chef Daddy! Feeding your kids great nutrition is so fundamental for me. With that said, I also prefer to get in and out of the kitchen quickly.
9. Always add Protein to every meal
Kids can live on processed carbohydrates and protein can be easily forgotten. But, don’t let them. Here are some basic benchmarks for how much protein they need:
- Kids (4 to 8) years old = 20 grams of protein daily
- Pre-teen kids (9 to 13) years old = 34 grams of protein daily
- Teens (14 to 18) years old = ~50 grams of protein daily
Even on “Pizza and a movie night!” (see hack further below), I add Applegate’s 100% beef uncured organic hot dogs to their plate. Don’t lose sight of the importance of proper protein for kids!
10. Master Homemade (protein) Pancakes
Speaking of protein and pancakes.
Making protein pancakes from scratch is easy, healthier, and a fun tradition with the kids. Plus, you control the ingredients (e.g. no seed oils). I couldn’t do it without this awesome pancake skillet pan!
Dad Hacks for the Household
Household Dad hacks could easily become an unwieldy list. Below are the ones I’ve found to have the most impact!
11. Poster Board Under Drawing Paper
Save your tables, counters, and floors!
I love to encourage drawing, writing, and imagination. It’s not uncommon to see markers and drawings scattered throughout the house. But, without a system to protect your dining table and kitchen counters from markers, crayons, and Sharpies, this could get messy. Literally.
Here’s the solution: By a cheap poster board, and then place them under your kids’ artwork. Saves your furniture and your sanity.
12. Visual Timer for Staying on Schedule
If your kids struggle with transitions (like bedtime or getting out the door in the morning), a visual timer helps. Seeing the countdown makes it easier for them to grasp time limits and reduces meltdowns.
See my review of the visual TimeTimer and how I use it with the kiddos!
13. Automate your Toilet Paper, Kleenex
I still can’t believe how quickly my family uses toilet paper and Kleenex. Before I got a handle on my “inventory”, I had some pretty low days when we’d run out (aka using napkins to wipe my butt, not fun).
These types of household supplies need to be automated with a subscription. I personally love PlantPaper, an alternative to traditional toilet paper that’s 100% free of bleach and formaldehyde. It’s made from 100% FSC® Certified, unbleached bamboo and lab-tested PFAS-free.
Who knew toilet paper could be so cool?
Best Dad Hacks for Fitness
Staying fit, while being a Dad, is one of our biggest challenges. Why? Time. The balancing act is all about efficiency.
14. Walk with a Weighted Vest
Short on time? Add a 20-50 lb weight vest to your daily walks, mowing the lawn, or casual neighborhood stroll. It’s an easy way to turn a casual stroll into a workout without needing to hit the gym — and you’ll look like a bad a$$ Dad.
15. Wrestle with your kids
Science shows that rough-and-tumble play with your kids is beneficial. It’s fun, builds strength and endurance, and strengthens your bond. Wrestling is such a win-win.
Tip: Don’t use the family’s furniture! See my review of the CordaRoy’s Bean Bag, the bean bag converts into a bed which we use as a crash mat/pad to keep the wrestling safe(r). 🙂
Dad Hacks for Fun & Entertainment
These hacks are not “Take your kids to Disney!” That’s not a hack, that’s a very expensive vacation. These hacks below create low-cost or FREE fun/entertainment for your kids.
16. Visit the Pet Store
It’s basically a FREE zoo!
Tip: set expectations before you set foot in the pet store!
We’re just looking at the animals/reptiles/fish, we’re not buying one today.
17. Friday Night is “Pizza and Movie!”
This saves time, and money, and begins a great tradition your kids will love. I know mine do.
Not necessarily “free”, but it’s cheap! Grab a frozen pizza, pick a movie, and kick off the weekend together.
Tip: it’s REALLY hard to find a pizza without seed oils, but I discovered Snow Days Pizza Bites (link below). My daughter LOVES them, my son not so much. But I eat them and think they’re delicious!
18. Visit your Local Library
Your library is a goldmine of free entertainment and learning. Beyond books, many libraries offer events, STEM activities, computer games, board games, and much more. Make regular visits part of your routine.
Dad’s Final Thoughts
These are just some of my go-to Dad hacks that have made life easier, more fun, and more fulfilling.
I’ll keep adding to this list, so check back often!
