Gents Weekly: The Joy of Fatherhood
Issue #6: The manliest newsletter on the internet • February 16, 2026
Welcome to issue #6 of The Gents Weekly, a newsletter for the modern man.
Every Monday, you’ll receive a weekly roundup of inspiring ideas + products to help you become a better man.
Brought to you by the men of Gents Journey — Dean Bokhari, Stephen Seidel, and Matt McManus.
Let’s dig in…
📝 THE MESSAGE
A timely piece from the gents.
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I became a dad at the age of 28.
It changed my life in more ways than I could’ve ever imagined.
I remember being in the delivery room with my wife…
She’d been in labor for 31 hours, and our soon-to-be newborn daughter was being stubborn about entering the world.
Then, all of a sudden, I noticed the nurses giving each other worried glances and whispering things to each other.
I asked what was up - but I didn’t get a response.
I asked again, more forcefully, and they told me the baby’s heart rate was beginning to slow down and they didn’t know why.
They were concerned something was wrong…
That’s when I started freaking the f-ck out on the inside, while doing my absolute best to stay calm and confident on the outside.
As it turns out, something was wrong…
My child’s heart rate continued to get slower and slower by the second.
And no one — not me, not the nurses, not the doctor — knew why it was happening.
But we did know this:
If the baby didn’t come out soon, she wouldn’t make it.
That’s when I looked at my wife, Amna, dead in the eyes, and yelled, “YOU’RE NOT WORKING HARD ENOUGH. YOU HAVE TO GET OUR BABY OUT NOW!”
30 seconds later, our newborn daughter began making her way into this world.
But something was wrong.
Normally, the first thing you hear upon delivery is crying — but we couldn’t hear a single peep…
Why?
Because the umbilical cord had somehow wrapped itself around her neck…
It was wrapped so tightly that it was preventing her from breathing.
Her face was purple. Almost lifeless.
I grabbed the scissors and cut the cord.
And that’s when I heard the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard: My beautiful daughter, Nora, letting out her first-ever cry.
As I held her, tears began streaming down my face.
Tears of relief.
Tears of gratitude.
Tears of happiness.
Nora is ten years old now.
And getting to be her dad is the greatest joy of my life.
— Dean Bokhari
Co-founder, Gents Journey
📰 THE MOMENT
Sh*t that’s happening now, ICYMI
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This Week’s AI Prompt: The Joy of Fatherhood Edition
You’re not a perfect dad. You yell more than you’d like. You’re on your phone when you should be present. You forgot picture day. You worked late instead of playing catch.
But here’s what nobody talks about: you ARE perfect at some dad things. Maybe you make them laugh every day. Maybe you never miss a game. Maybe you’re the bedtime story champion. Maybe you show up when it counts.
This week, instead of fixating on what you’re doing wrong as a father, we’re celebrating what you’re crushing.
Most parenting advice is about fixing failures. This prompt is about amplifying what you’re already doing right. Because when you focus on your dad strengths and do MORE of those, you stress less about being the perfect Pinterest dad.
Your kids don’t need to beperfect. They need YOUR kind of dad.
THIS WEEK’S PROMPT:
How to use it:
Go to ChatGPT (chat.openai.com) or Claude (claude.ai)
Copy the prompt below and paste it in
Answer honestly—the AI will push you to own your strengths
Do the action it gives you at the end
THE PROMPT (copy everything below):
I want to stop focusing on everything I'm doing wrong as a dad and start celebrating what I'm actually great at.
Help me:
1. Identify 5 things I'm genuinely great at as a father (based on what I share about my relationship with my kids)
- These can be big (teaching life lessons, being emotionally available) or small (making them laugh, remembering their favorite snacks, giving great hugs)
- Don't let me be humble—make me own what I'm good at as a dad
2. Ask me: Why do these things matter? How will my kids remember these strengths when they're adults?
3. Help me see the pattern: What do these strengths say about the kind of father I am?
4. Create a "permission slip" for the dad things I'm NOT great at
- What can I stop beating myself up about?
- What's okay to be mediocre at or delegate to my co-parent/partner?
- What unrealistic "perfect dad" expectations can I let go of?
5. Give me ONE action this week to double down on something I'm already great at as a dad
Here's what I know I'm good at as a father: [list a few things—be honest and specific]
Here's what I beat myself up about as a dad: [list a few things you feel guilty about]
Be encouraging but honest. Help me see my value as a father.
Your move: Run this prompt. Own what you’re great at. Do more of it. Give yourself permission to suck at the rest.
Drop one thing you’re great at as a dad in the comments. Let’s celebrate the strengths of fatherhood this week.
— Matt McManus
Co-founder, Gents Journey
👊 THE MOVES
Media for men.
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Watch | 10 Rules Every Father Should Teach His Kids
Watch the video on the new Gents Journey YouTube channel (and remember to subscribe!)
Lead by Example
When I was young, I watched my father wake up every single day at 5:00 a.m.
One morning, I asked him, “Why do you get up so early?”
He calmly replied, “Because I need to.”
What I didn’t realize then was that he was staying up late each night journaling about his day and preparing for tomorrow. When he woke up, he made his coffee, gathered his thoughts, and set himself up to win the day before anyone else was awake.
Now, 35 years later, I find myself doing the same. I journal at night. I prepare for the next day in advance. I try — not perfectly, but intentionally — to wake before my kids so I can be proactive instead of reactive. To begin the day with purpose instead of pressure.
They say more is caught than taught.
Fatherhood isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence. It’s about showing up, doing your best, and letting your children see that you’re human… but committed.
10 Rules Every Father Should Share
Tell the truth — especially when it’s hard.
Take responsibility for your actions. No excuses. Own it.
Treat people with respect — starting with yourself.
Work hard when no one is watching. That’s where confidence is built.
Keep your word. Integrity is a superpower.
Choose your friends wisely. You become the company you keep.
Protect your mind and body. Eat well. Move daily. Sweat often.
Learn to handle discomfort. Growth lives outside comfort.
Be kind, but never weak. Kindness is strength. Weakness is avoidance.
Do the right thing — even when it costs you. Character is forged in tough moments.
Father Time
Time is our most valuable commodity — and being present is how we honor it.
Look them in the eyes.
Get down on their level.
Listen.
One day will be the last time you pick them up.
The last time they reached for your hand.
The last bedtime story.
Put down the phone.
Close the laptop.
Be fully there.
They don’t need a perfect father.
They need a present one.
Here’s a simple question to ask yourself from our Journey Deck:
A Proud Son. A Proud Father.
When I think of my dad, it’s bittersweet.
I was the last one with him before he passed. I flew across the country when his health declined. I told him I would take care of my two brothers. I told him he was going to be a grandfather again.
He lifted his head, smiled, and nodded proudly.
A friend once told me, “You’re never really a man until you lose your father.”
There’s truth in that. When he’s gone, you realize you’re next.
Next in line for leadership.
For guidance.
For protection.
For legacy.
Fatherhood isn’t just about raising children.
It’s about honoring the men who raised us — and becoming the example for those who follow.
Value the time you have.
Lead with your whole heart.
You are part of a long line of legacy — and you’re doing better than you think.
Rest in peace, Stephen Vaeth Seidel.
I love you.
Your son,
— Stephen Seidel
Co-founder, Gents Journey
🔗 MEANINGFUL MENTIONS + MAGIC LINKS
Fun stuff you’ll dig.
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Cool stuff for men:
Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know by Meg Meeker
Get quick shots of inspiration for men - subscribe to the Gents Journey YouTube channel
💻 REAL MEN HAVE A COACH IN THEIR CORNER
Stop playing small, step into the man you know you are.
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We’re looking for ten men who want coaching and guidance to level up in life + work. If that’s you, fill out this form, and we’ll be in touch.
Until next week,
—The Gents
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