Hi, I’m Scott.
A while back, I had this picture in my head of the kind of dad I wanted to be. The kind who builds epic blanket forts, makes the best Saturday morning pancakes, and actually plays with his kids instead of just watching from the sidelines.
Then life happened.
Deadlines, meetings, emails, and never-ending notifications kept pulling me in. Working remotely, I was home with my kids, but I wasn’t with them. And when I needed a quick fix to keep them occupied? Screens were always the easiest option.
At first, I told myself it wasn’t a big deal. But one day, I looked up from my computer and realized my kids had spent more time with Bluey than with me.
That’s when I knew something had to change.
So, I did something drastic.
I quit my job.
I had no backup plan or perfectly laid-out strategy; I just had a gut feeling that I couldn’t keep living on autopilot while my kids’ childhoods slipped by.
That decision might sound reckless—and maybe it was—but I knew I had to figure out a new way forward. It wasn’t just about quitting my job; it was about changing how I showed up as a dad. I wanted to stop relying on screens, start making the most of everyday moments, and actually be the father I had always imagined.
That’s what led me to The Screen-Free Dad.
I started this newsletter to hold myself accountable, to experiment with what works (and what doesn’t), and to build a space where dads like me can figure this out together.
So if that sounds like something you’ve been looking for, then welcome. I’m glad you’re here!
What This Newsletter is About
The Screen-Free Dad is a community for dads who want to be more present, more engaged, and more intentional with their kids—without screens taking over.
This isn’t about banning screens forever or pretending I have all the answers.
I don’t.
In fact, this newsletter is just as much about me figuring things out as it is about helping you do the same.
Every week, I’ll share:
Honest, unfiltered stories about my own wins, losses, and lessons in screen-free parenting.
Practical, real-world strategies to help you unplug and make the most of your time as a dad.
Fun, low-effort activities to connect with your kids in meaningful ways.
Other dads’ experiences—because this is a community, not just a one-man show.
Who’s This is For
If you want to be more present but struggle to find the time, if you know screens are useful but don’t want them running the show, if you realize childhood moves fast and don’t want to miss it.
This is for you.
But if you’re just looking for quick ways to keep your kids busy so you can scroll your phone, this probably isn’t your kind of thing.
Join the Community
The best part?
The Screen-Free Dad isn’t just a newsletter. It’s a place for real conversations about fatherhood.
Every week, I share stories, screen-free strategies, and lessons from my successes and failures, with the goal of helping dads be more present, engaged, and intentional with their kids.
But this isn’t just about my journey. It’s about all of us learning, growing, and making fatherhood something we truly enjoy.
Here’s how you can be part of it:
Screen-Free Dad Challenges – Monthly challenges like “No TV Tuesdays” and “Phone-Free Mornings” to build better habits.
Dad Stories – Share your experiences, struggles, and wins. Your story might inspire another dad to make a change.
Screen-Free Tips – Simple parenting ideas to make unplugged time easier and more fun.
Rediscover the Joys of Fatherhood: Shift your focus from getting through the day to truly enjoying time with your kids.
Because fatherhood isn’t just about getting through the day, it’s about making the days count.
So, let’s make it an adventure worth remembering!
Go ahead and take a look around—I hope you find something that inspires you.
And if you like what you see, I’d love to have you as a subscriber.
