Presence. Character. Real Connection.
The First DAD.
Hello. I’m Matthew, and I’m grateful you’re here because I believe that together we can help each other as men, husbands, and fathers.
I started DADS™ because I’m a husband and father of five young children who is concerned about the outcomes I see in today’s families and children — anxiety, digital dependence and dysfunction to name just three — and I want something better for mine.
I am far from perfect — and I am certainly not claiming to have all the answers — But I’m determined to be the best man, husband and father I can be, and to help others where I can.
At an event on June 21, 2025, I turned to a friend and asked, half-jokingly, if he would join me in not giving our kids smartphones until they turn 18. I said, “We’ll be Dads Against Devices.” It was my wife who noticed the acronym: DAD. And that’s how DADS™ got started.
Whilst I am concerned about technology and its impact, DADS™ is about more than just devices. My hope is to inspire men, husbands, and fathers to lead by example and instruction in their own homes.
What I Believe.
I love my family and believe that presence, character, and real connection are at the heart of the human experience and central to living a life of meaning, purpose, and joy.
I believe that everyone should strengthen their bodies and nurture the deeply human attributes of love, communication, empathy, kindness, gratitude, humility, forgiveness, critical thinking, imagination, discipline, patience, integrity, resilience, courage, wisdom, and faith.
I believe that being a husband and father is among the most noble pursuits.
I believe fatherhood is absolutely essential to the wellbeing of children.
I believe that fathers should lead their families by example and instruction in unity with mothers — supported by mentors and caregivers.
I believe that family life and childhood should be protected from social media and unlimited, unmonitored, and unrestricted screen time, gaming, and the internet.
I also believe that the family is the fundamental building block of a healthy and functioning society.
This is why I strive to live my DADS™ pledge.
My DADS™ Pledge.
I will lead my family by example and instruction to be present, build relationships, strengthen the body, build character, and nurture love, gratitude, faith, and other deeply human virtues.
What I do
I live the pledge in my own home — then I invite others to join me without judgement.
I have honest conversations around manhood, marriage, and parenting… even when they’re difficult.
I share practical tips, inspiring stories, encouragement and resources to help DADS™ and others.
Join me on this journey. Get my DADS™ Newsletter.
You won’t find me on social media — and that’s the point. In line with what I believe, my DADS™ Newsletter is primarily analog. Each month I mail a physical copy of the newsletter to everyone on my mailing list.
Joining my mailing list is easy. All you have to do is provide your mailing address by clicking ‘Receive Newsletter’ below.
Digital copies and bonus content are available online via substack for sustainers.
Sustaining DADS™
My DADS™ physical newsletter is a labor of love that’s a free gift from my home to yours.
That said, I always appreciate those who believe in me or the DADS™ idea and want to help me sustain it and make it reach more people. Each newsletter costs me around $1.50 in material costs and postage.
If you would like to support me, here are three optional ways you can help sustain DADS™. Thank you!
Become a monthly sustainer. Monthly sustainers receive access to the digital archive on Substack so they can view all past editions. Choose to sustain for $10/mo
One off sustainers. You can Venmo one off amounts — anything, and everything helps.
Purchase Merchandise. I’ve created some DADS™ branded apparel that helps sustain the mission, and spread the message.
How I Use AI
I value the writing process and desire all my content to be original and authentic.
I am not opposed to using the remarkable tools available to us. Before printing my newsletter I typically use the following prompt in chat GPT:
What is the tone and message of this? Are there any serious grammar errors that need fixing?
Based on the feedback I make edits if necessary — but the voice remains authentic and human.
Occasionally I use AI tools to help with research and brainstorming ideas but never to draft full articles. DADS™ need other humans to share, support and encourage; not an algorithm.
