Nick Holmquist
@nickholmquest.bsky.social
Helping Dads level up parenting through gamification 👾
2 decades of gaming • 2 kids to raise
Turn challenges into connection
🛡️ Accept the Dad Quest
2 decades of gaming • 2 kids to raise
Turn challenges into connection
🛡️ Accept the Dad Quest
In "Sleepytime", Chilli validates Bingo's growing-up fears.
Using Emotional Validation (Healers Guild skill):
✅ Offers unconditional reassurance
✅ Acknowledges separation is hard
✅ Doesn't minimize her anxiety
✅ Makes feelings feel normal
Emotions are always valid.
Using Emotional Validation (Healers Guild skill):
✅ Offers unconditional reassurance
✅ Acknowledges separation is hard
✅ Doesn't minimize her anxiety
✅ Makes feelings feel normal
Emotions are always valid.
July 30, 2025 at 5:15 PM
In "Sleepytime", Chilli validates Bingo's growing-up fears.
Using Emotional Validation (Healers Guild skill):
✅ Offers unconditional reassurance
✅ Acknowledges separation is hard
✅ Doesn't minimize her anxiety
✅ Makes feelings feel normal
Emotions are always valid.
Using Emotional Validation (Healers Guild skill):
✅ Offers unconditional reassurance
✅ Acknowledges separation is hard
✅ Doesn't minimize her anxiety
✅ Makes feelings feel normal
Emotions are always valid.
In "Sleepytime", Bandit stays present through Bluey's restlessness.
Using Sacred Presence (Healers Guild skill):
✅ Stays calm despite exhaustion
✅ Doesn't rush to "fix" anything
✅ Offers soothing presence
✅ Provides quiet comfort
Presence is a healing force.
Using Sacred Presence (Healers Guild skill):
✅ Stays calm despite exhaustion
✅ Doesn't rush to "fix" anything
✅ Offers soothing presence
✅ Provides quiet comfort
Presence is a healing force.
July 30, 2025 at 5:15 PM
In "Sleepytime", Bandit stays present through Bluey's restlessness.
Using Sacred Presence (Healers Guild skill):
✅ Stays calm despite exhaustion
✅ Doesn't rush to "fix" anything
✅ Offers soothing presence
✅ Provides quiet comfort
Presence is a healing force.
Using Sacred Presence (Healers Guild skill):
✅ Stays calm despite exhaustion
✅ Doesn't rush to "fix" anything
✅ Offers soothing presence
✅ Provides quiet comfort
Presence is a healing force.
In "Yoga Ball", Bandit unwittingly plays too rough with Bingo.
Then uses Connection Repair (Healers Guild skill):
✅ Takes responsibility
✅ Immediate validation
✅ Practices new boundaries
✅ Collaborative problem-solving
Transforming mistakes into stronger connections.
Then uses Connection Repair (Healers Guild skill):
✅ Takes responsibility
✅ Immediate validation
✅ Practices new boundaries
✅ Collaborative problem-solving
Transforming mistakes into stronger connections.
July 30, 2025 at 5:15 PM
In "Yoga Ball", Bandit unwittingly plays too rough with Bingo.
Then uses Connection Repair (Healers Guild skill):
✅ Takes responsibility
✅ Immediate validation
✅ Practices new boundaries
✅ Collaborative problem-solving
Transforming mistakes into stronger connections.
Then uses Connection Repair (Healers Guild skill):
✅ Takes responsibility
✅ Immediate validation
✅ Practices new boundaries
✅ Collaborative problem-solving
Transforming mistakes into stronger connections.
Every #Parent wants to be like the Heeler parents from Bluey.
But few realize they're using specific, learnable skills in most episodes.
Skills that anyone could master given enough intentional practice.
Here are 3 of the emotional regulation skills behind their magic:
But few realize they're using specific, learnable skills in most episodes.
Skills that anyone could master given enough intentional practice.
Here are 3 of the emotional regulation skills behind their magic:
July 30, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Every #Parent wants to be like the Heeler parents from Bluey.
But few realize they're using specific, learnable skills in most episodes.
Skills that anyone could master given enough intentional practice.
Here are 3 of the emotional regulation skills behind their magic:
But few realize they're using specific, learnable skills in most episodes.
Skills that anyone could master given enough intentional practice.
Here are 3 of the emotional regulation skills behind their magic:
In 'Klaus', an entire town built on generations of hatred gets transformed.
Not by adults making peace. Not by laws or force.
But by children doing good deeds for presents.
This isn't just movie magic - it's showing us something profound about our kids' power...
Not by adults making peace. Not by laws or force.
But by children doing good deeds for presents.
This isn't just movie magic - it's showing us something profound about our kids' power...
July 20, 2025 at 10:25 PM
In 'Klaus', an entire town built on generations of hatred gets transformed.
Not by adults making peace. Not by laws or force.
But by children doing good deeds for presents.
This isn't just movie magic - it's showing us something profound about our kids' power...
Not by adults making peace. Not by laws or force.
But by children doing good deeds for presents.
This isn't just movie magic - it's showing us something profound about our kids' power...
Most #Parents suck at managing their parent guilt.
Many are left feeling inadequate by the high bar set in Bluey, which frankly seems unattainable.
The issue isn't learning skills themselves, it's trying to learn them all at once.
Here's 3 skills (with examples):
Many are left feeling inadequate by the high bar set in Bluey, which frankly seems unattainable.
The issue isn't learning skills themselves, it's trying to learn them all at once.
Here's 3 skills (with examples):
July 11, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Most #Parents suck at managing their parent guilt.
Many are left feeling inadequate by the high bar set in Bluey, which frankly seems unattainable.
The issue isn't learning skills themselves, it's trying to learn them all at once.
Here's 3 skills (with examples):
Many are left feeling inadequate by the high bar set in Bluey, which frankly seems unattainable.
The issue isn't learning skills themselves, it's trying to learn them all at once.
Here's 3 skills (with examples):
In "Sleepytime", Chilli validates Bingo's growing-up fears.
Using Emotional Validation (Healers Guild skill):
✅ Offers unconditional reassurance
✅ Acknowledges separation is hard
✅ Doesn't minimize her anxiety
✅ Makes feelings feel normal
Emotions are always valid.
Using Emotional Validation (Healers Guild skill):
✅ Offers unconditional reassurance
✅ Acknowledges separation is hard
✅ Doesn't minimize her anxiety
✅ Makes feelings feel normal
Emotions are always valid.
July 7, 2025 at 8:45 PM
In "Sleepytime", Chilli validates Bingo's growing-up fears.
Using Emotional Validation (Healers Guild skill):
✅ Offers unconditional reassurance
✅ Acknowledges separation is hard
✅ Doesn't minimize her anxiety
✅ Makes feelings feel normal
Emotions are always valid.
Using Emotional Validation (Healers Guild skill):
✅ Offers unconditional reassurance
✅ Acknowledges separation is hard
✅ Doesn't minimize her anxiety
✅ Makes feelings feel normal
Emotions are always valid.
In "Sleepytime", Bandit stays present through Bluey's restlessness.
Using Sacred Presence (Healers Guild skill):
✅ Stays calm despite exhaustion
✅ Doesn't rush to "fix" anything
✅ Offers soothing presence
✅ Provides quiet comfort
Presence is a healing force.
Using Sacred Presence (Healers Guild skill):
✅ Stays calm despite exhaustion
✅ Doesn't rush to "fix" anything
✅ Offers soothing presence
✅ Provides quiet comfort
Presence is a healing force.
July 7, 2025 at 8:45 PM
In "Sleepytime", Bandit stays present through Bluey's restlessness.
Using Sacred Presence (Healers Guild skill):
✅ Stays calm despite exhaustion
✅ Doesn't rush to "fix" anything
✅ Offers soothing presence
✅ Provides quiet comfort
Presence is a healing force.
Using Sacred Presence (Healers Guild skill):
✅ Stays calm despite exhaustion
✅ Doesn't rush to "fix" anything
✅ Offers soothing presence
✅ Provides quiet comfort
Presence is a healing force.
In "Yoga Ball", Bandit unwittingly plays too rough with Bingo.
Then uses Connection Repair (Healers Guild skill):
✅ Takes responsibility
✅ Immediate validation
✅ Practices new boundaries
✅ Collaborative problem-solving
Transforming mistakes into stronger connections.
Then uses Connection Repair (Healers Guild skill):
✅ Takes responsibility
✅ Immediate validation
✅ Practices new boundaries
✅ Collaborative problem-solving
Transforming mistakes into stronger connections.
July 7, 2025 at 8:45 PM
In "Yoga Ball", Bandit unwittingly plays too rough with Bingo.
Then uses Connection Repair (Healers Guild skill):
✅ Takes responsibility
✅ Immediate validation
✅ Practices new boundaries
✅ Collaborative problem-solving
Transforming mistakes into stronger connections.
Then uses Connection Repair (Healers Guild skill):
✅ Takes responsibility
✅ Immediate validation
✅ Practices new boundaries
✅ Collaborative problem-solving
Transforming mistakes into stronger connections.
Every parent wants to be like the Heeler parents from Bluey.
But few realize they're using specific, learnable techniques in almost every episode.
Here are 3 of the emotional regulation skills behind their magic:
But few realize they're using specific, learnable techniques in almost every episode.
Here are 3 of the emotional regulation skills behind their magic:
July 7, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Every parent wants to be like the Heeler parents from Bluey.
But few realize they're using specific, learnable techniques in almost every episode.
Here are 3 of the emotional regulation skills behind their magic:
But few realize they're using specific, learnable techniques in almost every episode.
Here are 3 of the emotional regulation skills behind their magic:
Gamification is the parenting strategy that I am betting on.
Making the dance between parents and kids more fun just makes sense!
I'm dropping my 4 step framework to gamify any parenting challenge tomorrow morning in my newsletter.
Sign up below...
Making the dance between parents and kids more fun just makes sense!
I'm dropping my 4 step framework to gamify any parenting challenge tomorrow morning in my newsletter.
Sign up below...
February 23, 2025 at 7:22 AM
Gamification is the parenting strategy that I am betting on.
Making the dance between parents and kids more fun just makes sense!
I'm dropping my 4 step framework to gamify any parenting challenge tomorrow morning in my newsletter.
Sign up below...
Making the dance between parents and kids more fun just makes sense!
I'm dropping my 4 step framework to gamify any parenting challenge tomorrow morning in my newsletter.
Sign up below...
Dr. Becky's work will change your view on parenting forever.
I've spent dozens of hours working her teachings into my parenting approach.
Here's 5 principles of gamifying parenthood by being sturdy.
I've spent dozens of hours working her teachings into my parenting approach.
Here's 5 principles of gamifying parenthood by being sturdy.
February 17, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Dr. Becky's work will change your view on parenting forever.
I've spent dozens of hours working her teachings into my parenting approach.
Here's 5 principles of gamifying parenthood by being sturdy.
I've spent dozens of hours working her teachings into my parenting approach.
Here's 5 principles of gamifying parenthood by being sturdy.
Dr. Becky's work will change your view on parenting forever.
I've spent dozens of hours working her teachings into my parenting approach.
Here's 5 principles of gamifying parenthood by being sturdy.
I've spent dozens of hours working her teachings into my parenting approach.
Here's 5 principles of gamifying parenthood by being sturdy.
February 8, 2025 at 4:12 AM
Dr. Becky's work will change your view on parenting forever.
I've spent dozens of hours working her teachings into my parenting approach.
Here's 5 principles of gamifying parenthood by being sturdy.
I've spent dozens of hours working her teachings into my parenting approach.
Here's 5 principles of gamifying parenthood by being sturdy.
The First Boss of Fatherhood...
There I was—fully suited up like I was about to perform surgery.
Instead of holding a scalpel, I was holding my nerve.
My wife was being prepped for a C-section.
My son was about to enter the world.
And I was stuck outside... waiting.
There I was—fully suited up like I was about to perform surgery.
Instead of holding a scalpel, I was holding my nerve.
My wife was being prepped for a C-section.
My son was about to enter the world.
And I was stuck outside... waiting.
February 4, 2025 at 6:15 PM
The First Boss of Fatherhood...
There I was—fully suited up like I was about to perform surgery.
Instead of holding a scalpel, I was holding my nerve.
My wife was being prepped for a C-section.
My son was about to enter the world.
And I was stuck outside... waiting.
There I was—fully suited up like I was about to perform surgery.
Instead of holding a scalpel, I was holding my nerve.
My wife was being prepped for a C-section.
My son was about to enter the world.
And I was stuck outside... waiting.
This is Hunter Clarke-Fields.
Author of Raising Good Humans.
She wrote, 'When we constantly sacrifice our own needs in favor of our children’s, we all lose.'
Here are 5 quotes that highlight how self-care makes you a better parent:
Author of Raising Good Humans.
She wrote, 'When we constantly sacrifice our own needs in favor of our children’s, we all lose.'
Here are 5 quotes that highlight how self-care makes you a better parent:
February 3, 2025 at 4:09 AM
This is Hunter Clarke-Fields.
Author of Raising Good Humans.
She wrote, 'When we constantly sacrifice our own needs in favor of our children’s, we all lose.'
Here are 5 quotes that highlight how self-care makes you a better parent:
Author of Raising Good Humans.
She wrote, 'When we constantly sacrifice our own needs in favor of our children’s, we all lose.'
Here are 5 quotes that highlight how self-care makes you a better parent:
Self-proclaimed parenting yeller turned Mindful Mama Mentor.
Hunter Clarke-Fields.
Author of Raising Good Humans.
She wrote, 'When we constantly sacrifice our own needs in favor of our children’s, we all lose.'
5 quotes that highlight how self-care makes you a better parent.
Hunter Clarke-Fields.
Author of Raising Good Humans.
She wrote, 'When we constantly sacrifice our own needs in favor of our children’s, we all lose.'
5 quotes that highlight how self-care makes you a better parent.
February 2, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Self-proclaimed parenting yeller turned Mindful Mama Mentor.
Hunter Clarke-Fields.
Author of Raising Good Humans.
She wrote, 'When we constantly sacrifice our own needs in favor of our children’s, we all lose.'
5 quotes that highlight how self-care makes you a better parent.
Hunter Clarke-Fields.
Author of Raising Good Humans.
She wrote, 'When we constantly sacrifice our own needs in favor of our children’s, we all lose.'
5 quotes that highlight how self-care makes you a better parent.
I can feel the momentum building...
Thank you for the support!
225 adventurers on the quest to level up their parenting.
Thank you for the support!
225 adventurers on the quest to level up their parenting.
February 1, 2025 at 4:15 PM
I can feel the momentum building...
Thank you for the support!
225 adventurers on the quest to level up their parenting.
Thank you for the support!
225 adventurers on the quest to level up their parenting.
Self-proclaimed parenting yeller turned Mindful Mama Mentor.
Hunter Clarke-Fields.
Author of Raising Good Humans.
She wrote, 'When we constantly sacrifice our own needs in favor of our children’s, we all lose.'
5 quotes that highlight how self-care makes you a better parent.
Hunter Clarke-Fields.
Author of Raising Good Humans.
She wrote, 'When we constantly sacrifice our own needs in favor of our children’s, we all lose.'
5 quotes that highlight how self-care makes you a better parent.
January 29, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Self-proclaimed parenting yeller turned Mindful Mama Mentor.
Hunter Clarke-Fields.
Author of Raising Good Humans.
She wrote, 'When we constantly sacrifice our own needs in favor of our children’s, we all lose.'
5 quotes that highlight how self-care makes you a better parent.
Hunter Clarke-Fields.
Author of Raising Good Humans.
She wrote, 'When we constantly sacrifice our own needs in favor of our children’s, we all lose.'
5 quotes that highlight how self-care makes you a better parent.
Tim Ferriss is a big believer in gamification.
Not just Tim Ferris - Jane McGonigal, A.J. Jacobs, Dan Pink too.
If you struggle to make parenting fun, read this:
Not just Tim Ferris - Jane McGonigal, A.J. Jacobs, Dan Pink too.
If you struggle to make parenting fun, read this:
January 17, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Tim Ferriss is a big believer in gamification.
Not just Tim Ferris - Jane McGonigal, A.J. Jacobs, Dan Pink too.
If you struggle to make parenting fun, read this:
Not just Tim Ferris - Jane McGonigal, A.J. Jacobs, Dan Pink too.
If you struggle to make parenting fun, read this:
Tim Ferriss is a big believer in gamification.
Not just Tim Ferris - Jane McGonigal, A.J. Jacobs, Dan Pink too.
If you struggle to make parenting fun, read this:
Not just Tim Ferris - Jane McGonigal, A.J. Jacobs, Dan Pink too.
If you struggle to make parenting fun, read this:
January 16, 2025 at 1:15 AM
Tim Ferriss is a big believer in gamification.
Not just Tim Ferris - Jane McGonigal, A.J. Jacobs, Dan Pink too.
If you struggle to make parenting fun, read this:
Not just Tim Ferris - Jane McGonigal, A.J. Jacobs, Dan Pink too.
If you struggle to make parenting fun, read this:
This is Dr. Becky.
Dubbed "The Millennial Parenting Whisperer" by TIME & author of the NYT #1 bestseller Good Inside teaching parents to be "sturdy."
Sturdiness is the foundation for gamifying routines.
Here are the 5 principles of being a sturdy dad:
Dubbed "The Millennial Parenting Whisperer" by TIME & author of the NYT #1 bestseller Good Inside teaching parents to be "sturdy."
Sturdiness is the foundation for gamifying routines.
Here are the 5 principles of being a sturdy dad:
January 13, 2025 at 2:15 PM
This is Dr. Becky.
Dubbed "The Millennial Parenting Whisperer" by TIME & author of the NYT #1 bestseller Good Inside teaching parents to be "sturdy."
Sturdiness is the foundation for gamifying routines.
Here are the 5 principles of being a sturdy dad:
Dubbed "The Millennial Parenting Whisperer" by TIME & author of the NYT #1 bestseller Good Inside teaching parents to be "sturdy."
Sturdiness is the foundation for gamifying routines.
Here are the 5 principles of being a sturdy dad:
I'm 32.
If you're still in your 20s read this:
If you're still in your 20s read this:
January 9, 2025 at 4:15 PM
I'm 32.
If you're still in your 20s read this:
If you're still in your 20s read this:
If your kid’s tantrum makes you want to shut down...
Pause. Take a deep breath.
Feel that? That’s calm.
Now imagine passing that calm to your kid.
Emotional regulation isn’t just a skill—it’s THE skill for overcoming challenges.
Here are 3 traits I lean on as a dad of two:
Pause. Take a deep breath.
Feel that? That’s calm.
Now imagine passing that calm to your kid.
Emotional regulation isn’t just a skill—it’s THE skill for overcoming challenges.
Here are 3 traits I lean on as a dad of two:
January 8, 2025 at 4:15 PM
If your kid’s tantrum makes you want to shut down...
Pause. Take a deep breath.
Feel that? That’s calm.
Now imagine passing that calm to your kid.
Emotional regulation isn’t just a skill—it’s THE skill for overcoming challenges.
Here are 3 traits I lean on as a dad of two:
Pause. Take a deep breath.
Feel that? That’s calm.
Now imagine passing that calm to your kid.
Emotional regulation isn’t just a skill—it’s THE skill for overcoming challenges.
Here are 3 traits I lean on as a dad of two:
James Clear once said:
"You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems."
If goals were enough, you’d have crushed them last year.
Start 2025 by aligning your system with your vision.
Here’s how:
"You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems."
If goals were enough, you’d have crushed them last year.
Start 2025 by aligning your system with your vision.
Here’s how:
January 7, 2025 at 6:15 PM
James Clear once said:
"You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems."
If goals were enough, you’d have crushed them last year.
Start 2025 by aligning your system with your vision.
Here’s how:
"You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems."
If goals were enough, you’d have crushed them last year.
Start 2025 by aligning your system with your vision.
Here’s how:
The MASTER of immersive storytelling:
Brandon Sanderson.
He’s crafted worlds with gripping struggles, unforgettable characters, and crystal clear rules.
Yet, you think connecting with your readers is too hard?
"Understand their world, and they'll never stop turning the page."
Brandon Sanderson.
He’s crafted worlds with gripping struggles, unforgettable characters, and crystal clear rules.
Yet, you think connecting with your readers is too hard?
"Understand their world, and they'll never stop turning the page."
January 5, 2025 at 2:15 PM
The MASTER of immersive storytelling:
Brandon Sanderson.
He’s crafted worlds with gripping struggles, unforgettable characters, and crystal clear rules.
Yet, you think connecting with your readers is too hard?
"Understand their world, and they'll never stop turning the page."
Brandon Sanderson.
He’s crafted worlds with gripping struggles, unforgettable characters, and crystal clear rules.
Yet, you think connecting with your readers is too hard?
"Understand their world, and they'll never stop turning the page."