Through IVF, sleepless nights, early mornings, and many lessons learned, I’ve loved every second of being a new Dad. 

I’ve learned about the stereotypes around ‘typical’ men who play it cool or let the Mum do the work. I don’t want to be that kind of man.

I’ve been asked if I was ‘babysitting’ today, or if I’m ‘giving Mum a break’? It’s pretty hard to resist the opportunity to share a lesson in 1950s Dads vs 2017 Dads, but it’s far quicker to grin and move on with my day. 

I’m involved because I care. I carry my daughter in the Ergo because I like it when she’s up on me. 

I love being the first one up with her in the morning, when her hair is crazy and she’s half asleep. 

I want to build things for her, spend time rolling in the grass with her, and be there when she’s learning about the world. 

I am here as part of a team. I devote my thoughts to her best interests. Is she eating the right food, is she happy, is she pooping regularly? I know, it’s often gross, but you know you love someone when your schedule is dictated by someone else’s digestion. 

The role of the Dads has changed, or it should. It’s our duty to care for our little ones like a mother. We must raise the next generation to be accepting of other people’s choices, to ignore hate and embrace new ideas. We have the power to be the role models that our sons and daughters need to thrive. 

Teach life lessons, share great music, spend time outdoors, make things with your hands and tell them you love them. 

Happy Father’s Day. 

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