I recently realised that I have a handful of parenting tools that I turn to significantly more than others. Now, if Google search results are anything to go by, most people think of techniques when they see this term. And that’s fair enough. While we all have go-to parenting strategies that we wouldn’t be without, I’m …
I’ve changed a lot since becoming a parent. One of the many ways in which I have relates to my language. And, yes, I’m mostly talking about swearing in front of kids. Before having children, I was quite the potty mouth. Even in the early years of parenting, I was pretty liberal with my lingo …
I had my first Covid jab a couple of weeks ago and have to admit I was a little nervous. Not because of needles, you understand. I have asthma and, as a result, have to get a flu jab every year so I’m very used to them. No, it was because of potential side effects. …
VAR: what is it good for? Absolutely nothing. Well, that’s what I thought at first and there aren’t many football fans who are too enamoured of it. However, recent parenting experience has given me a hint of sympathy for the beleaguered decision-making system. I’ll get to my reasons shortly. But first, the context. As a …
I know I speak for us all when I say we’re all glad to see the back of 2020. It has been a truly awful year for everyone, so I’m not going to dwell on that. Even so, I think it’s always important to look back at the end of each year before looking forward …
Today marks the publication of 5 Big Insights – the largest ever study on the early years of childhood. Earlier this year, I shared my thoughts on its predecessor, 5 Big Questions. Backed by The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, it encouraged parents and carers to think about the early years …
The other day, we were listening to Electric Light Orchestra while preparing dinner in the kitchen. This in itself isn’t news. We listen to Jeff Lynne et al whenever we need cheering up so, given the year everyone has been experiencing, we listen to them a lot. The song Telephone Line started playing. If you’re …
Well, blimey. Diary of the Dad is ten years old today. It started as a way of trying out content for a book idea, became a new hobby, then a full-time job, before reverting to a hobby again. It’s been quite the proverbial rollercoaster. But the one thing that has remained constant is that I’ve …
As far as perceptions of age are concerned, I’m officially over the hill. I turned 40 last year and, despite some claims that it’s the new 30, I’m yet to feel it. Particularly of late. I don’t know whether it’s because of lockdown fatigue creeping in, the cumulative stress of seven years trying to move …
Five years ago, I found myself on a panel at a Mumsnet event for soon-to-be parents. I was a father of two at the time, with youngest due a couple of months later. At the end of it, we were each asked to give a three-word tip for the expectant dads in the audience. Thinking …