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 …
It’s amazing how much parenting can change you as a person. I’ve learned all kinds of new skills, plus incredible amounts about a vast array of topics. Perhaps the biggest change, however, is one that is there 24 hours a day yet is rarely consciously considered. It seems to have given me a new way …
One thing that never ceases to amaze me about parenting is my ability to forget things. Specifically how to negotiate tricky phases. And, yes, we’re in one of those at the moment. I call this particular tale of parenting woe The Princess and the Peas. You see, youngest seems to have something against vegetables. And, despite …
Last week, parents were nervously waiting to find out their kids’ school places. We were among them and, for me at least, it was strangely nice to worry about something other than coronavirus and its wider implications for a day. Having gone through the process twice before, we were braced for a long wait. It …
I love taking part in radio conversations – it’s something bloggers are invited to do quite a lot – but hadn’t been involved in any since starting my new job. When I was offered the chance to take part in one on BBC Radio 5 Live this week, I jumped at the chance. It was …