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 …
Like many parents, I experience self-doubt all the time. I’m forever wondering whether I’m doing enough for my kids and if I’m giving them the same kind of happy childhood that I enjoyed. I often feel that I’m average at best and somehow letting my children down. Times are tough and modern life is becoming …
I’ve been busy getting settling in my new job this week. As is the case in most workplaces these days, the majority of my time so far has been spent completing all the necessary training tasks. This got me thinking: what if the workplace policies, procedures and practices I’ve been ticking off the to-do list …
I’ve now been a parent for nine years so have experienced many highs and lows along the way. You may think that, after this long, the capacity for surprise would be somewhat limited. However, I’ve realised that there are a fair few things that I’m still not used to as a parent… Having three children …