Fatherhood

Parents have unique relationships with their children. We all have our own upbringings to go on, and we see other parents ‘in action’ as well as the way that parenthood is portrayed in the media.

But there’s no manual. There are no instructions. Of course there are self-help guides, advice, but do our babies respond in the way these guides suggest… of course they don’t. And we wouldn’t want them too either.

They are unique characters. Of course they are - they are 50% Mum and 50% Dad.

But even though everyone tells you that you will develop your own style and that everyone parents differently, you can’t help but feel the pressure of parents (grandparents), relatives and friends who are already parents - are they judging? Am I doing okay? If she cries in public will people stare?

But if you think these things constantly - you will never leave the house. I decided from Day One I wanted to embrace it. I wanted to learn and to be ‘competent’.

Before our little lady came along, I practiced doing up nappies with my Mother-In-Law on a giant Tigger teddy. That was easy though - it was a clean nappy! (To this day I think the nappy is still sat neatly on Tigger)

I also vowed to take our baby out on my own, to give Mummy a break, but also to show that I can be independent and I can be a Dad that my little girl can be proud of.

I wanted to develop a bond at an early age with our young lady, so that she was comfortable with me and enjoyed spending time with me. Where better to see our relationship grow than on the terraces.