Most surprising thing about being a dad?
"How obsessed I became in wanting to hear my daughter giggle. I distinctively remember her first real laugh and how much joy it brought me and Liz my P.I.L. (partner in life). Then what surprised me even more was how hard I worked to hear her laughter again. It’s still the most heart-filling beautiful sound ever."
Greatest piece of dad advice you’ve been given?
"My cousin sent me a congratulations card when Isla was born with some great advice, which genuinely helped.
- Every child is different.
- Get angry and argue but remember it’s only because you’re tired and stressed.
- Nod and smile when people give you advice, and they always will (like I am doing now).
- Keep breathing deep breaths they will stop crying… eventually.
- Grandparents are amazing! (whether you want them now or not, you’ll want them at some point).
- When all is lost and it feels like nothing will stop her crying, take a step back and put yourself in her shoes… yup, it’d be pretty. weird. Oh, and buy lots of baked beans and bread. It will all be worth it for that little smile."
Best thing about being a dad?
"Isla, obviously! But also teaching her and then learning from her. Seeing her work things out, working out relationships and how she relates to other people. Also trying to remain modest when someone says 'she’s gorgeous' or 'she’s so clever'."
Describe fatherhood in three words?
"Purposeful, challenging and sublime."
One thing you didn’t think you’d do as a dad (but now do)?
"Posting baby spam at an uncontrollable rate. It’s a guilty pleasure."
Best skill you’ve developed as a dad?
"Aside from the usual stuff like, sub-20 second nappy changes and superhero-level reaction speed. The skill I have best developed can only be described as a Chewbacca gargle. When Isla was a few months old she did it a couple times and so I did it back. Until we ended up having what felt like full-blown conversations in this Chewbacca gargle style.
Which TV/movie dad are you?
"I'd go with Mufasa from The Lion King. As like Mufasa my parenting aim is to guide, teach and protect, while remaining incredibly wise and undeniably fair."
