To me being a father is one of the greatest privileges I have experienced in my life. I have two daughters one aged 20 and the other aged 10 from two different marriages. Having spent many Christmases with both my daughters my wife and my ex wife has demonstrated to me that even though a marriage may finish it is possible to still create a partnership with an ex when you are committed to making it work.

I have often reflected on what is the key to being a great father and I am not saying I have the answer, I still make many mistakes and I am clear that in relationship to my eldest daughter when I stopped being the authority in her life and started being a friend is when my relationship transformed. In other words I stopped being the boss and started getting along side her and getting in to her world and opening up to possible solutions verses telling her what to do. It works. ... read more >>

In our attempts to prepare our children for life’s challenges, advance their experiences and begin the journey of education, life has become more complex and stressful for our little people.

Because fathers are busy working and have less down time, it is often thought the best way to spend time with young children is through organized events such as gym classes, music, swimming, dance, sport etc. However, what children want and need the most is time spent playing and interacting with their parents and fathers are no exception. We are creating stressed children who really want to do simple things and do them over and over again! ... read more >>

Here's to the fathers, Who always begin,
On the outside of children, But looking in.
Such curious men snapping cameras like mad,
Recording the moment, they turn into "Dad."
Here's to the fathers, who put in their time,
Who don't say to Mother, that's your job, not mine.
Who wipe chins and noses and never say "won't"
Who do with the nappies, what some fathers don't.
Here's to the fathers who manage to stay
When so many fathers are turning away.
When so many run, leaving families to rot,
Here, then, a cheer, for those who do not.
Here's to the fathers whose big money dreams,
Die in the corner, while their baby screams.
And yet without anger, dread or regrets,
They comfort the child, hold it close to their chests.
And as the child grows, they grow with it too,
Learning a depth, that they never knew.
And soon they are older, their hair slightly gone,
Chasing two children around the front lawn.
Or carpooling teams to rugby and netball games, ... read more >>