What a Modern Dad Means

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There’s a lot of pressure on Dads and as times have changed so has what we expect from them. Today’s blog is written by Sam Mellor, he tells us What a Modern Dad means. At MyBump2Baby, we hope this article is helpful and offers support to families and especially Dads.

Sam Mellor, Single Parent, Dad to 2 Toddlers, Self proclaimed dadsy dad and car nut…

First, thank you to MyBump2Baby for allowing me the opportunity to write this blog and hopefully more besides this one, about what does being a modern dad mean.

Being a dad has evolved into much more than the 1970s “Bringing Home the Bacon” dad so many of us are used to seeing stereotyped on soaps and films – even up to and including the modern day media or the dad who plays superhero by swooping in and killing bad guys with his bare hands John Rambo style and looking after his family.

Remember dads, not all superheros wear capes – some of us like a whiskey, Hey Duggee and dreaming up ways of trying to kill of Mr Tumble, sorry Justin – when you smile you look like the clown out of IT and it freaks me out just a bit, I’m sure you’re a nice guy??????

A modern day Dad

Modern day dads, thankful aren’t like this anymore and I would like to think I’m not a dad dinosaur, compared to times of old.

And I thought for my first blog I’d talk about what I think being a modern day dad is about and how raising my two kids has versioned my tale of events.

I can honestly say night feeds was the killer of my sleep pattern, bourbon whiskey is my friend, DIY is slowly becoming my pastime hobby second only to loud & fast cars and I still don’t understand the obsession that toddlers have for sand and paint!!!!

My two monkeys are 3 and 1, ones a sassy fierce independent 3 year old Disney Princess and I have a silent destroyer for a 1 year old – I like to hear him yawping so I know he isn’t turning into wreck it Ralph whilst I’m trying to make juice for the five seconds I have had my back turned.

Being yourself

I’m not going to lie, I like to be known for being a bit extra, someone recently describing me as a male diva, but I like to own that analogy because if you’re going to be unique – be yourself or better yet – be a unicorn, cause why not?!

Anyways I digress, modern day dads, don’t be afraid to show of who you genuinely are, I guarantee hiding behind some macho facade does nothing and if your kids don’t believe you – your partner definitely won’t! I used to regularly watch TV with the kids when they were babies when they were asleep, sing Disney songs with them and prat around looking like a 100% pure bred baboon because let’s face it – you’re gonna earn your credibility back someday but you ain’t going to get these moments back with your kids…don’t forget these 3ft hostage negotiators will one day be deciding which care home you live in…it’s a good investment of your time!

So I think being a 2020 dad boils down to a few key ingredients:

– be a dick, your kids will love you for it and your partner will laugh at you anyways so don’t worry about it

– Make memories out of things that matter not what costs the most amount of money because a £1000 present will probably give the same enjoyment as a £5 toy or book. I loved nothing more than taking a video of watching my little boy get excited playing vroom vroom cars the other week even though they were £4 out of a CBeebies magazine

– Give your kids a bedtime story, not only is it my sacred time as a father, but Storytime is a land of adventure and imagination, don’t miss out on it, it’s my favourite time in any week

– If you get asked to do a night feed, don’t groan welcome that task with open arms, it’s bonding time you ain’t going to have whilst you’re at work

– Be yourself, don’t look at a macho dad and think hmmmm I wanna be like them, you only lose out on the laughs per minute on the gauge of life

– Don’t worry about putting a few pounds on here and there or having an odd cheeseburger but similarly however don’t forget to look after yourself in a way you know how, I love going fast on race tracks and I’m a first class workaholic, but it makes me happy. Find your happy place – dipping in and out of it will help to keep you sane!!!

Think that’s enough talking for today, hopefully my waffling has said a little bit that sparks a thought in your head, if not tune in for the next one!

Again, thanks to Carla for giving me the opportunity and dads, if you need an ear – I’m here to listen – we are all in this together!

God bless – Sam x

Emma Stevens

Hi, I'm Emma and I'm MyBump2aby's family law, protection and financial editor. I'm passionate about better-informing parents on their choices when it comes to family law and family protection and financial matters.

What a Modern Dad Means – By Sam Mellor