Episode 0: “Mind The Dad: Who I Am and What’s This Thing.”
As I embark on this new journey with Mind The Dad, I am filled with a mix of excitement, fear and an inexplicable desire to create a space that speaks to fellow dads out there. OK, why a blog dedicated to dads, it’s a fair question. So, sit back and let me share with you the inspiration and reasons behind this venture.
Becoming a father is a life-changing experience, and like many of you, I found myself wandering in uncharted territory with my only weapons being a couple of guide-books and some well-intentioned advice that didn’t necessarily speak to my own worries and anxious thoughts. So it didn’t take me long to realize that the real magic is in the infinitely messy, unpredictable and—let’s not hide behind our beards (mine, that is)—touching moments that unfold in the everyday chaos of the realm of fatherhood.
One of my main goals with Mind The Dad is to create a haven for dads who, like me, are stumbling through the joys and challenges of raising tiny or slightly older humans. To learn and to share. Being a parent is a journey that is best done “together”, and through this blog, I hope to foster a sense of camaraderie and support between us. Whether you’re a first-time dad trying to solve the mysteries of complicated nappy changes (it’s not as scary as you think) or a seasoned pro juggling work and “running to pick up the kid from school” like a fellow Schumacher, this space is for you.
Education is a key pillar of Mind The Dad, mine from more experienced dads, or yours if you are just starting or are already in the first steps of this journey. Don’t be scared – this isn’t going to be a series of parenting dos and don’ts. My daughter is roughly about 22 months old at the time I’m writing this intro, which places me at about the same position as you. Instead, I want to share the lessons I’ve learned through hard work, pain, all-nighters, moaning and complaining (x2) and through trial and error.
Let’s face it, dads: We’re all a work in progress, and embracing our imperfections is where real growth and development takes place.
In life not everything is black and white. And speaking of black and white, what is it that things that changes quickly from white to black, from black to white, from white to black, from black to white, etc.? A panda rolling downhill. Okay, okay, not my best, but if I were a successful comedian, this blog would probably be a comedy blog and not a dad blog. And since we are talking about everything here, what is everything to us? Not the pandas, I mean. Ask any dad who has a real relationship with his child and they will tell you that everything is our children. It’s from inventing bedtime stories, which is an art only learned through countless nights of open mic storytelling and creating on the spot, to becoming 1000 pieces that will barely be recognized in the crazy everyday life that throws under the bus not only us as dads, but also all the fellow travelers we have by our side.
Ok we’ve said who I am, why I’m starting this blog, I’ve also told you a few dad jokes, but Mind The Dad is more than just introductions, jokes and silly laughter. It is a platform rooted in empathy, sensitivity and honesty. Parenthood is a crazy rollercoaster of emotions, and I make it a point to share not only the high lux events of being a dad but also the abysmal lows it can have – the moments of weakness that make us human. Yeah, man, if you haven’t seen me cry when I’m holding my daughter, you don’t know who I really am.
Together, we can celebrate our wins, our downfalls, support each other through the tough times, and of course, share the chaos of parenting absurdity. Whether you’re looking for a nugget of wisdom, a good laugh, or just enjoy this wild ride, you’re in the right place.
So, fellow dads! Mind The Dad is here to celebrate the beautiful messiness of fatherhood and is a place for superb guys to revel in its beauty in company. You are all welcome and worthy and this space is something you absolutely deserve.
Peace!