Dad Chat – JamesyNI

Here’s the second in my Dad Chat series. This is from James at JamesyNI. I’ve just come across this blog and it’s great, take a read of the interview and check out his blog!

You’ll find links to his great blog at the bottom of the interview.

Please read on, enjoy, and check out his blog and social media.

1. Tell us about yourself and your family.

Here's Kyran and Elijah
Here’s Kyran and Elijah

My name is James Mulhern, 30 from Strabane in Northern Ireland. Married to Clare and have 3 children. Kyran 2,Elijah 1, Sofia 6 months old.

I am a full time stay at home dad after working in the motor trade for nearly 4 years, I decided that I missed too much of my sons early lives that I was taking time out to help them learn and grow!

Clare has been a mummy or mummy to be for the last 3 years so it was time for me to stay at home and from September Clare will be going back into Education.

2. Have you always wanted to be a Dad?

I most certainly have. It’s something that I have always seen myself becoming at some point in my life. I started out early in high school wanting to become a teacher and I actually became a fully qualified youth worker. I guess I wanted to have a positive impact on young people’s lives.

3. What’s the best thing about being a Dad?

There are so many that you couldn’t list. I love being able to be myself around my kids, I love all the silly jokes, playing with toys, watching cartoons and just enjoying it! Seeing my children grow and learn is amazing, its different with your own children because you see it change. But it astounds me how much they learn, pick up and develop into their own little personalities. But the ultimate thing, the very best thing, is when your kid says they love you and give you a hug.

4. What’s the most challenging thing about being a Dad?

Here's Sofia
Here’s Sofia

I don’t think there is any 1 challenging thing that stands out more than any other. It comes down to each individuals circumstance, lifestyle and each child. Sometimes I hate not being able to share with other dads out there, there is something about being a man that society says you can’t show weakness. Mums always have facebook groups and friends and random people online that they openly share stories and experiences with, but apart from dad bloggers (which can be hard to find sometimes) you can certainly feel alone at times.

5. If you became a Dad again would you do anything differently? If so, what?

After having 3 kids under three I don’t think I’ll be for suggesting a 4th any time soon! I wouldn’t change anything if it did happen though, as we have adapted to each child and learned from the previous children what to do and not to do!

6. What advice would you give to new dads?

ABSOLUTELY GET STUCK IN THERE. Don’t be hanging back, get changing the nappies, get feeding the baby and get out there. You are 50% of your child and be proud to show the world. Show unconditional love all of the time. And dads, you are not alone! Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Support your wife, girlfriend, partner through it! Your are stronger together – a team!

7. Social media links…

www.jamesyni.com

www.lifewiththemulherns.wordpress.com

facebook&instagram: jamesyni

There You Have It…

I hope you enjoyed reading that, some great insight there and tips for new dads too. Thanks for taking part in the interview series James!

Look out for another interview next week.

For previous interviews check out my ‘Guest Posts‘ category.

3 comments

  1. Great post here and some great advise. I will certainly be getting stuck in there within the next few weeks 🙂

    Did a chat blog with Jamesy a few months back hes a great guy and runs an excellent website

  2. Thanks for the feedback! I’d agree with JamesyNI – definitely get stuck in there. The rewards are so worth it!

  3. A dad blogger I didn’t know! Thanks for the introduction and I always have a soft spot from people from NornIron. Three kids under three, wow, that is a lot of work. Great series kevin, keep it up.

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