Dad Chat – Yule Times

Here’s the next in the series of Dad Chats. The response to question 2 is really interesting and gives a fascinating insight on Stephen, the blogger at Yule Times.

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

My name is Stephen and I’m 26 years old living in the North West of England in a small town called Newton-Le-Willows. I live with my fiancee Amy who’s 29 and our son Austin who’s 10 months old. I currently work as a Senior Nursery Practitioner and Amy works as a Prison Officer. Talk about smashing up the typical gender stereotypes. We’ve been together for over 2 years and we are in the process of planning our wedding. Our son Austin was born on the 19th September 2017 and he’s been the perfect little addition to our family.

2. Have you always wanted to be a Dad?

I would say that I have always wanted to be a Dad. It’s the one thing growing up that I really looked forward to. I have a passion for working with children so I’d been around them most of my adult life, so to have my own, especially a little boy, was very special to me. If I was to say that Austin was planned, I would be lying through my teeth. It was a surprise, but a happy surprise. Having lost my own Dad to cancer during Amy’s pregnancy, Austin took on an even larger significance in my family’s life and I truly believe that he came just at the right time.

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

The best thing about being a Dad is them little moments when your child looks at you with so much love and joy. A big beaming smile when they see you really can make your day. They do so many things that just fill your heart up with love and pride. You’ve created this life, and they are completely smashing it! Nothing feels better than your child hitting them milestones, even if it does mean more challenges that come with them.

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

The most challenging thing about being a Dad for me has been the lack of sleep. This hasn’t just resulted in being tired, it completely drains your body and leaves you with no energy and a negative mindset. It can make you feel “why did I think this was a good idea?” and “I really don’t think I can do this”. Another challenge as a first time Dad was the early stages when you had no idea how to soothe your baby and the bond still wasn’t strong. There were moments where I thought my baby didn’t love me and that I was a useful father. Thankfully these are just moments in time and you soon snap out of it.

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

If I was to become a Dad for the second time, I think I would have a lot more faith in myself and the knowledge that the hard times do pass and that good times are just around the corner. I would be a lot more patient with my next child. I wouldn’t lose my temper quite so quickly. With my next child, I will tell myself that I can do this, because I’ve done it before and I will know what to expect.

6. What advice would you give to new dads?

I would advise any new Dad to make the most of every second of being a father. Your child will grow up at a rapid pace and before long you are wondering where the time has gone. You blink for a second and you find yourself planning your child’s first birthday party. Take as many pictures as you can and enjoy every moment of them growing up.

7. Social media links…

Facebook… https://www.facebook.com/YuleTimes

Twitter… https://twitter.com/YuleTimes

Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/yule_times/

Blog… www.yuletimes.com

Vlog… https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC80dfYUfEHVW1GUwpnaOFQw?view_as=subscriber

There You Have It…

Thanks for taking part in my Dad Chat series Stephen. I very much agree with the answer to question 6. Time just goes so quickly you really have to be in the moment.

Look out for another interview next week.

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