Dad Chat - Down Under Dad %

Here’s the next instalment of my Dad Chat series. This time it’s Nick from Down Under Dad. Nick lives in Newcastle in Australia. Part of my fascination with blogging is communicating and learning about people from all over the world so it’s great to have Nick take part in Dad Chat. He’ll give you stories, photos, advice and of course, dad jokes!

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

Dad Chat Nick and his son — Here’s Nick and his son

My name is Nick AKA Down Under Dad. I live with my wife and 2 year old in the coastal city of Newcastle, Australia (hence the name Down Under). With myself working a full time job and my wife working 3 days a week our household is always busy, and is about to get a whole lot busier in October when our second baby is due.

2. Have you always wanted to be a Dad?

Depends on what you mean by always? When I was 21 it was the last thing on my mind. Since settling down with my wife, getting married, and owning our own home, yes I have. I wouldn’t say I always wanted to be a Dad, but ever since we found out my wife was pregnant the first time, I have never looked back.

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

That’s a tough one to answer, but looking back at my childhood and all the fond memories I have of time spent with my own Dad, Its probably knowing that I will now have those same experiences with my own kids.

That and probably having an excuse for always being tired.

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

Always being tired – just kidding, you get used to that.

Knowing that your kids are learning everything off you, how you act, what you say, everything you do is imprinted on their memories, its how they learn to talk, walk, and relate with others. While this might not seem that challenging as all you need to do is be yourself, but find me one parent whose kid hasn’t learnt to say something they shouldn’t, or laugh at something inappropriate.

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

Relax and not be so hard on myself. You are going to go through some hard days, all parents do, but the good days will always outnumber the bad.

6. What advice would you give to new dads?

Don’t expect to know everything about being a Dad. No matter how much you read, how many stories people tell you, every child is different and at some point you are going to be in a situation you aren’t prepared for. Don’t stress, don’t let it get to you, just do what you think is right, and if that doesn’t work, try something else. A big part of parenting is trial and error.

7. Social media links…

Website: www.downunderdad.blog

Twitter: @DownUnderDadbg

Instagram: @downunderdadblog

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downunderdadblog

There You Have It…

Thanks for taking part in my Dad Chat series Nick. There’s a lot of good advice here for dads, especially the answers to question five and six, I’m sure you’ll agree!

Look out for another interview next week.

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

Dad Chat – Down Under Dad