Father’s Day is a special occasion to appreciate the role of fathers in our lives. It is a time to express gratitude and love for the men who have raised, supported and guided us through life. To celebrate the occasion, we have spoken to three new fathers about their experiences – the challenges and joys of parenthood, along with their hopes for the future and the lessons they have learned from their own fathers.
Paul Smyth - Dad to Sadie (5 weeks old)
What is one of your favourite memories of your dad? Going to the Grand (Hotel, in Millicent) for raspberry lemonade and salt and vinegar chips.
What is a life lesson your dad taught you? Work hard and be thankful for everything you have.
If you could go back in time to meet your younger self, what would you tell them about their future of becoming a dad? Take more time to enjoy every moment as it goes past so quickly.
How has being a dad changed you? Spare time has become even more scarce along with sleep.
It has also made me very thankful and appreciative for what we have been given.
Is there anything you did not expect about becoming a dad? I went in pretty open minded as I did not know what to expect.
What advice would you give future dads? Try and enjoy every single moment as it goes so fast.
What is the best and worst thing about being a dad? Best part is seeing your kid after being away at work all day.
The worst is worst is the sleep deprivation and not knowing what is upsetting your child when they will not settle.
What is something you have found a dad can do, but a mum cannot? Take all the dirty nappies out to the bin.
What is something as a dad, and partner, you appreciate about the mum of your baby/children? Getting up through the night to do the feeds when I cannot do anything to help.
What do you like to do in your down time? Fishing and spending time as a family.
What’s something you have always thought “When I’m a dad, I want to teach/show my kid.”.? Fishing and home DIY.
What’s your best/worst dad joke? What did the ocean say to the beach? Nothing, it just waved.
How would you like to spend your Father’s Day? Fishing at Beachport or going out for brunch then an afternoon on the couch.
Andrew Stone – Dad to Ava (2 years old) and Millie (5 weeks old)
What is one of your favourite memories of your dad? One of, if not probably my favourite memory would have to be being able to play a game of footy with him when I was 18, before he retired.
What is a life lesson your dad taught you? That black sambuca tasted best straight from the bottle.
If you could go back in time to meet your younger self, what would you tell them about their future of becoming a dad? Get more sleep now whilst you still can.
How has being a dad changed you? It’s probably matured me a little … not too much, just slightly, (I’m) still just a big child really.
Is there anything you did not expect about becoming a dad? Not really, maybe just how much time it would consume.
What advice would you give future dads? Start curling dumbbells now because you’re gonna need a set of pipes.
What is the best and worst thing about being a dad?
The best thing so far for me would have to be seeing Ava’s face and her reaction when I come home from work, her running up to me for a hug.
Worst thing would be dealing with the multiple tantrums after the novelty of getting home from work wears off.
What is something you have found a dad can do, but a mum cannot? Sleep through the night.
What is something as a dad, and partner, you appreciate about the mum of your baby/children? How much time and effort she puts into her babies especially at night and without fuss so that I can get a decent sleep for work or footy.
What do you like to do in your down time? I try to play a bit footy on a Saturday as well as game at home with mates, with most of my spare time usually with Millie sleeping on my chest to give mum a break.
What’s something you have always thought “When I’m a dad, I want to teach/show my kid.”.? Would have to be footy.
Hopefully one day I can show them a thing or two should they take that path.
What’s your best/worst dad joke? What’s Forrest Gump’s favourite password? 1Forrest1
How would you like to spend your Father’s Day? If the weather’s good, possibly down the river or something with a couple CC’s in the esky. Otherwise, a chill day at home is always good.
David Vine – Dad to George (12 weeks old)
What is one of your favourite memories of your dad? My favourite memory of my Dad is him holding my son for the first time.
What is a life lesson your dad taught you?
Look after the things you like and they will last longer.
If you could go back in time to meet your younger self, what would you tell them about their future of becoming a dad? It’s hard but exciting and will be one of the your best memories.
How has being a dad changed you? I’m not exactly sure about this one to be honest.
Is there anything you did not expect about becoming a dad? The unconditional love for my son.
What advice would you give future dads? It’s a lot more fun than you think.
What is the best and worst thing about being a dad? Best part is being able to bring a child up how you would like them to be.
Worst is definitely the time looking after them and the nappies.
What is something you have found a dad can do, but a mum cannot? Cannot answer this one sorry.
I believe both do a pretty good job.
What is something as a dad, and partner, you appreciate about the mum of your baby/children? I appreciate everything that Mishy has done and has gone through to bring our son to life.
Even the stress and sadness that comes out that others do not see.
What do you like to do in your down time? Sports and computer games.
What’s something you have always thought “When I’m a dad, I want to teach/show my kid..”? How to be decent people.
What’s your best/worst dad joke? Why are elevator jokes so good? They work on so many levels!
How would you like to spend your Father’s Day? Would love to spend it at home with the wife and son just chilling and maybe go for a walk with the doggos.
