Exploring what it means to be a great dad.
One day I realised I was an impatient, angry parent. I started BeingDads to work out how to be better, calmer parent. After years of research and self experimentation, I’ve ended up running workshops and training 1,000’s of parents on patient parenting.
If you worry you’re parenting is too snappy, angry or impatient, I can help. Welcome.
Every family has a culture. Here are some insights into mine to help you think about how you create yours.
Every child is different. Remembering that in the moment and learning more about them as you go makes for a better, calmer family.
When you see all behaviour as a signal, it changes the way you react for the better and makes you more patient.
Parenting goes through stages, knowing what they are will help you be a better parent in the stage you’re in.
I’m a naggy dad. I don’t want to be but I’m glad I am. It’s weird but realising this has made my life better.
Glimmers of hope on the horizon, but they’re still a long way off. We’ll get there though, us parents, here’s why.
Sherlock’s insights on how the brain works reveals one reason why we get impatient with our kids.
Lockdown with busy working parents might be laying down unhealthy and potentially disastrous mindsets in our most loved ones.
What it’s like being a children’s artist keeping a room full of under-fives entertained.
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Dad interviews
Interviews with dads who are leading an interesting life, to give you insights into the many different ways other dads manage fatherhood, work and life.
Patience for mums and dads
"There's a last time they'll hold your hand, sit on your lap and run up to you for a cuddle. Make the most of it."
A granddad told me that. I think about it a lot. Don’t miss a moment.
I started BeingDads because of my impatience and my anger. One moment on the school run in particular forced me to ask myself what it meant to be a great dad, and how to get there.
I realised I wasn’t enjoying the moments with my kids, I as rushing through them, it felt like I had a compulsion to rush, to expect immediate action, to not tolerate ‘bad’ behaviour. I wasn’t happy, and my kids were seeing me as the naggy, angry parent. Not good.
So I set out to change.
Over the years I’ve done a lot of work. It’s taken much trial and error. I’ve explored anger management, behavioural science, psychology, psychotherapy, child development and a lot more. Slowly, with much self-experimentation and the help of many dads who subscribe to my newsletter, I’ve refined what works into a set of exercises, that fit into a the life of a busy parent.
It works.
If my story chimes with yours, please have a look at it.
“The course gave me concrete steps that helped me reflect on and improve my behaviour, it made a real difference in mine and my son’s lives. ”
— Georgios, Head of Engineering, Berlin
What being a dad is really about.