Jordan Watson from How to DAD is a laugh-out-loud, low-key Kiwi dad. I discovered his hilarious antics several years ago and recently wrote about one of his riotous cooking videos. Jordan’s low-production-value first video, “How To Hold A Baby”, was uploaded 10 years ago, but it’s the classic “How To Talk To A Baby” that really put the Watsons on the map:

His self-effacing YouTube description says it all without saying too much: “A Dad from New Zealand. I make videos about being a dad and about New Zealand. Funny ones, well, I try.” With close to 800 videos under his belt and 1.47 million subscribers, his trying is certainly paying off.

Hear Jordan’s story by watching his fantastic TEDx Christchurch talk here.

Through his comical content, Jordan distils the joyful, challenging and sometimes terrifying nature of ‘dad-ing’. To quote the man himself:

Obvious first question: How do you dad? Ah, well, I’ve got no idea – I just make it up. Don’t you guys? I started winging it from day one!

My eldest daughters (my wife Jodi and I were blessed with twins first, also terrifying at the time) recently turned 18. It was a massive milestone, and one we celebrated beautifully with family and friends. After more than 18 years of dad-ing myself, I can confirm that, like Jordan, I mostly made it up as I went along!

I say mostly because in all seriousness, I’ve had plenty of great examples, support and encouragement over the years being a dad.

My faithful parents, Dads4Kids founders Warwick and Alison Marsh, set a great example for my siblings and me. Their enduring love for each other (they recently notched up an impressive 50 years married), their steadfastness, and sense of adventure have been inspirational to me. Not only as their eldest son but also as a husband and father of 5 gorgeous girls. I’m eternally grateful for their example.

My beautiful wife, Jodi, who is also a wonderful mother, has been a great support over the years. By God’s grace, we complement each other and make a marvellous team. She keeps me honest and helps me be a better person. She’s taught me to be a good listener and helps decode ‘womanspeak’, which, trust me, there’s plenty of at our place. Our youngest daughter is 9, so we’re still very much in the thick of things parenting-wise, and I’m forever thankful for her.

Lastly, our amazing Dads4Kids community of like-minded men are a great encouragement to me and so many others. Men like Dads4Kids Chairman Trevor Suitor, and Board Members Adam Paull, Graham Jones, Dilan Samuel, Stephen Smith, Rob Day, and Peter Lim. These men all have massive hearts for men and fathers.

Several of them lead and help facilitate our Courageous Online Fathering Courses each year. They all generously donate their time and resources to help make Aussie dads the best in the world, and I deeply appreciate their support and guidance.

So, how does one DAD? The answer is going to look different for every dad and his family. Some excellent starting points are:

• Learning from others’ example (sometimes observing what not to do is just as powerful as what to do),
• Seeking out support from people you trust, and
• Being part of a community of like-minded fathers who will encourage and build you up

If you’re not sure where to start, our Courageous Online Fathering Course (registrations close soon – BOOK NOW) will help you with all of the above and so much more! I’ve completed the course on several occasions, and I learn something new every time. My friend Rob Day is leading our next course starting soon on 27 January, and I know he will be a huge encouragement to every participant.

Lovework

Do your best to enjoy dad-ing! Try something new. Join Dads4Kids Courageous Online Fathering Course! Be brave and try flying by the seat of your pants every now and then. As Jordan Watson says, it’s more fun that way. Plus, it’s a great way to learn, and it gives the opportunity to lead your family on the journey.

Speaking of enjoying, make sure you take some time to celebrate Australia Day with family and friends on 26 January. Our country faces many challenges, but remembering what makes Australia great is a worthwhile endeavour.

LAST CHANCE to join Dads4Kids’ upcoming Courageous Online Fathering Course starting soon on 27 January 2026. REGISTRATIONS CLOSE MIDNIGHT 25 JANUARY!!!

Commit to lasting, positive change for your family in 2026. DON’T MISS OUT – REGISTER TODAY!

Yours for dad-ing,
Nathaniel Marsh

P.S. THANK YOU to those who continue to partner with us as we build men, grow fathers, and change generations. Dads4Kids could not do what we do week in, week out without the generous support of our valued donors.

If you’re encouraged by our work and would like to see Dads4Kids start 2026 strong, please consider supporting us on a monthly basis or make a tax-deductible donation here.

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Image courtesy of How to DAD.