How subtle, calculated interference within child protection systems undermines families, erodes trust, and strips parents of their rights — and what must change.
Patrick O'Connor
Single dads often carry tremendous weight. Some of the toughest times in my entire parenting journey happened when I was a single father. But I have also experienced joy in my life that, apart from being a parent, I never would have known existed.
All Pro Dad
Across Australia our education departments publish annual reports which list achievement gaps – by indigenous status, socio-economic status, disability, geolocation and language background – but never by gender. Yet the data is there showing girls are streaking ahead of boys in almost every subject in final year exam results.
Bettina Arndt
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, grandads and father figures! I hope you’re able to spend precious time with friends and family today and celebrate the positive influence dads have. No man is an island — we need a supportive community to flourish and grow.
Nathaniel Marsh
I watched as my toddler's head gently touched the floor. And right on cue, with impeccable timing, she wailed: “I hurt my head!” — before summoning her best crocodile tears.
Kurt Mahlburg
The princess longs for a good man who adores her, the knight for a lady worthy of such worship. Romance of this sort builds character and makes for better men and women.
Guest Writer
Dad Acrostic Dictums: An acrostic is generally a poem or phrase in which the first letters spell out a word. It will soon be Father’s Day. How many of these old sayings apply to you? How many apply to your dad?
Don Mathis
Dads4Kids' recent Men’s Leadership Summit was an incredible weekend of encouragement, practical training and peer-to-peer mentoring. We were inspired to stand fast in the faith, to be courageous and strong as men. In the company of great men, well, there’s nothing quite like it.
Nathaniel Marsh
When I was single, I had more downtime than I cared for. Now, as a father of two very young children, I treasure any time I have alone. It is only in such moments that I am able to step back, gain perspective, and think strategically about my life, my family, and our big-picture goals.
Kurt Mahlburg
Marriage is a sacrament, a path to holiness where we’re called to mirror Christ’s selfless love. Yet expectations turn it into a transaction: “I’ll love you if you meet my standards.” Hope, on the other hand, is like holding our desires with open hands. It’s rooted in trust, not control.
Byron and Francine Pirola
Dad Acrostic Dictums: An acrostic is generally a poem or phrase in which the first letters spell out a word. It will soon be Father’s Day. How many of these old sayings apply to you? How many apply to your dad?
Don Mathis
Today, I’m excited to announce Dads4Kids' latest Community Service Announcement (CSA) campaign, "Be The Best You Can Be", is going to air on TV networks all across Australia.
Nathaniel Marsh
I know that technically Father’s Day is the first Sunday in September, but I think that your first Father’s Day is the day of your child’s birth. Your baby is born, but a father is born, too.
Guest Writer
While deep down we really love each other, all couples inevitably have "complaints" about their spouse. Turning our complaints into requests makes for far better communication and mutual respect, framing change in concrete, doable steps.
Byron and Francine Pirola
Dad Acrostic Dictums: An acrostic is generally a poem or phrase in which the first letters spell out a word. It will soon be Father’s Day. How many of these old sayings apply to you? How many apply to your dad?
Don Mathis
Danny Abdallah could have easily smashed the man who killed his children, as at one stage he was the Australian kickboxing champion. He recently met the man in the jail where he is serving his sentence to tell him personally of his forgiveness.
Warwick Marsh
One of the speakers at this year’s Dads4Kids Men’s Leadership Summit was Danny Abdallah — the Sydney father who lost three children to a drunk driver and went on to forgive the killer. This weekend, Danny will appear in an episode of Spotlight on 7NEWS that recounts the tragic incident — and more importantly, will highlight Danny’s journey of forgiveness.
Kurt Mahlburg
As we work more with couples, and get more life experience under our own belt, we’re gaining better insight into why forgiveness is so elusive. Here are some of the reasons why people commonly resist forgiveness.
Byron and Francine Pirola
In 2013, Michael Ray became the sole parent of his two-year-old daughter Charlie. Michael has since published his first book, "Who Knew", which speaks to his experiences as a single dad, exposing some of the stigmas men come up against in the parenting world.
Guest Writer
Please be assured as I take on the new role of CEO that the heart of Dads4Kids will continue to beat strong with fresh energy. I’m excited for all that God, our Father in Heaven, has in store for the big-hearted movement founded by the wonderful Warwick and Alison Marsh.
Nathaniel Marsh
Bedtime isn’t just a routine. It’s a ministry. For fathers walking in faith, bedtime can be one of the most consistent windows to lead, disciple, and bond with their children. It’s not about perfection—it’s about presence, peace, and perspective.
National Center for Fathering
News
Dads 4 Kids News is for writers to share interesting insights, news, and stories, to encourage dads and their families.
Most Read
The opinions of the various writers are not necessarily the opinion of Dads4Kids. Please do your own research and come to your own conclusions. We welcome feedback and if you would like to submit an article for the Daily Dad, please contact the editor at info@dads4kids.org.au
Sabotaging Behaviour Within Child Protection Systems
How subtle, calculated interference within child protection systems undermines families, erodes trust, and strips parents of their rights — and what must change.
When Toddlers Take Control
One insight I’ve gained through actual (as opposed to theoretical) parenting is that parents aren’t quite as responsible for their toddlers’ behaviour as I once assumed. A practical illustration will suffice: public meltdowns. Here are three things I can control when my toddler takes charge.
Role Models for Marriage
Every marriage needs role models, couples to look up to and imitate – usually parents. But for young people raised without stable, marital role models, mentors can fill the gap, offering hope and guidance.
Single Fathers: We Need You to Share Your Experience
Single fathers can help other dads by sharing their experiences on the work-family balance of single parenting. Plus, earn a $20 voucher in the process!
“To Be a Man”: Dax Shares a Song to Give Men a Voice
I fought back tears while listening to “To Be a Man” by Dax. This song about the meaning and challenge of being a man tells us that all men need encouragement, especially when we are tempted to stay, for despairing silence kills.
The Sport Stat That Really Matters: Character
Why do some dads obsess over sports errors their kids make? Few will ever be pro. No matter which team wins or loses, we should be rooting for all these kids to post great numbers in the character stats. Because I guarantee the boy who does well in this will likely succeed in life.
Success Breeds Success
Some people think failure is the best way of learning, including in relationships. But it's not. While we can learn from both failing and succeeding, being in a successful relationship is actually the best learning opportunity.
5 Encouragements for Single Dads
Being a single dad is a serious balancing act. Sometimes, it gets tough and lonely. We want all single fathers to feel appreciated. That’s why we’re here to give you these five encouragements.
We Were All Children Once
Australia’s children are the future of this great country. They’ll grow up to be the future dads and mums, the future workers, and the future leaders. All the more reason to invest in them now, while we still can.
Why Involved Dads Are Good for Mums
Being involved dads for our kids is one of the most powerful ways we can support our children's incredible mums, who carry such a heavy burden every day.
Why We Aren’t Getting Married and Having Kids—and How to Change That
The number of people getting married and having kids has been steadily declining. Here are three reasons why, and what we do to reverse this society-destroying trend.
Family Law and the Marxist Machine Destroying Australia
Despite our valiant efforts for Family Law reform, we came up against the Marxist machine: a wave of taxpayer-funded propaganda, male-bashing, and mission-bent bureaucracies. The government continues on its harmful, family-destroying ways.
Power of an Idea and How a Child’s Gift Can Change the World
The remarkable story, "Power of an Idea", shows how a young, poor girl's gift can change the world. Sacrificial giving is the power of love.
Becoming Dad: How to Father Well from the Very Beginning
Become a new dad? Amazing! But it's not easy. Here are five considerations on how to father well from the beginning. Because showing up early shapes who they become—and who you become, too.
What We’ve Learnt after 20 Years of Marriage
After 20 years of marriage, Matt and Alecia Zoccoli, dear friends of Dads4Kids, posted a 1-minute video revealing what they learnt to keep their relationship healthy and strong. Enjoy!
What Don’t You Understand?
I hope you never know what it feels like to lose your life partner, kids, family members, friends, home, mind, job, and any chance of getting back on your feet. All on the court's unfounded understanding of an allegation you are innocent of.
Why We Need Dads4Kids More Than Ever
Dads4Kids’ vision and mission to transform the nation by inspiring fathers to help their children be the best they can be is greater. By God’s grace, the work of Dads4Kids will continue, and we will see the tide of fatherlessness turn.
How We Survived International Travel With Two Under Two
Our airborne journey was not for the faint of heart. Our travel involved relentless sleep deprivation, unexpected hurdles, and nonstop physical demands. Here are seven strategies we employed to survive the ordeal.
The BS Detector: Body vs Verbal Language
Body language is indeed a powerful communicator. It’s even more powerful than verbal language. In fact, when it comes to matters of the heart, our body is more believable than our words.
What Did Your Dad Tell You?
Don Mathis has collected some proverbs from papas around the world and invites you to answer this question: What Did Your Dad Tell You?
Everything All At Once
Everything all at once – when life and emotions happen all at the same time – can strike at the most inopportune of times. The tragedy of fatherlessness can feel like everything all at once, too. But Dads4Kids has a plan, a 'daddy cuddle' for Australia.
Fatherhood Changes Everything
When you begin your fatherhood journey, you know the world is forever different. Three critical truths – and implementing them – will pay off for the years to come.
Origin Families and Their Impact
Our family of origin makes leaving and cleaving complicated! When we marry, we each bring an inherited mental picture of what a spouse ‘should’ be. That makes things interesting...
A Man’s Responsibility
What is a responsibility? What is the male responsible for? What is the guiding force in determining any of the above? Those are some tough questions.
Men’s Health Week: Helping Men Stay Alive & Find Their Voice
There is no telling how many men's lives Men's Health Week has saved since 2002. And now, a glimmer of federal government hope – but you must use your voice!
Rebellion in Miniature: How Toddlers Reveal the Human Heart
Rebellion is a part of the human heart. This perspective isn’t particularly popular. But it is honest – and it’s a powerful tool that equips us for the long journey of parenting.
















































