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.
Kurt Mahlburg
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.
Byron and Francine Pirola
If your family is like mine and loves a good story, check out Dusty Boot Books and invest in some children’s books that prioritise family, creativity, beauty, values, education, and make a difference.
Nathaniel Marsh
In your role as a parent, recognise shame for what it is and consider how you can use it according to its purpose to help your child grow.
Kurt Mahlburg
Stories are even more important to children, especially when seen with Dad. There are some good family-friendly movies out at the moment. Let me give you my top three choices.
Warwick Marsh
Fatherhood, far from being “toxic”, is an incredible protective factor that majorly reduces a whole variety of risks for children. The benefits of fatherhood extend far beyond the home, impacting children's health, safety, and future success. Keep that in mind next time someone uses the phrase “toxic masculinity”.
Kurt Mahlburg
Bruce Robinson argues that every father must learn to give unconditional love to his children, and is explicit about dads telling their children about their unconditional love for them. I agree, but it is darn difficult.
Warwick Marsh
When I became a father for the first time, a little under two years ago, my priorities and perspective on the world changed in ways I was not expecting.
Kurt Mahlburg
Parenting two under two is a rollercoaster, and some days, we’re just holding on for dear life.
Kurt Mahlburg
While we are far from experts on toddler tantrums, there is one principle my wife and I have agreed on in recent days: pick your battles. We want to avoid as many unnecessary power struggles as possible, and preserve our emotional energy for the battles that really matter.
Kurt Mahlburg
As I think about my own children, I’m concerned about the world they will inherit. Generation Alpha (those born from 2010-2024) kids are stepping into a world of slower economic progress, higher inflation, mountains of inherited debt, and many uncertainties besides.
Kurt Mahlburg
Andrew Gray and his producer Glaucco Tomaz are doing excellent work, creating content to empower men and usher in a renaissance of healthy masculinity. I picked up a few great dad tips from him, and I hope you do, too!
Nathaniel Marsh
Every father wants to be a hero in his son’s eyes. Every father dreams of leaving a lasting impact, of being the guiding force that shapes his son into a confident, capable leader. This program is an invitation to intentionally invest in your relationship with your son in a way that will echo for generations.
Chris Borrell
One of the key ways fathers shape their children is through play. Studies show that dads spend a larger percentage of their parenting time engaged in play, often favouring more physically active, rough-and-tumble interactions, like me with Squish at the beach.
Kurt Mahlburg
My younger brother died in a car accident in Tasmania on 16 January 2025, not too far from where he lived. Cameron left a living legacy displayed in his only daughter, grandchildren, nephews and nieces.
Warwick Marsh
There’s no better sound in the world than my daughter’s rapid-fire giggle. And as it turns out, the laughter she experiences during these crucial chapters of her childhood comes with benefits that will leave a lasting imprint.
Kurt Mahlburg
If you had told the 18-year-old version of my dad that someday he’d think babies were more interesting than football, he would have laughed his head off. But the truth is, as life pushes on, we don’t just abandon our dreams; our dreams change.
Guest Writer
One of parents’ constant struggles is trying to be there for our children while also meeting our own needs. What if the solution isn’t found in separation? Instead of asking when we can take a break from our children, we can instead ask a very simple question: How can we do this together?
Guest Writer
According to ordo amoris, there is a natural hierarchy in how love and compassion are distributed — beginning first with family, followed by neighbours, community, fellow citizens, and then extending outward to the rest of the world.
Kurt Mahlburg
A week ago, our little miracle man was born. For those unfamiliar with our journey, my wife and I struggled with infertility for over three years, during which time we adopted a beautiful little girl in the United States.
Kurt Mahlburg
As a father, prioritising exercise is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your family. Not only will you reap the physical and mental health benefits, but you’ll also strengthen your role as a positive influence in your kids’ lives.
Warwick Marsh
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Dads 4 Kids News is for writers to share interesting insights, news, and stories, to encourage dads and their families.
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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























