Brilliant dad feature week 46
This week our brilliant dad feature is mat from the UK. He is a full time school caretaker, and working split shifts so making him almost a full time dad. They have Eleni (2) and bump due in 6 weeks.
He was inspired to blog by his wife Stacey Kelly and blogs at, loving life and loving parenthood.
Thank you Mat for taking part.
1. Have you always wanted to be a dad?
I always knew I would be a dad and to be honest I was quite scared to have children. Will I be a good enough father? Will my daughter like me? Can I cope with the sleepless nights? Can I meet her needs emotionally? But without sounding corny I needed to meet the right person to have children with, I never felt ready to have kids till I met my wife Stacey, now I’d have loads!
2. How did you feel when your children were born?
Meeting Eleni for the first time was unbelievable. Knowing that me and Stacey were now responsible for the upbringing of this unbelievable little cherub was amazing but quite daunting.
If I could sum it up in one word it would be ‘complete’, knowing that the one thing missing from my life was my little bundle of joy, seeing my wife giving birth and giving me Eleni was unreal.
If I could sum it up in one word it would be ‘complete’, knowing that the one thing missing from my life was my little bundle of joy, seeing my wife giving birth and giving me Eleni was unreal.
3. What have been your most rewarding experiences so far as a Dad?
Where do I begin, being technically a SAHD I get to experience the best things, if I could choose a moment it would be the first time Eleni said ‘I love you’ which sounded like ‘ju juuu’ jeeez I’m a tough cookie but it almost broke me.
4. What are some of funniest moments to have happened to you as a dad?
Before Eleni called me daddy, she called me Mat, or the time Eleni ran in the room dancing to Uptown Funk, video here – https://youtu.be/gODeWGjYW0o
5. Have there been any situations with your children that you have found difficult to cope with?
Sometimes the sleep depravity can take its toll, I work full time but in split shifts so I get to be with Eleni most of the day that sometimes takes its toll but I think the most difficult time was when Eleni was poorly. I can’t imagine any other fear that you little one being ill and nothing you can do but just cuddle and reassure.
6. What are your dreams and hopes for your children?
To be happy, money doesn’t bring happiness, happiness does. She can be and do what ever she wants in her career path and as long as you are there as a supportive parent that’s all that matters.
