Really appreciated this piece. I’m not a dad myself - life hasn’t taken me down that path. But I still found myself nodding along to what you’ve written about transitions, identity and the evolution men go through.
What resonated most is the reminder that growth doesn’t begin or end with fatherhood. Some of us have had to do a lot of that work in other ways e.g. through career shifts, losses, letting go of old expectations, or rebuilding who we are in adulthood. Those transitions can be just as profound, just as identity-shaping, even if they don’t come with the title of ‘Dad’.
I love that you’re celebrating fatherhood while also widening the conversation. We all need spaces, rituals and community that support our development whether or not parenthood is part of our story. Thanks for making room for all of us.
Great article! In case you take requests, I'd like to hear more about how "a Stag Do and a wedding can be a period of growth and change for men". Would be curious to hear your thoughts on this.
Great read again James, and it’s really powerful to understand how you are feeling/thinking during these initial stages of parenthood. Personally I think there’s been lots of different transitions (good and bad) throughout that time for me. I am the same age as you and have been lucky to have the support/guidance that others may not have, but the reality is, you have to work it out for yourself. Arguably the biggest shift for me was meeting my now wife and the changes that were made in the 5 years before becoming a Dad last year. As we develop as dads, I think it becomes more important to be able to see your mates face to face (sometimes less frequently) in order to talk openly and just have a laugh. Thanks again!
Really appreciated this piece. I’m not a dad myself - life hasn’t taken me down that path. But I still found myself nodding along to what you’ve written about transitions, identity and the evolution men go through.
What resonated most is the reminder that growth doesn’t begin or end with fatherhood. Some of us have had to do a lot of that work in other ways e.g. through career shifts, losses, letting go of old expectations, or rebuilding who we are in adulthood. Those transitions can be just as profound, just as identity-shaping, even if they don’t come with the title of ‘Dad’.
I love that you’re celebrating fatherhood while also widening the conversation. We all need spaces, rituals and community that support our development whether or not parenthood is part of our story. Thanks for making room for all of us.
Great article! In case you take requests, I'd like to hear more about how "a Stag Do and a wedding can be a period of growth and change for men". Would be curious to hear your thoughts on this.
Great read again James, and it’s really powerful to understand how you are feeling/thinking during these initial stages of parenthood. Personally I think there’s been lots of different transitions (good and bad) throughout that time for me. I am the same age as you and have been lucky to have the support/guidance that others may not have, but the reality is, you have to work it out for yourself. Arguably the biggest shift for me was meeting my now wife and the changes that were made in the 5 years before becoming a Dad last year. As we develop as dads, I think it becomes more important to be able to see your mates face to face (sometimes less frequently) in order to talk openly and just have a laugh. Thanks again!