In celebration of Fathers day we had the opportunity to quiz our founders—Trent and Dr. Harry on their unique perspectives on fatherhood—with seven kids between them they offer some valuable insights for both seasoned fathers and those preparing to embark on this transformative journey.
How did if feel becoming a father for the first time?
Trent: Becoming a father gave me competing feelings of maturity, pride and fear. Watching my 3 sons grow has reduced the fear, increased the pride, and I’m neutral on maturity. It has introduced reflection on my own childhood though, and a dropper understanding of human behaviour.
Sorry Mum and Dad for all the drama I caused you growing up;)
Harry: Nearly 16 years ago, the birth of my daughter catalysed significant changes in every aspect of my life and work.
Far from quietening the hustle and bustle of my professional life, her arrival seemed to amplify it. Shortly after her birth, I found myself tending to patients in a nearby cancer hospital, only minutes from where my daughter had been born.
The arrival of our daughter required us to adjust every aspect of our home life. This shift was welcome, as my daughter quickly became the centre of my world. I was engrossed in her growth and development, to the point where I neglected my own health, which wasn't wise in hindsight.
“My outlook on life has been enhanced—ageing gracefully with a bottle of Kurk in one hand and a grandkid in the other would be an indication of a life fulfilled.” - Trent
How has fatherhood changed your outlook on life?
Trent: I’m excited to watch my kids grow, but chasing young ones around with my wife some days is hard work.
I try to ring fence weekends for family. With three boys activity is essential, for us this involves training martial arts together. Our goal is to raise them with a lot of sport and the least amount of screen time (although some days we need it more than them!)
Harry: My perspective on life shifted—I desired to be active and useful to my daughter, hoping to be the same for any future children. My own parents had led a rather sedentary lifestyle, and I wanted to break away from that.
I began to prioritise cooking and preparing meals packed with wholesome proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates—foods that were not only loved but were also the preferred energy sources. My life started to revolve around the bond between food, family, and overall health. I aimed to raise resilient children, and I recognised that good nutrition played a key role in that.
With our blended family—similar to the "Brady Bunch"—there were always kids around, and something was always going on.
I encouraged the kids to develop independence by gradually introducing them to public transport and involving them in household chores. Some of my favourite times have been spent coaching and attending their sports events, as well as their music concerts and other activities.
To me, family fun and time spent together is vital for my well-being. We make it a point to eat together at breakfast and dinner.
My wife and I spend several hours each week brainstorming strategies to tackle challenging issues. However, we also strive to maintain an environment of non-judgement, where topics such as drugs, relationships, family, careers, and business can be openly discussed.
What advice would you give dads and new dads to be?
Harry: Don't obsess over developmental benchmarks, but don't overlook potentially concerning signs either. I've found that baby monitors and cameras lose their utility after the first few months—they tend to train you more than the baby.
Keep yourself fit, strong, and flexible. Trust me, you're going to need it.
Ask your kids meaningful questions rather than superficial ones.
Maintain an early bedtime. It might be hard to establish and often challenged, but it's worth it for the relationships it nurtures.
Don't take yourself too seriously—remember, you were a kid once, too.
Talk openly about drugs, sex, and rock n’ roll. Always be honest with your children. Lying sets a bad precedent and jeopardises trust, which is essential for open conversations about the future between family members, whether they're related by blood or connection.
Trent: New dads? Everything changes forever—luckily for the better. My limited experience has reassured me that just being there with them is 70% of the job. So attendance gets you 7/10!
