Dearest Daddy’s Favourite,

With Father’s Day approaching and somehow finding ourselves already halfway through the year (seriously, how did that happen?), it feels like the perfect time to talk about fathers.

As a nanny, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside countless dads, and one thing I’ve noticed time and time again is that fatherhood is a role that develops, deepens and becomes richer with time.

We often talk about the bond between a mother and child, and rightly so. During pregnancy, a mother’s body begins adapting almost immediately. She grows, nurtures and carries her baby while building a physical and emotional connection long before they’re born. Hormones shift, instincts kick in, and a relationship begins before she’s even met her child face-to-face.

For fathers, it’s often a little different.

Whilst their baby is growing, they’re usually waiting on the sidelines of the baking process. Their relationship often begins in a more tangible way once baby arrives. That doesn’t make it any less important; it just means it tends to grow through shared experiences rather than shared biology.

And that’s where time comes in.

Time is probably the most expensive currency we have, and it’s through those everyday moments that relationships are built. The feeding, the nappy changes, the tummy time, the walks around the block, the silly songs and endless rounds of peekaboo. These aren’t just tasks to get through; they’re opportunities for connection.

Every time a father responds to a baby’s needs, that baby is learning something important: this is another person I can depend on.

So mums, where you can, pass over the bottle. Hand over the particularly unpleasant nappy. Let dad figure out his own way of doing things.

I remember one mother asking me if I thought her husband was too firm when helping their child navigate big emotions. My response was something along these lines:

“Your body had nine months to prepare for this role. His preparation happens after baby arrives. The more involved he is in the day-to-day moments, the more confident and connected he becomes.”

Research even suggests that involved fatherhood can influence hormonal changes in men, supporting greater empathy and responsiveness. But for that to happen, dads need opportunities to be fully involved, and that often requires trust from the people around them.

As children grow into toddlers and beyond, that connection continues to evolve.

The rough-and-tumble play. The racing in the park. The climbing, jumping, exploring and taking manageable risks. These moments aren’t just fun; they’re helping children develop confidence, resilience and trust. They’re also strengthening the bond between father and child in ways that are incredibly powerful.

Think of it like any meaningful relationship.

When you first meet someone, you’re learning about them. You’re paying attention to their cues, discovering what makes them laugh, what comforts them and what matters to them.

The early father-child relationship isn’t all that different.

At first, communication sounds a lot like:

“You’re hungry, here’s some food.”

“You’re uncomfortable, let’s sort that out.”

“You’re upset, I’m here.”

Over time, those small interactions become the foundation for something much bigger.

As trust grows, children begin to see their fathers as a safe place. Someone they can run to. Someone who encourages them to try again when they’re scared. Someone who helps them navigate disappointment, celebrate success and believe in themselves.

And perhaps that’s what makes the role of a father so special.

It’s not built in one grand gesture. It’s built in thousands of tiny moments that often look completely ordinary at the time.

So what am I really saying?

I’m saying that what fathers do in those early years matters.

Not because they have to be perfect, but because their presence, consistency and connection leave a lasting imprint on the adults their children will one day become.

Gentle Tip of the Week

As we approach Father’s Day, I’d encourage dads to carve out a little dedicated one-on-one time with their child.

Nothing extravagant is required.

Build the biggest block tower imaginable. Make up a silly game. Go for a walk. Read a book. Kick a football around the garden.

The activity itself isn’t really the point.

The magic is in being fully present.

Put the phone away. Follow their lead. Notice their imagination, their determination, their sense of humour. Ask questions. Add to their ideas. Create a memory together.

Then, if you like, take a picture at the end to capture the moment.

As tempting as it is to make it a family activity, this particular challenge is for dad and child.

Because this is where bonding lives.

After all, children rarely remember every detail of what we did with them, but they never forget how we made them feel.

And if there’s one thing I’ve learned from the families I’ve worked with, it’s that the quality of our interactions will always outweigh the quantity.

Before I go, I’d like to thank my own dad.

Thank you for navigating our relationship with such care. For being my rock, my sounding board and often my emotional regulator. For challenging my ideas with thoughtful questions and encouraging me to think differently.

When I think of my favourite memories with him, they’re filled with laughter, joy and feeling deeply loved.

It’s my hope that every child gets to experience that same sense of safety and belonging with the father figures in their lives.

Have a beautiful week.

I’ll see you here next week.

Candice x