In this episode of Growing Dad, I focus on the unseen work. The foundations we quietly build. The emotional groundwork that rarely gets noticed but shapes everything that comes after. Just like soil in winter, this is where real growth begins.

Self-love & gratitude

We start by recognising the invisible jobs. Composting, mulching, feeding the soil. Jobs that don’t look impressive but make all the difference. I draw parallels with parenting, the emotional labour, the patience, the listening, the steady presence that often goes unacknowledged. This is about learning to be grateful for the work that doesn’t come with applause.

Inner peace & positivity

January is a masterclass in patience. You don’t see instant results in the garden, and that can feel uncomfortable. This section explores trusting the process, staying positive when progress isn’t visible, and finding peace in knowing that doing the right thing now is enough.

Healing & letting go

After a tough growing season, soil needs care, not criticism. The same goes for us. Here, I talk about healing after burnout, stress, or a difficult parenting moment. Instead of blame, we focus on repair. Improving the conditions rather than beating ourselves up for what’s already happened.

Relationships & connections

Soil connects every plant in the garden. It’s the shared foundation. I explore how communication, routines, and shared values act as the soil in our families, quietly holding everything together and helping relationships grow stronger over time.

Mindset & self-awareness

This part looks at shifting from an outcome-focused mindset to a process-focused one. Doing the right things consistently, even when no one sees them, and learning to value effort over results in both the garden and at home.

Future self & growth

Healthy soil creates resilient plants. In the same way, the emotional groundwork we lay now shapes the dads we become. This final section reflects on how the unseen work of today leads to a calmer, more confident future self.

If you’ve been putting in the effort but not seeing the rewards yet, this episode is a reminder that it all counts. The soil remembers.