In this episode of Untidy, Matilda and Hannah chat to passionate dad, former professional rugby player, children’s book author, and owner and founder of nationwide wellness centres, O-Studio, Tim Bateman. Tim talks about the highs, heartbreaks, and hard-earned wisdom of raising two daughters as a young parent from the baby years to boyfriends and beyond.

Tim became a dad at 19 while juggling playing professional rugby and working towards a law degree. He determinedly built a life centred around family with the intention not just to parent, but to be a good parent. Now, with his girls in their late teens, he reflects on the joy he found in the early years and the challenges of adolescence and adulthood while he navigates the art of letting go. 

Tim discusses the shock of sudden teenage transformations and parenting without a roadmap, but relying on three profound rules throughout. He shares their relationship rituals, how he’s staying relevant, and why sometimes the most powerful thing a dad can do is simply stay present, patient, consistent, and quiet, but ready with the right question if they’re open to listening!

Tim also shares openly about growing up alongside his partner, Laura, after they met at just 15. How they navigated early parenthood, big life changes, and serious health challenges. With a relationship forged in the fire of real life, he reflects on the rituals and intentional time together that have helped them stay connected over the years, and how he’s tried to model a healthy, respectful partnership to his daughters. Now, with their daughters becoming more independent, Tim talks about reclaiming time for himself and for their relationship, enjoying the space to be in each other’s company as life opens up again.

Follow @timbateman.nz on Instagram and check out @ostudio_global and find a wellness centre near you. 

Links mentioned in the show:

• Check out an O-Studio Wellness Centre near you
• Listen to The O-Studio Podcast on Spotify
• Listen to The O-Studio Podcast on Apple
• Hannah on The O-Studio Podcast: ‘Navigating the wild world of modern dating with Hannah Davison’ on The O-Studio Podcast 
• Hannah on The O-Studio Podcast: ‘Separation & Co-Parenting — The honest messiness with Hannah Davison’ on The O-Studio Podcast
• Check out Tim’s children’s books, ‘The Sad Banana’, and ‘The Lonely Lemon’

If you’re enjoying Untidy, the best way to show your support is by tapping the ‘+ follow’ button in your podcast app and subscribing on YouTube! That way, fresh episodes will always be ready and waiting for you. Help us to keep building this supportive community — share an episode with a mate, and chuck us a 5-star review — it helps more people find our Untidy, unfiltered, and relatable chats. Thank you for listening, contributing and supporting this independent production! We’re grateful to have you here! — Hannah & Matty xx

Don’t forget! Untidy is made for YOU — the people right at the heart of this steaming hot mess! Follow the show and DM us on Instagram @untidypodcast or email [email protected]. Your stories and ideas to help shape the show! Find us online at Untidy podcast. Find Matilda at @matootles and get your copy of The Feel Good Guide. Find Hannah at @hannahedavison and her My Big Moments children’s books at @mybigmoments. Enter code UNTIDY at checkout for 10% off your order.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.