Yer Dad Does Podcasts

Welcome back to Episode 5!

In this episode, join Paul & Col, with our special guests Lynsey and Aaron of Hair and Co Newtownards, how do self employed parents manage everything, what sacrifices are made, the difficult parts along the way and the importance of lists.

We share candid conversations, discuss modern parenting and how its hard to keep up at times, plus look at those special moments such as gaming all night with your kids.

We also discuss postive impact on the community and the upcoming Ponytail Club event aka Pints & Ponytails.

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💬 Drop your favorite moment in the comments.

#parenting #parentingPodcast #HairandCoards #PintsandPonytails #modernparenting.

Your Dad Does Podcast - New starts, school routines, and the parent strike.

Paul and Col cover a week packed with firsts, from Lainey’s first concert to both kids starting primary school and settling into new routines. They also dig into the Parent Strike in Belfast, sharing a wider conversation about paternity leave, childcare support, and how families juggle work and home life.We discuss the joys and headaches of parenting through change: concerts, sports clubs, school drops, family lunches, and the small wins that make the chaos worth it. Along the way, both hosts contribute their own experiences, including different work patterns, childcare setups, and views on how parents can share the load more fairly.Key topics

• In this episode: Lainey’s first concert at a Lewis Capaldi show, including the decision to take her as a 4-year-old and what made it work.
• We discuss how strangers approached Lainey directly at the concert, raising questions about boundaries, confidence, and stranger danger.
• Paul and Col talk about both children starting P1 and how quickly school life changes family routines.
• The hosts unpack the reality of school costs, settling-in periods, and how work schedules have to shift around school hours.
• They reflect on school contact lists and who gets called first, challenging assumptions about mothers always being the default contact.
• In this episode: childcare and daycare get a strong defence, with examples of how early structure supports social skills, toilet training, and confidence.
• The kids’ after-school activities come up, including mini rugby, gymnastics, jiu-jitsu, swimming, and cheerleading.
• Paul shares a bike-riding hack using a towel for support while teaching balance without stabilizers.
• We discuss the Parent Strike in Belfast and the campaign for better paternity leave and stronger childcare support.
• The episode closes with a broader conversation about raising respectful kids, social expectations, and the pressures facing parents today.

In this episode, we dive into the journey of Toby, who shares his experience of moving from England to Northern Ireland with his wife to start a family. The conversation highlights the unique challenges and joys of parenthood in a new country, especially when it comes to building a support network and adapting to a different lifestyle.## From England to Northern Ireland,Toby, a dad of one, reflects on the factors that led to his family’s move. He candidly discusses the rising house costs in England, which played a significant role in their decision to relocate. "We were in the south of England before, a lovely part of the world, kind of near Bournemouth. But it was extortionate to live," he shares. The couple's desire to be closer to family and the opportunity to live by the beach were also compelling reasons.## Building a CommunityOne of the key challenges Toby faced was the need for a support network after moving. "Having a village around you is crucial when having kids," he says. Initially, their location felt isolated, which made it tougher to connect with other parents. The importance of community cannot be overstated, especially for new parents trying to navigate the challenges of raising a child far from home.## Cultural Differences and AdjustmentsToby also touches on the cultural differences he encountered, particularly regarding community dynamics. He recalls a striking moment when he saw a threatening message on a wall, which was quite a shock compared to his experiences back in England. "In England, I've never experienced anything like that. It's still strange and slightly alarming when you're thinking about having a baby soon," he admits.## Quality of Life Despite initial challenges, Col (the host) can relate with their decision to move. "It's definitely a more relaxed way of life here. After work, you can pop to the beach, which is something you can't do in Watford," he explains. Toby adds that his family is enjoying their new home, and Toby feels that the slower pace of life suits their current stage as parents.## The Power of Connection The conversation also brings attention to the importance of connecting with other fathers. Toby shares his positive experiences with a group called DadBods NI, which he discovered shortly after moving. This community provides a safe space for dads to share experiences and support each other in their parenting journeys. "It was great to find a group of dads where we can just be ourselves," he says.Reflecting on his journey, Toby emphasizes the value of community and shared experiences in navigating the challenges of parenthood. As he continues to settle into his new life, he encourages other parents to reach out and build their support networks, no matter where they are. For more insights and personal stories, listen to the full episode on your favourite platform!

Most parents feel like they’re just surviving—until they hear this. In this candid episode, parents Paul and Col share raw, relatable stories about balancing hectic family life with their mental health, work, and personal growth. They reveal how tiny changes—like taking a lunch hour or using innovative "dad hacks"—can transform chaos into calm and help you reclaim your time. You’ll discover practical strategies to better manage the overwhelm, keep childhood magic alive, and foster stronger bonds with your kids, amid the unavoidable chaos of parenting.You’ll hear Paul and Col break down:

• How embracing moments like paddleboarding or spontaneous family outings can boost mental health and create lasting memories
• The importance of setting boundaries and taking time for self-care, even during the busiest weeks
• Simple but effective “dad hacks” like using QR codes for kid activities or managing tantrums through distraction and calm techniques
• The shifting dynamics of raising boys and girls, and the deepening of sibling bonds in early childhood
• Their honest take on the woeful UK paternity leave and how longer shared parental leave can benefit families and society alike

Why does it matter? Because without intentional effort, many of us hardwire ourselves into a cycle of surviving rather than thriving. This episode offers a wake-up call and a toolkit to find more joy, connection, and sanity in the chaos—whether you’re navigating toddler tantrums or trying to squeeze in a workout for your health.Perfect for overwhelmed parents, work-from-home moms and dads, or anyone craving practical tips to balance the beautiful chaos of family life. If you’re tired of just surviving and want to start thriving, this episode is your go-to guide.

Don’t just listen—take action and transform your family routine today.

Welcome to the very first episode of Yer Dad Does Podcasts!

Parenting is a wild, beautiful, and completely unpredictable ride. In this inaugural episode, hosts Paul and Col dive headfirst into the multifaceted world of modern fatherhood and raising kids. They share the exact conversation that sparked this podcast—realising the need for a space that doesn’t just celebrate the wins, but openly tackles the messy, stressful, and unspoken realities of parenthood.

In this episode, Paul and Col break down:

• The Joys & The Mess: Col shares his firsthand experience raising two young children and why protecting parental mental health is non-negotiable.

• Breaking Taboos: From the skyrocketing costs of childcare to the heavy emotional weight of daily parenting choices, no topic is off-limits.

• Building Your Village: The hosts discuss the challenges of isolation, relocating, and how they built their own vital support systems and communities in Northern Ireland.

• Our Personal Journeys: An honest, sensitive look at their own paths to conception, the decision to have kids, and the emotional rollercoasters along the way.

Whether you are a seasoned pro, a brand-new parent, or just trying to survive the weekly chaos, this podcast is your community. Expect honest conversations, expert guest perspectives in future episodes, and a healthy dose of humour.

We want to hear from you! What is the craziest part of your parenting week? Hit follow so you never miss an episode, leave us a review, and share your thoughts.

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