If you’re anywhere else in the world, you’re probably wondering why I’m posting about Father’s Day now. But if you’re in Australia (or New Zealand), then you’ll know that we like to do things differently over here and celebrate Father’s Day in September! And even though I usually write about motherhood, I think my husband, and all the other fathers, deserve a post (and a day!) to celebrate them by themselves! But of course, I’m going to stick to my style and write about it from my mum perspective. 😉

As mums, I think we have the beautiful privilege of witnessing fatherhood up close. We get to see the little everyday moments that don’t always get celebrated. With my husband, it’s the way he gets on the floor to do tummy time with the babies; the way he transfers a sleeping child from the car or couch to their bed; the way he invents silly games that bring out the loudest squeals and giggles; or the way he reads their favourite book every single night before they go to sleep.

Being a dad isn’t always easy, but in some ways, I think it’s harder than being a mum! We, as mums, can struggle to figure out what our kids want, and that’s with our built-in mum intuition from growing them for 9 months! Dads don’t have that same connection and can only rely on the knowledge they have, and their dad gut. And that’s where I feel the dads of this generation really shine – more of them are actually involved and in-tune to their children, as they lean away from the traditional societal norms of leaving all child-rearing responsibilities to the mums alone.

Nowadays, being a dad is about balancing the weight of responsibility and the quiet strength of wanting the best for your family. It’s coming home after a long day at work and still giving the time and energy to play, listen, and be present with your family. It’s late nights spent rocking a crying baby or falling asleep on the couch while holding them, even when work looms early the next morning. As mums, these are the sacrifices we notice that are often unseen by the rest of the world; this is the love and partnership that we are so grateful for.

And that’s why I’ve always said that I am so incredibly lucky to have my husband – not because he’s the best husband in the world, but because he is the best dad! And I’m not being biased, because I’ve lost count of the number of other mums who have told me what an amazing dad he is. Because at the end of the day, our children may not remember all the grand gestures and expensive toys, but they will remember their dad’s presence. How their dad read them a bedtime story, taught them how to ride a bike, was there to cheer them on at their athletics carnivals, and turned up for school events. Those are the moments that become anchors in their lives, shaping who they are, how they see the world, and also the dads they themselves will be in the future.

As a boy mum, I know that I have a huge responsibility in raising them to become quality men. But my husband is there showing them every day by example how to be an amazing, and most importantly, equal partner and parent. They are so lucky to have a dad who is present, not just for the fun stuff, but even for the necessary stuff. A dad who is so involved in their lives and daily routine that I could literally take off for a week and he wouldn’t miss a beat. A dad who puts them first without question or hesitation. And for that, I’m more grateful than words can ever express.

Father’s Day is more than just another date on the calendar. It’s a chance to pause and say: We see you. We honour you. We’re so grateful for you. It's about recognising the irreplaceable role that fathers play in their children’s lives, and the love between them that we, as mothers, are privileged to witness. So as mothers, let’s honour the laughter dads bring, the sacrifices they make, the love they give freely, and most of all, let’s thank them for walking this journey of parenthood with us, hand in hand.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads – biological, adoptive, stepdads, godfathers, or father-figures. Your presence is a gift that makes our children’s worlds brighter, and their futures stronger. Thank you, and we celebrate you! And to everyone who may be struggling this Father’s Day, we see you too, and we hold space for you, whatever situation you may be in. Take it easy, and be kind to yourself – remember, you’re allowed to do that.