Best things about being a dad

It’s Fathers’ day this month, the perfect time to celebrate the important role that dads play in the raising of children.

In honour of the occasion, we talked to award-winning dad blogger, John Adams of Dadbloguk, about being a parent. Here’s what he told us about the joys of fatherhood and the quirky tradition his eldest child has devised to get round that timeless conundrum - the difficult-to-think-of dad gift!

What aspect of being a father brings you most joy?

Spending time with my kids, away from the distractions of phones, tablets and other devices brings me most joy. It can be as simple as going for a picnic in the countryside or playing a board game.

Life is so frenetic and busy that spending quality time without distractions is difficult. When I do spend time with them and concentrate solely on them, I always find I have the most wonderful time.

What do you find most challenging?

The school run is, without a doubt, the most challenging part of my day. Ensuring Helen, my eldest daughter, has everything she needs for the day ahead, getting the kids out the door on time and fighting my way through the traffic to get her to school before the bell goes… that’s a challenge!

What was the most useful thing you learnt from your own father figure?

My step-father taught me the value of hard work. Nothing in this world falls in your lap and why should it? Your successes come through the effort you put into them.

What is the single most important life lesson that you hope to teach your children?

Oh wow, what a question! I hope to teach my children the importance of love, tolerance and understanding. Considering what’s happening in the world of politics, I think this message and these values have never been more important. I worry for their future and hope they will do their bit to make the world a better place.

How has being a father changed you?

Being a father has made me more tolerant. You have to be when you are a parent as you never know what challenge your kids are going to throw at you next! It may be that a child falls ill when you have a spectacularly important event planned and you have to cancel everything. You have to take such things in your stride.

Finally, what is the most unusual gift you’ve had from your children in the past?

My daughter Helen has a bit of a tradition. She will often come into the garage to watch me on the treadmill. While I am running she will make me gifts out of what she finds lying around. I think a toothbrush holder made out of an old door handle would probably be the most random gift but hey, I’m not going to belittle her efforts as she was simply being creative.

Stuck for Fathers’ Day gift ideas?

If you need ideas for fun Fathers’ Day presents - dotcomgiftshop is the place to look. Here are nine quirky gift ideas for the dad in your life.

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