David WillansinWhat it means to be a dadBeing a dad. What this gig is really about.11 years of being a dad. 6 years of hard research into the role. 39 years as a son. Distilled into less than 2 minutes.3 min read·Mar 18, 2024----
David WillansWhat puppy training teaches about training kids and parentsWe’ve got a new puppy. Taking her for a walk is like taking a toddler out, she stops ALL THE TIME. She does it because everything is new…2 min read·Mar 17, 2024----
David WillansA deep breath — the simplest, most elegant parenting toolSteadying yourself with a deep breath. It’s one of those things we do again and again as parents. The reason we do it changes of course…1 min read·Mar 15, 2024----
David WillansWhen screen time is good for kidsMy youngest is 11. For a while he was in a bit of a slump — finding it hard to get out of bed in the morning for school, always bored and…2 min read·Mar 15, 2024----
David WillansRestriction without rationale and recognition leads to rebellion — BeingDadsI can’t remember where I heard this, but it’s good. Setting boundaries for our kids, giving them clear warning about consequences and…1 min read·Mar 15, 2024----
David WillansHow parenting changes as your kids grow upWhen you become a parent you gain a lot — a companion for life, a source of abundant joy. You get the chance to become better person…4 min read·Feb 6, 2024--1--1
David WillansTHE biggest parenting paradox — when to push them and when to go easyThere are other paradoxes, but this is the biggest beast in the pack. The parental desire to make life easier for our kids might be the…3 min read·Jan 13, 2024----
David WillansIt’s called over parenting.You’ve been micro-managed as a kid, it was called school. If you’ve been micromanaged as an adult, you’ll know even better how unpleasant…3 min read·Nov 26, 2021----
David WillansNot wanting to go to schoolAt some point, every parent faces this resistance. We had it this week with one of our boys. He’s having a tough time because his normal…2 min read·Oct 14, 2021----
David WillansNaggy dad, maybe that’s actually a good thing.A few days ago my son said I was ‘less naggy’ than I used to be. Massive regret, but after reflecting, I realised why it was good….3 min read·Apr 30, 2021----