In this first Dad Diary of Season 3, I open up about the big and small goodbyes that shape modern fatherhood. From the heartbreak of saying goodbye to my 12-year-old son as he flew solo back to the UK, to the daily daycare drop-offs with my youngest, I share how both moments call me to be the father the moment demands — present, steady, and responsive.
In this Dad Diary, I reflect on the dual challenges of fatherhood across distance and at home. Saying goodbye to my eldest son after a summer visit — complete with a broken arm and his first solo flight — pushed me to hold space for his sadness while staying steady. At the same time, helping my three-year-old navigate daycare transitions has reminded me that even small daily goodbyes ask for presence, consistency, and soft strength.
What you’ll hear in this episode: