2 posts tagged with "fatherhood"

You can’t pour from an empty cup — and that’s okay.

As a new dad, your entire world has been re-prioritised. You are a provider, a protector, a partner, and a parent. The last person on that list is, almost always, you.

"Self-care" can feel like a selfish, indulgent word when your partner is exhausted and your baby needs you. We feel guilty for taking 20 minutes for ourselves.

Here's the truth: Self-care isn't selfish; it's essential.

A dad who is burnt out, stressed, and running on fumes is a dad who is impatient, distant, and irritable. Taking time to recharge isn't taking away from your family; it's what enables you to show up for them as the best version of yourself.

Your family doesn't need a martyr. They need you.

Re-thinking "Self-Care"​

This isn't about booking a spa day (though if you can, go for it). It's about small, sustainable acts of maintenance.

It’s about finding 10-minute windows to reset your nervous system, so you can handle the 2 AM screaming (or the 2 PM screaming).

Simple, Achievable Self-Care Rituals​

• The 10-Minute Walk: When you feel your stress peaking, tag in your partner and just walk around the block. No phone. Just breathe in the fresh air and reset.
• The "Tap Out": Establish a code with your partner. "I need 15." It means, "I'm hitting my limit and need a break." Go to a quiet room, listen to one song, or just sit in silence.
• Hydrate: You are probably dehydrated. Go drink a full glass of water, right now.
• Move Your Body: You don't need the gym. Do 10 push-ups, 10 squats, or just stretch your arms over your head for 60 seconds.
• Stay Connected: Text a mate. Not about the baby, but about the game, work, or a stupid meme. Maintain a tiny piece of your old identity.

How ReadyDad Helps​

We built ReadyDad as a private space for you. The daily check-in isn't just about the baby. It's about you.

The app will ask you, "How are you feeling today?" and "What's one small thing you can do for yourself?"

It’s a simple reminder that your wellbeing matters. It gives you permission to feel overwhelmed and the encouragement to take 60 seconds to reset.

You are not a robot. You are a human being going through one of the biggest changes of your life. Take care of yourself.

We built ReadyDad to make those early months easier, calmer, and more connected.

When I became a father, I was hit by two overwhelming feelings at once: an incredible, floor-dropping love for my new son, and an equally powerful sense of "what on earth do I do now?"

Fatherhood is amazing. It’s also isolating.

In the storm of the newborn phase, most of the support, resources, and check-ins are (rightfully) directed at the mother. As dads, we're often left on the sidelines, trying to be supportive while quietly dealing with our own anxiety, exhaustion, and identity crisis.

We ask, "How can I help?" We wonder, "Am I doing this right?" We feel, "I'm exhausted, but I can't complain."

That's why I built ReadyDad.

What is ReadyDad?​

ReadyDad is a private, AI-powered companion built specifically for new fathers. It's not another forum. It's not a 500-page book you don't have time to read.

It's a simple, non-judgmental space on your phone designed to help you navigate the first year of fatherhood in just a few minutes a day.

We focus on three things:

1. You (Self-Care): You can't be a good partner or father if you're running on empty. ReadyDad gives you simple, 60-second prompts to check in with yourself, manage stress, and remember to breathe.
2. Your Partner (Support): Move from "How can I help?" to proactive support. ReadyDad offers daily ideas to support your partner's recovery, understand what she's going through, and be a true teammate.
3. Your Baby (Bonding): Feeling connected to a newborn can be tough, especially if you're not the primary feeder. The app provides simple, age-appropriate bonding ideas that take minutes but make a huge difference.

Built for Dads, by a Dad​

I realised I didn't need more information. I needed the right information, at the right time, in a way that didn't add to my mental load.

ReadyDad is your private coach. It’s a place to ask the "stupid" questions. It’s a daily reminder that you're not alone in this, and that you're doing a great job.

Welcome to the team, Dad. You've got this.