Spotlight on Dads is a weekly series from Discovering Dad that features involved fathers from around the world. The objective of the series is to inspire fathers to connect and learn from one another, while also deconstructing the stereotype of fathers as ’second’ parents.

This week’s spotlight shines on Scott Lancaster from New Zealand, who writes about his experiences as a dad at DIYFather.

Tell a little about yourself. Scott Lancaster from Wellington, New Zealand. Married to Renee, and we have an 8-month-old girl Pyper.

What about your family background? I came from a farming family. Also, a divorced family.

What do you like most about being a dad? Challenges – everyday is a new day, and everything happens for a reason. Meeting new fathers (and also mothers) who are interested in why fathers parent differently.

What do you find most challenging about being a dad? Not always knowing what the day will bring with Pyper.

What’s your most memorable experience(s) so far as a dad? Most memorable was when Pyper was sick in the hospital with gastroenteritis. This was a tough time for both me and Renee. We felt so hopeless and couldn’t wait to get her home. Thankfully, she was only a few months old and didn’t really know what was going on!

In general, how do you think dads are perceived? Why? Hopeless. Most mothers have a certain way of wanting to look after their children, and fathers are usually the ones who go back to work. Many times dads just leave it up to the mother to look after the child.

How has the experience as dad helped you discover something new about yourself? Yes, just how much I love her, and how special she has made my life. Pyper is truly a beautiful little girl in all manners of the word. I cant wait for when we can be the best of friends.

Who do you go to for advice about fatherhood? Friends who are fathers, and also DIYFather.com. I learn something new all the time.

Do you hang out with many other dads? If not, why? If so, what do you do together? No. I usually hang out with other mums. I belong to a mothers’ group, and the conversation is usually different. It’s usually about learning different things about your baby.

Tell a little about your blog. Yes, I have a website called DIYFather, which is an online global forum for fathers. I founded the site after I saw that there was little info for fathers out there, and the info that I did find was aimed at mothers.

Anything else you’d like to share? Just get involved in your child’s life. They are the most precious commodity on earth, and they need to be told and shown this everyday by both mums and dads.

Next week Spotlight on Dads will visit a dad who writes code during the day and tackles the tough issues of fatherhood by night. I hope you will join me on this adventure!

Spotlight on Dads is a weekly series published every Saturday on Discovering Dad. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section. Your feedback and recommendations will help to shape this series. Thanks!

Related Posts:

Spotlight on Dads - Dana Glazer
Spotlight on Dads - Tyler Wainright
Spotlight on Dads - James Austin

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