Dads, Keep Being Silly

Before we begin: Okay, I lied in my last post about moving on to a new series. Instead, I’m going to write posts as the ideas come—then I’ll categorise them later (maybe). Anyway, I hope you enjoy this one.

Dads. We’re often the ones who look a little more dishevelled than the mums.

We push the boundaries of parenting orthodoxy—but we do it with flair.

I learnt dad silliness from some of the very silliest: despite his serious businessman air, my dad had a knack for cracking me up with his deliberate mispronunciation of English words (broc-coh-lie for broccoli and spag-geh-dee for spaghetti).

He’s also my original inspiration for the Dutch oven—much to my wife’s chagrin.

Will's Market Research

After a brief Saturday morning stint at Chadstone I found us dads doing what we do best:

• Stretching the wake window out too long just to finish a brekkie burrito (or maybe this is just me)

• Micromanaging mum on how to tighten the baby seat (also me)

• Shuffling the pram around the shopping centre at drag racing speed 

• Flinging their child’s miniature primary-coloured backpack over one shoulder after said child's thrown in on the ground in a tantrum

• Pushing an empty pram whilst their toddler gleefully strolls alongside it

• Proving mum wrong when she says you can’t balance a pram up an escalator (to be fair: the lift systems at Chadstone were definitely designed by an escape room artist)

We’re also known to employ a suite of lazy dad (read: ingenious) techniques—like a battery-powered rocker that’s saved me from at least 3 RSI diagnoses.

I’m also pretty sure there were a few dads flying solo at the café, catching up on life admin or just finding 5 minutes of peace to demolish some eggs shakshuka.

But here’s the thing—our role isn’t just to be serious.

It’s not just about earning money, fixing stuff and keeping everyone safe.

Don’t underestimate the power of being a silly dad. In fact, research shows that our role is to be just that.

Facts

A 2024 study found that fathers who engage in play and use humour during interactions help their children develop better emotional regulation and social skills. These playful, often silly moments help kids learn to read emotional cues, handle stress, and build resilience.

Additionally, parents who incorporate humour into their parenting tend to have stronger relationships with their children, as humour can teach cognitive flexibility, relieve stress, and promote creative problem-solving and resilience.  

The takeaway? Lean into the silly voices, slapstick jokes and the absurd made-up songs and games. You're not just making your kid laugh—you’re helping wire their brain for connection, confidence and creativity.

Here’s a photo of me wearing my son’s (clean) nappy on my head.

Seen or heard any silly dad antics that lit up a child’s face? Drop them in the comments—we're here for it.

-Will

Where was I writing this? 5/4/25 Axil Chadstone ($7 regular almond latte—sweet toffee notes, bold, awesome mouth feel)