Hi, I’m David, a UK stay-at-home dad, and this little whirlwind is my daughter, Lily. I swapped spanners for snack pots, leaving my career as a Mercedes mechanic to take on the most unpredictable, messy, and rewarding job of my life: full-time dad.

What started as me grabbing my phone to capture Lily’s first giggles and peekaboo games soon turned into something bigger. I realised that sharing our real-life journey - the highs, the chaos, the “what on earth just happened?” moments - wasn’t just for me. It could brighten someone else’s day and remind other parents (especially dads) that none of us are in this alone.

Why I Keep This Diary

Every post, video, and photo is part of our story:

  • The milestones that make you cry happy tears.

  • The everyday mess that makes you laugh.

  • The honest reflections on what it really feels like to be a dad who swapped careers for cuddles.

This isn’t a parenting manual. It’s a diary, one dad’s-eye view of life with a toddler.

Our Core Values

  • Fun: Every day brings new adventures, laughter, and a bit of messy play.

  • Learning: Lily’s learning how to walk, talk, and explore… and I’m learning just as much about patience, balance, and what really matters.

  • Love: Through tantrums, triumphs, and travel, love is the thread that ties it all together.

Parenting in the UK isn’t always easy, but it’s a journey filled with joy, lessons, and endless love. I invite you to join us as we celebrate every milestone, share honest parenting insights, and create a supportive community for dads, parents, and caregivers alike.

Where to Start

Not sure where to dive in? Here are a few favourites

Join the Journey

If you’re a parent (or just curious about what life looks like when a dad runs the show), I’d love for you to follow along.

  • Watch our adventures on YouTube

  • Catch the daily chaos on Instagram

  • Or just stick around here for stories, reflections, and milestones.

This is our Old Dad Diary. Thanks for being part of it.

About David & Lily

A man with glasses holding a newborn baby wrapped in a blanket, the baby wearing a red knit hat. They are seated by a window with a poster about going home with a baby from NHS.