I started filming to create a video diary for Lily - something she could look back on when she's older to see how much she was loved and all the adventures we had together. It was never meant to be a business; it was always about preserving memories.

But as I shared our authentic journey - the beautiful moments and the hard days - other parents started connecting with the content. I realised there was a real need for honest dad perspectives in the parenting space, especially from stay-at-home fathers who often feel isolated and unseen.

Now, Old Dad Diary serves two purposes: creating lasting memories for Lily, and building community for dads who need to know they're not alone..

The dad's perspective. Most parenting content comes from mums, and while that's valuable, there's a gap. Dads experience parenting differently, face different challenges (like being the only man at baby groups), and bring different perspectives to product reviews, parenting decisions, and daily life.

I don't sugarcoat the hard parts or perform perfect parenthood. What you see is real life - messy, chaotic, exhausting, and beautiful. That authenticity is what our community values most.

We're based in the UK (England specifically). While our content is relevant to parents everywhere, we focus on UK-specific resources, products available here, and the experience of being a stay-at-home dad in Britain.

Yes! I collaborate with brands that genuinely align with our values and would benefit our audience. This includes baby and toddler products, parenting resources, family travel services, tech that helps capture memories, and anything that makes family life easier or better.

Every partnership must pass my personal test: Would I recommend this to a mate? If not, I don't take the deal - regardless of payment.

Learn more on our Work With Me page.

Collaborations are customised based on brand needs, but typically include:

• Dedicated YouTube video featuring the product in authentic use (not staged, but real moments with Lily)

• Instagram content including posts, Stories, and/or Reels

• Blog review with optimised content that drives long-term traffic

• Honest feedback - I won't say I love something if I don't

All content remains authentic to our voice and genuinely helpful to our audience.

YouTube: 60,000+ subscribers with consistent growth
Instagram: Active and engaged following (@myolddaddiary)
TikTok: Growing presence (@old.dad.diary)
Blog: Increasing organic traffic focused on stay-at-home dad topics

But more important than numbers is engagement. Our community is genuinely invested in the journey, trusts our recommendations, and actively participates in discussions.

Primary audience:

• UK families (though we have international reach)

• Parents aged 25-45, primarily millennial parents

• Stay-at-home dads seeking community and validation

• Expectant fathers researching what's ahead

• Couples making decisions about childcare and careers

• Anyone interested in authentic, modern parenting content

Why they follow:

• The rare dad perspective in parenting content

• Honest, relatable content without the perfect parent act

• Product recommendations they can trust

• Feeling less alone in the parenting journey

Ideal partnerships:

• Baby and toddler products (toys, clothing, safety gear, nursery items)

• Parenting apps and resources

• Family travel services and destinations

• Tech products (especially cameras, phones, devices for capturing memories)

• Home and lifestyle products that make family life easier

• Health and wellness for families

• Educational toys and resources

Not a good fit:

• Alcohol, gambling, or adult-only products

• Anything I wouldn't genuinely recommend to friends

• Products that contradict our values around child development or safety

How do I contact you for a collaboration?

Email us at davehitchcock977@gmail.com with:

• Brief description of your brand/product

• What type of collaboration you're interested in

• Your timeline

We respond to all genuine collaboration inquiries within 48 hours. You can also download our media kit for detailed audience demographics and partnership options.

Sometimes! If it's a product I'm genuinely interested in trying with Lily, I'm happy to receive it for honest review. However, featured content (dedicated videos, posts, or articles) requires compensation as it takes significant time to create quality content.

I'm always transparent with my audience about partnerships - if something was gifted or sponsored, I clearly disclose it.

Honestly? It's the hardest and most rewarding thing I've ever done. I've covered this in depth on my blog - check out The Ultimate Guide to Being a Stay-at-Home Dad in the UK for the full picture.

The short answer: It's relentless, occasionally isolating, and exhausting. You're constantly switching between roles (chef, cleaner, entertainer, safety officer) with no breaks. But it's also magical - I get to witness every milestone, build an incredible bond with Lily, and create memories I'll treasure forever.

Some days I question everything. Most days I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Great question, and one I get all the time. There are several ways stay-at-home dads can generate income while still being primary caregivers:

1. Content creation (my path) - YouTube ad revenue, blog income, brand partnerships, and affiliate marketing

2. Freelancing during nap times - Writing, design, consulting, virtual assistant work

3. Part-time evening/weekend work - When your partner can take over

4. E-commerce or online businesses - Dropshipping, Etsy, digital products

5. Maintaining career skills - Contract or project-based work in your field

The key is finding something flexible that doesn't compromise your primary role as caregiver.

Reality check: You're unlikely to replace a full-time income immediately, but many SAHDs build sustainable side income over time.

Yes, it can be incredibly lonely - and this is something we don't talk about enough. You can feel profoundly isolated even when you're never physically alone.

Most baby groups and activities are attended by mums. Adult conversation is rare. Your work colleagues have moved on. Your partner comes home exhausted. It's a unique kind of loneliness that's hard to explain to people who haven't experienced it.

What helps:

• Actively seeking out other dads (online and in-person)

• Joining dad-specific groups

• Being honest about the isolation instead of pretending you're fine

• Scheduling regular adult interaction

• Connecting with communities like ours on YouTube

I've addressed this openly in my post about dad mental health - because if we don't talk about it, nothing changes.

The judgment is real. You'll get comments like "Oh, babysitting today?" (No, I'm parenting), "When are you going back to real work?" (This IS real work), and surprised looks when you show up to baby classes.

My strategies:

1. Develop thick skin - Not everyone's opinion matters

2. Have your confident response ready - "I'm a full-time stay-at-home dad. Best decision I've ever made." No justification needed.

3. Find your community - Surround yourself with people who get it

4. Own it completely - The more confident you are, the less others' opinions sting

Honest answer: It might make returning to your previous career more challenging, but it doesn't end your professional life.

Potential challenges:

• Employment gaps on your CV

• Outdated skills in fast-moving industries

• Some employer biases

How to mitigate:

• Frame it positively as valuable experience

• Keep skills current through online learning or freelancing

• Build transferable skills (time management, patience, multitasking)

• Consider pivoting to a new field

• Build new income streams during your time at home

Alternative perspective: Your career might span 40+ years. Taking 3-5 years to raise your child is a tiny percentage of your working life, but those years with your child are irreplaceable.

I've built a completely new career path through content creation - something I never would have discovered if I hadn't become a stay-at-home dad.

I've created a comprehensive resource list in my Ultimate Guide to Being a Stay-at-Home Dad, but here are some quick recommendations:

UK-Specific:

• Dad Blog UK (dadbloguk.com)

• The Dad Network (thedadnetwork.co.uk)

• Local dad groups on Facebook

Mental Health:

• Samaritans: 116 123

• Dad Matters (dad-specific mental health support)

Activities:

• Hoop app (find local activities)

• National Trust family membership

• Local library storytimes (free!)

Community:

• Our YouTube channel - over 60K dads sharing the journey

• Reddit: r/sahp and r/daddit

Mostly my phone. I've found that the best camera is the one you actually have with you, and my phone is always nearby.

For special occasions or when I want better quality, I use a DJI osmo 3 or Insta 360 ace pro

The most important thing isn't the equipment - it's actually pulling out the camera and capturing the moment instead of just living in your head about documenting things perfectly.

I've covered this extensively on the blog, but my go-to activities include:

Free/Low-Cost:

• Local library storytimes

• Park rotation (find 3-5 in your area)

• Nature walks and collecting treasures

• Home sensory play (rice bins, water play, arts and crafts)

Worth Paying For:

• Swimming lessons (essential life skill)

• Soft play on rainy days (and there are many!)

• National Trust membership for families

This is something I talk about openly because it's crucial. The mental load - constant decision-making, emotional regulation, planning, vigilance - is exhausting and often invisible.

What helps me:

• Being honest about struggling (not pretending I'm fine)

• Talking to other dads who get it

• Protecting time for myself (even 30 minutes matters)

• Lowering my standards (done is better than perfect)

• Regular exercise and basic self-care

• Actually asking for help instead of martyring myself

the key is having a flexible framework, not a rigid schedule.

Our anchor points:

• Morning: Breakfast, getting dressed (takes forever!), morning activity

• Midday: Lunch, nap/quiet time (when she cooperates)

• Afternoon: Activity or errands, snack time

• Evening: Family dinner, bath, bedtime routine

But honestly? About 40% of the time, this plan goes out the window, and that's okay. The routine is a guide, not a prison.