Celebrating Fatherhood In Early Years: An Interview With Joey On Parenting And Caring For Children

Father’s Day is a special occasion to honour the incredible impact dads have on their children’s lives, and there aren't many places more meaningful than in Early Years. In this interview, we sit down with Joey, a devoted father and our Deputy Manager at Fennies Beckenham, Kings Hall Road, to explore how fatherhood shapes his approach to caring for and nurturing young children. 

Joey shares heartfelt insights on the joys and challenges of parenting, how being a dad has deepened his understanding of child development and the unique role male educators play in early childhood settings. Join us as we celebrate fatherhood and the powerful connections it fosters between parents, children and those who care for them every day.

What Do You Love About Being A Parent?

“What I love most about being a parent is the unconditional love you get from your children. It’s like no matter what, they’re always happy to see you. I get home late sometimes, and the moment I walk through the door, my children run to greet me with big smiles and open arms. That kind of welcome is incredibly special, it’s a reminder that no matter how tough the day was, I’m still their hero.”

For many parents, the moments of pure joy when seeing their children’s excitement are priceless. Joey reflects on how those daily interactions give him motivation and energy, no matter how long his day has been. It’s the kind of love that doesn’t waver with circumstances, an unconditional bond that fuels him personally and professionally.

How Has Parenthood Changed Your Life?

“Parenthood has completely changed how I see the world around me. It’s made me more patient and more understanding, not just with my own children, but with every child I work with. Before becoming a dad, I already knew a lot about childcare, but actually living it day to day has given me a different kind of perspective. It’s one thing to learn about children’s needs in training; it’s another to experience the highs and lows as a parent. That’s been a real eye-opener.”

Becoming a father often shifts one’s perspective in profound ways. Joey explains how parenthood helped him develop crucial qualities like patience and understanding, which are also vital in his role working in Early Years. His prior childcare experience laid the groundwork, but the personal journey of fatherhood added a deeper layer of insight.

What Is It Like Watching Children Grow Day By Day?

“Working in this setting means you get to see how much children grow and change every single day. It’s incredible to watch those little milestones, whether it be first words, new skills or new friendships. When it’s your own child, the experience is even more special. Seeing him develop day in, day out makes you realise how precious and quick these Early Years really are.”

Early Years professionals witness remarkable growth in children over short periods, and being a parent adds a special dimension to this observation. Joey talks about how seeing his son develop alongside the children in his care is both rewarding and a constant reminder of the importance of early childhood development.

How Has Being A Dad Helped You Connect With The Parents Of The Children You Care For?

“Being a dad myself has helped me understand what parents are really going through. When they leave their children with us, they’re placing so much trust in our hands. I appreciate that more than ever now because I know how nerve-wracking it can be. It’s not just about caring for the children, it’s about respecting that trust and doing everything possible to support both the child and their family.”

Trust is a huge part of the relationship between the nursery team and parents. Joey’s own experience of fatherhood has helped him empathise with the anxieties and hopes of the families he works with, allowing him to connect on a more personal and meaningful level.

How Does It Work Having One Of Your Own Children Attend The Nursery Where You Work?

“I’m really lucky that my son comes to the nursery with me. It’s amazing to see him grow with his key people and the team around him. Watching him develop through the framework we use, the Early Years Foundation Stage, brings the theory to life. It’s not just about ticking boxes, it’s about seeing real progress in how he learns and interacts. It’s a proud moment for any parent and educator to see that firsthand.”

Joey is fortunate to have his son attend the same nursery where he works, offering a unique perspective on the care and education environment. He shares how this enriches both his personal and professional life by allowing him to witness his child’s development closely and connect it directly with the nursery’s educational approach.

Celebrating Fatherhood And Male Role Models In Early Years

Father’s Day is a perfect time to highlight the vital role male educators like Joey play in early childhood. Fathers and male role models in nurseries bring unique perspectives and strengths to their work, enriching the environments where young children learn and grow. Joey’s story reminds us how personal experience as a parent enhances professional care, building deeper connections with children and families alike.

Male presence in Early Years settings is essential in offering diverse role models and breaking stereotypes about caregiving. This Father’s Day, let’s celebrate dads like Joey who inspire, nurture and support the next generation both at home and in their professional lives.