FRESHLY graduated and just 23 years old, David Tabb readily admits he was not prepared to welcome his first daughter Laura into the world.
Ten years later and now a father to two, the Bateman resident is still learning about fatherhood every day – often with the help of online resource Direct Advice for Dads (DAD).
“My wife and I had kids unplanned when we were quite young,” Mr Tabb said.
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READ NOW“I had just finished university, was working full-time to set up an IT support company and had visions of being a millionaire by 30.
“The pregnancy was a big reality check and I was a bit resentful and definitely not the nicest partner for nine months.”
Mr Tabb said his outlook changed as soon as Laura was born, but being a new father was a steep learning curve.
“The sleepless nights, the tantrums, the regression. I am very logical and right brain-minded – kids are not and that is hard,” he said.
“There is generally a code of silence amongst dads; they don’t often seek support or ask others as they are expected to just know and get on with it.”
That is exactly what Mr Tabb did until discovering website and Facebook page DAD about a year ago.
Billed as providing “real-life advice… from dads who’ve been there, done it, and are wearing the spewed-on T-shirt”, DAD’s relatable approach immediately appealed to Mr Tabb, who is quick to recommend the website to fathers.
“It provides a conduit for men to get help without feeling like they have to ask,” he said.
“Being a father, especially a new father, can be extremely isolating and I really believe the service DAD provides is saving men’s lives.
“As men we absolutely need to get better about reaching out for help when we need it, but in the meantime an online community like this is a really good start.”
DAD celebrated its first anniversary in September and will soon expand to offer advice and tips on toddlers as well as newborns.
Visit the website at www.directadvicefordads.com.au/.
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