Fathering First Podcast – Laurie Steed

After experiencing family break-up at the age of nine, Laurie spent most of his adolescence and young adulthood believing he wouldn’t become a ‘family man’.

An avid traveler, he eventually came to realise this aversion to the family experience was a hangover from his childhood experiences – and began to open his mind to taking on the ‘new’.

Laurie met the woman who would become his wife at a party, and years down the track Oscar and Jake came into the world to complete the Steed Family.

This podcast was recorded on Friday 3 July 2020.

This podcast episode explores Laurie transition to fatherhood, from emergency C-section to accident prone kids, there’s a lot to relate to in Laurie’s story.

“It’s really an interesting thing, because I had been so adamant that I wasn’t going to be this father-figure for people, I just didn’t think I had within my capabilities,” Laurie shares.

“It was almost the moment that Oscar showed up that something really profoundly clicked. I can recall hearing his cry in the room the first time and thinking ‘I’ve never heard that noise before, what’s that!?’.

“From there, I’m certainly laughing a lot more, and having a few more anxious moments too.

“My volume has gone up from a 2 to about a 10, in terms of what my life looks like.

“That willingness to emotionally be present for someone, is the most important and the hardest thing as a parent.

“When they need you, they need you – and they need you’ve ever been needed before,” says Laurie.

Did you enjoy this podcast episode? Our content is designed to strengthen the connection between you and your child, offering practical advice and creative suggestions for spending quality time together. Discover valuable strategies designed to foster father-child bonding on our blog, ensuring lasting memories and a deeper connection with your child.