Dads look back on their early days of fatherhood and the lessons they’ll never forget.

The first year of fatherhood is full of highs and lows, unforgettable moments, and lessons that can’t be learned anywhere else. Whether it’s years behind you or just around the corner, reflecting on that intense, beautiful, and emotional chapter can bring new perspective.

With First Father’s Day approaching, we asked a few of the dads at Letterfest to look back and share their first Father’s Day reflections—honest, heartfelt new dad stories filled with the raw, funny, and moving moments that shaped their early days as parents. Whether you’re a new dad yourself or searching for first Father’s Day gift ideas, we hope these reflections offer insight, comfort, and a sense that you’re not alone in this journey.

If you're looking for a becoming a dad blog that speaks from real experience, you're in the right place.

“Fatherhood has been the best thing to ever happen to me”

By Lewis, Dad of Isabelle, Senior Developer at Letterfest.

“My first year as a dad was a total shift in every way, but also the start of what has continued to be a wonderful and incredible journey.

The lack of sleep was a new challenge, but it was also a time full of love, special memories and bonding moments. Peaceful feeds in the night with cuddles, getting up early and spending time together while mommy caught up on sleep after a busy night feeding, taking our dog for a walk with Isabelle in the sling, having a snooze - the special moments are the best and pass too soon so they are to be cherished. Every first moment, and the smile that came with it were just incredible moments. They still are.

Suddenly, that baby girl is now a thriving, bonkers 7-year-old. Fatherhood has been the best thing to ever happen to me, and with all the challenges, ups and downs, and special moments, I wouldn't change it for the world.”

“The tough times soon pass, and you miss them”

By James, Dad of Phoebe and Florence, CEO at Letterfest.

“My learning actually comes from years later. Just enjoy every little moment—especially in that first year. Remember that these fleeting moments are here and then gone. The tough times you think will never end soon pass, and you miss them.”

“I was in a bubble of newness and disbelief”

By Tom, Dad of Jack and Lily, Head of Illustration at Letterfest.

“Jack was born during a heatwave in May. I was in a bubble of newness and disbelief. This tiny boy with big eyes and clenched fists had suddenly become the centre of everything, and nothing else seemed as important as figuring out how to look after him.

Those first few weeks were tough. The heat made everything feel more intense - sleepless nights were stickier, tempers shorter, and even getting out for some air became a mission.

That first year taught me so much... I was a dad, living what would later become my own first Father’s Day reflection. How love can hit you like a train. How sleep is optional (apparently). How holding a tiny hand can completely rewire your priorities. I wasn’t just me anymore - I was a dad. And somehow, that felt like the most natural thing in the world.

Four years later, my daughter Lily arrived. By then, I was more confident, a bit more relaxed. I knew the tiredness wouldn’t last forever. And she just slotted in. Her first year felt calmer - not because she was easier (she wasn’t), but because I was different. Less anxious, more able to enjoy it for what it was. She brought her own rhythm and personality from the start - feisty, determined, quietly hilarious. It was busy, messy, loud - but filled with the kind of moments that stay with you.

Now she’s seven, and Jack’s nearly twelve. The sleepless nights are long behind me (mostly), but I still think about those first years a lot. How much they changed me. How much I learned - not just about being a dad, but about myself.”

“Everything in my life had changed, no matter what happened next”

By James, Dad of Thea, Fractional CTO at Letterfest.

“Thea was born a little over three months premature. The first two weeks were critical for her survival, and it was touch and go. I remember leaving the hospital in the early hours of the morning for the first time to get some sleep, knowing then that everything in my life had changed no matter what happened next. 

Over the next four and a half months, she grew stronger in the hospital, and I was so proud of her for fighting and thriving. We celebrated every milestone together.

She is now just a normal girl in her second year at school, but she still keeps that fight and makes me proud every day. It is seeing that from her, along with the joy and happiness when we are together, which drives me to be the best person I can be for her.”

“Through it all, you realise you wouldn’t have it any other way”

By Tom, Dad of Olivia and Isla, Automation Engineer at Letterfest.

“Nothing can prepare you for the change in lifestyle. Lack of sleep becomes the norm, for the first few months, time seems to stretch out and then the days accelerate and years pass in a blur.

Before kids, I had it easy.

And after having another, I’ve learned that you should do all the things you want to do for yourself before becoming a parent, because you might not get the chance again for years!

But the hard times also make the best times even more special, and through it all, you realise you wouldn’t have it any other way.”

No matter how long ago that first year was, one thing remains true: fatherhood is a journey filled with love, growth, and a bond like no other. It’s not about getting it all right—it’s about showing up, adapting, and cherishing the moments (even the hard ones) that become the stories we carry with us.

Whether you’re remembering your own early days, preparing for the arrival of your baby, or shopping for first Father’s Day gift ideas, this is a time to celebrate the adventure of becoming a dad. These first Father’s Day reflections from the Letterfest team are a heartfelt reminder that even the sleep-deprived, messy beginnings are full of magic.