Doing the dad thing

Breakfast in bed is a perk of Father's Day. File photo / Rotorua Daily Post

Besides Father's Day being just another retail gimmick, it does make you think about what it means to be a dad.

Last Sunday, in all its spring glory, I found myself pondering this tough question over a nice big breakfast of crispy bacon, gently grilled tomato, chunky slices of avocado, and toast. And a coffee would be lovely, thanks hun.

Breakfast in bed is one of the best things about Father's Day. The next best thing is getting to go back to sleep after eating it. But fat chance.

With all the noise in the house, you've no choice but to get your lazy bum out of bed and play with your kid(s). After all, if it wasn't for them you wouldn't be getting breakfast in bed... or a present.

To be honest, I have no idea how to sum up what it means to be a dad.

Sometimes, it fills me with the greatest sense of worry and burden I've ever experienced.

Anything from worries about whether or not she's had enough to eat for dinner to stuff that hasn't even happened yet, like the possibility of her being bullied at school.

It can also be an exercise in frustration and misery, like when they're teething. Yes, it must be even more hellish for them. Thank goodness for Bonjela.

But most of the time being a dad is the best thing in the world.

Like when my 20-month-old Mia and her mum make me a card, decorated with feathers and beautifully scribbled drawings, and the message, "You're the best dad in the world," written inside.

One of the things I'm looking forward to most is Saturday morning sport, especially if Mia plays rugby or soccer, although if her mum has anything to do with it she'll be playing softball, hockey or tennis.

I can't wait to stand on the sideline egging her and her team on... even if they are losing by an embarrassing margin.

So despite all the dizzy dad fears I might have, if you ask me, every day is Father's Day.

Although, maybe a big breakfast just once a week is best.

- Scott Kara

Pictured above: Breakfast in bed is a perk of Father's Day. File photo / Rotorua Daily Post