Father’s Day Tips: Care Home Residents Give Advice to New Dads

This Father’s Day, residents at a care home in Bingley, near Bradford, have shared their top parenting tips for new dads and dads-to-be.

Having a baby and becoming a parent is amazing, but life will never be the same! We’re all familiar with the sleepless nights and having less ‘me’ time, but what really matters as a parent? From accepting that mistakes will happen, to cherishing all moments with your child, elderly residents have shared what matters most, based on a wealth of parenting experience that has been built up over decades, They’ve shared their wisdom with us below, to ease any new parent worries.

Along with sharing what being a dad means to them, residents at Bupa’s Cottingley Hall Care Home have also reflected on the fondest memories enjoyed as a parent, including exploring music and seaside adventures with the family.

Father’s Day wisdom – Residents’ best advice for new dads:

• “It’s ok to make mistakes; being a parent is never easy”
• “Always be proud”
• “Take care of your family and always do your best”
• “Embrace life, never take it for granted”
• “Enjoy your time with your children”
• “Be ready to be a father first”
• “Always dedicate time to them and show affection”
• “Supporting your family is key”
• “Make the best provisions you possible can afford”

 
Alan Hall, 91, has two sons, one of whom has travelled the world for his career – currently he’s in New Zealand after moving from America. One of Alan’s funniest memories was when his wife asked their globe-trotting son if he was just trying to escape his parents by moving as far away as he could!

Excited to share his advice, Alan said: “As a new dad, make the best provisions you possible can afford. Supporting your family is key”.

Another Bupa Cottingley Hall resident is 92-year-old Joseph Graham, a father to four sons. Born and raised in Bradford, Joseph had a career as a local police officer, and moved into the care home in March.

One of Joseph’s fondest memories is being at the seaside with his four sons. He loved seeing them play on the sand and together in the sea.

“My best advice for any new dads this year is to remember that it’s ok to make mistakes. Being a parent is never easy, but always do your best. Be proud and always take care of your family, too”, says Joseph.

 
Like Joseph, 80-year-old George Towler has four children. He’s lived in Cullingworth all his life and has been a resident at Cottingley for over four years. George advises new dads to “embrace life and never take it for granted”.

“Make sure you enjoy your time with your children – it goes so quickly”! Joseph’s most treasured memories with his family are the times they spent together abroad on holiday, where all the family would get together and have fun.

 
Lastly, 88-year-old resident Brian Cryer – a father of three, who has been at the home for two years.
“My advice for new dads is to always dedicate your time to your children and show them lots of affection. Make sure you’re prepared and ready to be a father too!”, he says.

Brian is a keen piano player, and his happiest memory of being a dad is watching all his children at the side of him whilst he played.

 
Lorraine Tinker, manager at Bupa’s Cottingley Hall care home, said: “We’ll be helping all our residents celebrate Father’s Day this weekend and are looking forward to welcoming visitors.

“We’re like one big family here so, even if residents don’t have children of their own, we’ll be on hand to make a fuss of them.”

For all new dads and dads-to-be, one of the most important messages is to enjoy your time with your family. Often, it’s the little things that can make a big difference and help us all to enjoy and embrace life more. So, this Father’s Day, how many of these tips will you put into practice?

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