Choosing Presence Over Pressure: Kirk's Honest Take on Fatherhood.
Redefining Success: What It Means to Be 'Dad Enough'
For Kirk, becoming a father didn’t just change his daily routine—it reshaped his entire worldview. The moment his kids entered the picture, the external noise faded. "Until becoming a father I spent my whole life worrying about what people thought of me... but once I became a Dad I knew all that mattered really was how my kids saw me."
This isn’t just a sentimental reflection; it’s a real-world shift in values that so many fathers experience today. According to a 2023 DaddiLife study, 83% of modern dads say becoming a father changed their personal definition of success.
The Balancing Act: Sacrificing Ambition, Gaining Fulfilment
In a world that often glamorises hustle culture, Kirk took a different path. He made the conscious decision to bench his personal ambitions in favour of presence.
"I grew up with a dad who was gone most of the time. I knew that if I was ever lucky enough to be a parent, all I wanted to do was be present."
Even though Kirk acknowledges he could have climbed further in his career, he doesn’t view his decision as a loss. It’s a trade-off he’d make again and again. His story aligns with research by Bright Horizons, which found 90% of millennial dads want to be as involved in parenting as their partners.
The Breaking Point: And What Pulled Him Through
After losing his mother-in-law and welcoming a new baby who struggled with sleep, Kirk and his partner found themselves in the deep end. Still working full-time, raising two kids, and grieving a major loss, Kirk recalls:
"There were days I didn’t think we could do both. But I kept going because I wanted to give my kids the support I’d wished I’d had from my own dad."
This form of resilience is echoed by NHS studies on fatherhood, which highlight the emotional strain and identity shifts dads face during early parenthood. 1 in 10 new dads in the UK experience postnatal depression, yet few speak up. Stories like Kirk’s help normalise those struggles.
Everyday Connection: The Little Things That Matter Most
Kirk doesn’t wait for big family holidays to make memories. His formula is simple: dog walks, family dinners, and Mario Kart tournaments (which he always wins, apparently).
These moments are what Harvard child development researchers call "serve and return" interactions—the everyday exchanges that shape trust, resilience, and secure emotional development in children.
Letting Go to Show Up
The toughest thing Kirk let go of? His own insecurities.
"The doubts in the back of my mind... I try not to pass those on to my kids."
And what he hopes to teach them? Patience, effort, and hard work—"even if it doesn’t always feel like it pays off immediately."
If His Kids Asked What He Was Building?
"A family and a home. A platform for them to be their best selves."
That’s the legacy. Not a title. Not a bank balance. But the foundation of something bigger.
Why We Share These Stories
Kirk’s interview is exactly what Project Dad is about: amplifying the voices of everyday fathers navigating the highs and lows of modern parenting. His words are honest, grounded, and deeply relatable.
Because being a great dad isn’t about doing everything right. It’s about showing up. Consistently, imperfectly, and with your whole heart.