Yesterday my daughter had her very first Birthday party. It hardly seems like a year since she was born and the last 12 months have given me some of the happiest moments of my life, I can hardly imagine what the next 12 will bring.

I thought that I’d share some of the things I have learned about being a father, and perhaps those of you who are in the same position might be able to impart similar wisdom.

1. Somehow up until now you never noticed which floorboards in your house creaked. With a years knowledge you can make it from the bed to the toilet without hitting a duff board.
2. Getting ready for work never took so long. But then stopping your daughter from emptying all the drawers in the bedroom was never part of the routine back then.
3. If they do something wrong, no matter how funny it is, don’t laugh. Because when you do (and you will) they will do it again, and again, and again.
4. You can say the word ‘No’ in a million different ways, sometimes you have to try different vocal variations to prevent it from getting boring, but this only really applies once the little monster/s get mobile.
5. If your child decides to have a poo in the bath, don’t lift them out straight away and make a fuss. They think that’s funny and kick and giggle, which only makes things worse.

And finally…

Nothing ever prepares you for the love that you will have for your child or the unconditional love that they will have for you, every smile and giggle will melt your heart a thousand times over.