Father Profile • Sam Pezzano

How did you support your partner in the early stages of becoming a parent?

As a parent, I didn’t want to miss any aspect of my children’s upbringing and wanted to experience all that I could. I was up most nights to help feed or comfort my children. I changed my kids nappies often. As they became more active, took them out to play.

How were YOU supported and did you feel adequately supported in the early stages of becoming a parent?

I am extremely lucky to have a very supportive wife. We worked as a team and as young parents we were there for each other as we navigated and learnt about parenthood.

What is the best thing about being a parent?

As all my children grow, I love seeing how their personality grows. I particularly enjoy watching my children experiencing things I may have missed growing up. There is nothing more satisfying as a parent than seeing your children discovering a passion, finding out they are good at it and loving it.

What is the hardest thing about being a parent?

Allowing them to experience disappointment and mistakes so they learn from these experiences. Its difficult to watch them in pain and its easy to step in, however they will build resilience and become stronger and better people in the long run.

Share your top 3 tips or hacks for being a parent.

1. Allow children to discover what they love and passionate about, sometimes it doesn’t turn out the way they hoped but they will grow from it.
2. Get involved in their life and really get to know your children, show interest and be there for them, even if its simply to allow them to vent, you don’t have to always solve their problem, sometimes they just want you on their side.
3. Enjoy every moment, even when it’s difficult at times, as some day they will no longer want or need your help.