Being a new parent is exciting, but it’s also scary. Unfortunately, little ones don’t come with a manual.
Most new parents have a ton of questions (such as, how do you hold babies without breaking them?).
That’s why one New Zealand dad, Jordan Watson, decided to make a video for his buddy, a soon-to-be-dad, called “How to Hold a Baby,” showing 17 different ways to do it.
“I thought he would find it funny,” Watson said, “and it ended up going viral.”
People all over the world just couldn’t get enough of his video: It was informative, relatable, and above all, funny.
So Watson decided to make more videos that give advice on — and poke fun at — some of the everyday adventures and challenges of being a parent.
Making a new “How to Dad” video has become a fun family weekend tradition for Watson, his wife, and his two little girls. Not only is it a great way to unwind after the long workweek, but it is also a way to laugh at everyday parenting issues, from changing a dirty diaper (or “nappy” as they call them in New Zealand) to traveling abroad with a baby.
“It’s those times when you are squashed in the lounge with the whole family, and there are two kids running around, that an idea for a video will come to you,” Watson said. “It’s when you are knee-deep in it.”
While these videos are not necessarily going to teach you how to be the “perfect” parent, they are welcome comedic relief for parents all around the world who see a bit of Watson in themselves and relate to him as he tackles parenting moments big and little.
“Parenting is a very stressful job, it’s not easygoing,” Watson said, “so to be able to just give someone that little smile, that chuckle, in their day of cleaning dirty nappies, that’s pretty awesome.”
Making his viewers laugh is why some of Watson's videos such as “How to get a Dad Bod” or, better yet, “How to get a baby to clean the house,” are especially silly.
Above all, Watson's funny videos are a reminder of how important it is for parents to stop overthinking how to be a good parent and just jump in and spend time with their kids.
“I think too many parents stress out a bit,” Watson said, “I like to think you have to take it easy a bit and have a bit of fun with them. They’re not going to just sit there and blow up all of a sudden.”
“Life is loud, kids are loud, so laugh louder — that’s kinda the motto of ‘How to Dad,’” he said. “You sometimes have to take a step back from parenting and have a little giggle. So, you know, when your kid is throwing poop down the hallway or at the walls, you can be angry for a second, but then, have a laugh.”