Young dads offer advice on how to survive a ‘poo-nami’ and handle unwanted superheroes

Juggling work and parenting? Here’s how, from surviving a “poo-nami” to what to do when The Hulk invades an important Teams meeting.

In honour of Father’s Day, two fathers give us their views on life in the trenches, struggling through a “poo-nami” and what to do when the Hulk invades a Teams call.

Matt Coote, Managing Director, ANZ, GumGum

I love being a dad. It’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done and also the most challenging. We’ve got two kids, aged four and two, so we’re definitely still in the trenches.

Matt Coote, father-of-two, says Wednesdays are blocked out for "daddy daughter" time.

On the plus side, there’s fewer nappy changes now, but plenty of toilet training and the odd ‘poo-nami’. Our nights aren’t too bad as the little ones actually seem to like a bit of shut eye. Weekends are where plenty of the fun happens, but on the flip side, as a parent you’re ‘on’ from the crack of dawn until well after dark.

Weekdays are a mix of daycare and preschool drop-offs and pick-ups. In the mornings on the days my wife works we try to do the drop-offs together. My wife does most of the afternoon pick-ups, but Wednesday afternoons are blocked in my diary for ‘daddy daughter afternoon’. This is my special time with my little girl and it also allows my wife to attend her weekly leadership meeting.

Matt Coote, father-of-two, does his best to balance work and family.

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At work I’m managing director at contextual advertising business GumGum and manage a team of 30-plus. My job takes me interstate often and overseas a few times a year. It’s professionally energising but also absolutely knackering at times.

Since having kids I’ve learned that achieving a perfect balance between work and life is hard, but it’s brilliant when the stars align. It’s a team effort and I’m very fortunate my wife makes plenty of sacrifices as well.

My best tip to make it work is simple: open communication. Communicate with your partner to plan the week, logistics and routine. Communicate with your kids – my favourite part is when I tell them I’m picking them up in the afternoon. And at the office, communicate with your colleagues. It’s awesome that my team understands how important it is for me to be present with my kids.

When everyone is on the same page it makes it that much easier to keep all the plates spinning and to find real satisfaction at work and at home.

Guy Jarvie with his kids on holiday

Guy Jarvie, Managing Director, ANZ, NP Digital

There’s no sugar coating it. Balancing work and parenting is a constant juggling act. My wife and I are both expats and are working full time, so there’s not much downtime.

With no family close by and a pretty lean support network, most weeks are a mix of tag-teaming daycare drop-offs, late nights, and trying to stay on top of everything else.

We’re still early into the whole parenting thing, but a few lessons have already stuck. The biggest one? Boundaries.

Work will always be there, but your time with the kids is limited and needs to be safeguarded, especially in those early years. Even if it’s just an hour before bed, being around for bath time and a story makes a difference.

We’ve also learned the power of a shared calendar – blocking out who’s doing what (and making time for the gym, or seeing friends) helps keep things moving. Just as important is letting go of the guilt when work and parenting clash.

You’re never going to get it perfectly balanced. Showing up and being present when you can is what really counts.

Guy Jarvie says tag-teaming can help dual-career couples cope.

And then there are the moments that catch you off guard – the ones that make the chaos all worth it.

One night I was on an international Teams call, walking a new client through how we work. My wife was wrangling our one-year-old to bed. Mid-pitch, in storms Harris, our three-year-old, fully suited up as the Hulk – mask, costume, the works.

He starts roaring, bouncing off the couch, smashing cushions – all while I’m trying to keep a straight face and carry on.

It was especially good timing because I was talking through structure, process, and collaboration … right as the Hulk demolished the room behind me. The client loved it.

It definitely made the pitch more memorable. But more than that, it was a good reminder that with kids, a bit of chaos is part of the package – and that’s not something to fight. It’s something to enjoy.

How do you fathers you know manage the modern juggle? Leave a comment or email [e-mail]

Originally published as Young dads offer advice on how to survive a ‘poo-nami’ and handle unwanted superheroes