A recent survey has uncovered the most cherished moments in a father's journey, from holding a newborn for the first time to watching them start their own family. The study of 1,500 fathers found that 89% believe fatherhood is built on numerous small moments rather than significant milestones.
Key Moments That Define Fatherhood
When asked about the instant they officially became a 'dad', 21% pointed to the moment they cradled their child in their arms. Meanwhile, 28% said it was when their child first genuinely smiled at them, making them feel like 'the only person in the world'.
Other meaningful moments include watching their child fall asleep on their chest (a top memory), helping with first steps, and being the one their child runs to when hurt. The survey also highlighted 'lasts' such as the final night their child spent at home before leaving (14%), the last school gate pickup (10%), and the last time they held hands (12%).
Challenges Along the Way
The journey isn't always smooth. Dads recalled handling meltdowns (22%), dashing to hospital when worried (21%), and dealing with unkindness from other children (14%). Later milestones include graduation ceremonies, walking a daughter down the aisle, and delivering speeches at weddings or milestone birthdays.
Expressing Love Through Actions
New fathers (with children up to age four) show love through playing games (30%) and helping with morning routines (24%). As children grow, caring gestures evolve into playing sports together (18%), supporting interests (18%), and nurturing creativity (18%). For adult children, dads show affection by providing transport (15%) and always answering the phone (20%).
The Poem and Collaboration
The study, commissioned by Moonpig, led to a collaboration with writer Daragh Fleming, who penned an original poem about his own father for Father's Day 2026. Fleming said: "Generally, I don't think men are comfortable saying 'I love you' to each other. I'm trying to challenge that in my own life." He added: "The main messages I wanted to convey were the gratitude I feel to my dad and to assure him I never take for granted everything he's done."
What Makes a Hero Dad
Fathers consider a 'hero' as someone who does their utmost to be present emotionally and physically (33%), turns up reliably (34%), and prioritises quality time no matter how chaotic life becomes (30%).
Kristof Fahy from Moonpig commented: "Every dad has a special recipe of moments and qualities that contribute to who he is. As Daragh's beautiful poem describes it, fatherhood is a 'masterpiece' that we all paint in our own unique way."
Top 10 Key Moments in Fatherhood
- Watching them fall asleep on my chest and not wanting to move an inch
- Helping them take their first steps independently
- The first proper smile that made me feel like the only person in the world
- Helping them take their first steps and realising they didn't need me to hold on
- The first time I successfully calmed them with nothing but a cuddle and my voice
- Being the one they ran to when they were hurt
- Sitting up with them when they were poorly
- Hearing them tell me they love me out of the blue
- A time they reached for my hand in public
- The first school drop-off
