Dads have shared the pivotal moments in their parenting experience – from carrying their newborn out of hospital to witnessing them mature and even welcome a child of their own.
A poll of 1,500 dads found 89% agreed fatherhood is built on lots of small moments rather than major milestones. And a fifth (21%) said the moment they held their child in their arms was when they officially became a 'dad'.
But for others, it took a first smile to make it feel real, with 28% saying it was the first time their child properly smiled at them that did it, making them feel like 'the only person in the world'. Many said it's a memory that's stayed with them ever since.
The research was commissioned by Moonpig, and prompted a partnership with writer Daragh Fleming, who composed an original poem about his own father to mark Father's Day 2026.
Daragh Fleming said: "Generally, I don't think men are comfortable saying 'I love you' to each other. I know for me it's easier to say it to my mother than my father. And I'm trying to challenge that in my own life."
"Dads may not always say 'I love you' out loud, but they show it in a million other ways - these everyday actions inspired my poem."
"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 to help me, no matter how small it might seem."
"Lately, I've been telling my Dad I love him when I see him, and he says it back, and we hug, and it's lovely, important, needed."
It wasn't only the firsts that remained etched in fathers' memories – "lasts" featured prominently as well. These included the final night their child spent at home before leaving (14%), the last occasion they collected them from the school gates (10%), and the final time their child wished to hold hands (12%).
The findings also captured the moments that weren't entirely positive. Some fathers identified the most challenging times as learning to cope with other children being unkind (14%), managing tantrums (22%), or even dashing to hospital when they worried something was amiss (21%).
In later years, memorable occasions included attending graduations, escorting their daughter down the aisle, and delivering speeches at their children's weddings and significant birthdays – including their 21st and 30th. Some also mentioned the first pub visit together when they reached 18.
New fathers, with youngsters aged up to four, reported they demonstrate affection most frequently through playing games (30%) and assisting them with their morning routine (24%).
However, as children mature, gestures of care transition towards playing sport together (18%), supporting their hobbies and interests (18%), and encouraging their creativity (18%).
Once they're officially "adults", fathers express their devotion by being available to provide lifts when required (15%) and always answering the phone, regardless of circumstances (20%), according to OnePoll.com research.
These sentiments were reflected in what they believe makes a "hero" in everyday family life – doing their best to be present emotionally and physically (33%), showing up consistently (34%), and prioritising quality time no matter how hectic life gets (30%).
Kristof Fahy from Moonpig, which has created two cards featuring Daragh's work that form part of its unique Father's Day range this year, said: "Every dad has a special recipe of moments and qualities that contribute to who he is.
"From the first moment we meet our little bundle of joy, the life of a dad is forever changed and full of ups, downs, and in-betweens that become cherished memories later on.
"As Daragh's beautiful poem describes it, fatherhood is a 'masterpiece' that we all paint in our own unique way."
"Whilst no two fatherhood stories are the same, we wanted to celebrate every kind of dad's story this year."
TOP 10 KEY MOMENTS DURING THE FATHERHOOD JOURNEY:
- Watching them drift off to sleep on my chest and not daring to move a muscle.
- Helping them take their first wobbly steps on their own.
- That very first real smile that made me feel like the centre of the universe.
- Guiding them as they found their feet, only to realise they no longer needed me to hold on.
- The first time I managed to soothe them with nothing more than a hug and the sound of my voice.
- Being the one they came running to whenever they got hurt.
- Staying up through the night when they were under the weather.
- Hearing them say they love me completely out of nowhere.
- A moment when they reached out to hold my hand in public.
- That very first school drop-off.
