Laurence Mackin

SELF

The 12 steps to surviving Christmas

Hire cleaners, have one party to rule them all, and impose a three-day moratorium on social obligations: here…

By Laurence Mackin

Christmas lights

EDITORIAL

Dads at Christmas: ‘I took my toddler to a spectacular Christmas show – and she barely batted an eye’

Lauren Mackin thought he and his toddler would be tripping the light fantastic around Dublin Zoo, but his…

By Laurence Mackin

EDITORIAL

Dad tales: ‘Apparently my 18-month-old daughter should be a genius by now’

Laurence Mackin has developed a new source of parenting anxiety after discovering a language known as 'parentese' Having…

By Laurence Mackin

New dad

EDITORIAL

Dad tales: ‘My wife and I are competing for our daughter’s affection’

Laurence Mackin would do anything for a hug from his daughter. The trouble is that his wife would…

By Laurence Mackin

too many toys

EDITORIAL

Dad tales: ‘We tried to curb the amount of toys our daughter got for Christmas. We failed miserably’

Laurence Mackin and his wife don't want to spoil their first child with too many toys. Their friends…

By Laurence Mackin

child strange obsessions

EDITORIAL

Tips from a new dad: ‘I’ve discovered the secret to keeping a toddler entertained’

Laurence Mackin’s daughter has developed some strange obsessions — and he’s more than happy to indulge them My…

By Laurence Mackin

EDITORIAL

Dad tales: Can parents squeeze in a swift pint with a smallie in tow?

Before becoming a father, Laurence Mackin had a pub for every whim and fancy. These days, however, he's acutely…

By Laurence Mackin

crying dad

EDITORIAL

Dad tales: ‘I have a daughter and now I cry at movies, ads, music and matches. What fresh hell is this?’

In previous episodes of my life, I was a younger, better looking model of stoicism. Now I switch…

By Laurence Mackin

how to be a dad

EDITORIAL

A swimming pool fire, a race against toddler nap time and lunchtime hostilities

With his wife away, it's time for Laurence Mackin to claim his spot as Calor Gas Husband of the Year.…

By Laurence Mackin

dad teaching his child to take step

EDITORIAL

Tips from a new dad: Find an alternative to stupid baby monitors and treat your child like a wedding

A new fortnightly column from dad Laurence Mackin will offer laughs, lessons and, well, who knows what. This…

By Laurence Mackin