🧙 My Lightsaber Is Actually a Remote: The Jedi Arts of Channel Control
In our galaxy, the remote is more than tech—it’s a wand, a peacekeeper, a beacon of compromise. And wielding it? That’s pure Jedi.
I used to think I had control. Then came Bluey marathons and YouTube wormholes. Channel sovereignty became a rare artefact, like the Darksaber—spoken of, seldom seen. But here’s the trick: Jedi don’t dominate. They persuade, guide, and sometimes make room for Ewok dance breaks if it brings balance to the Force.
I’ve learned to rotate screen time like a training regimen—cartoons one day, nature docs the next, with detours through football replays for parental sanity. Sometimes, we co-watch and I sneak in dad jokes that would make Yoda groan.
And when the tiny Padawans clash? That’s when my calm Jedi dad voice comes out: “There is no fight, only sharing.” It doesn’t always work. But neither did Obi-Wan’s first try with Anakin.
Tag Archives: parenting
Wednesday: Dadnaut Toolkit 002
🛠 Guardsman to Dadnaut: Discipline That Still Works
Before nappies, there were night watches. Before storytime, there were standing orders. I traded a regimented life in uniform for the whirlwind of parenting—and oddly, it didn’t feel all that different.
The discipline drilled into me as a Guardsman didn’t vanish the moment I strapped on a baby carrier. Instead, it evolved. The early routines? Gold. Nap schedules are like operations briefs: don’t overcomplicate, don’t deviate. Gear checks became nappy bag inspections. Early on, I realised that the same calm under pressure I needed in uniform was the very thing that got us through the “poonami” on aisle 7 of Tesco.
But it’s not about barking commands. It’s about presence. A soldier’s presence matters. So does a dad’s. When my kid melts down at bedtime, I channel that same stillness I used to stand ceremonial post. When I say “no,” it’s not sharp—it’s grounded. Confident. Respectful.
Turns out, you can turn a parade square mindset into a playroom strategy. Discipline, done right, isn’t about control—it’s about consistency, compassion, and showing up the same way every time. So while the tools have changed, the mission stays the same: protect, provide, and lead with honour.
🚀 Launching Dadnauts
Launching Dadnauts has been less about building a brand and more about capturing a feeling—a mix of chaos, love, curiosity, and creativity that defines my life as a dad. Somewhere between sleep-deprived snack negotiations and late-night idea scribbles, I realised I wanted to share the experience—not just as a diary, but as a creative project. Something that reflects the weird, wonderful balancing act of raising a child while holding on to your own identity. The journey gave shape to four recurring blog series, each a chapter in this ongoing mission.
The Dadnaut Toolkit 🛠 was the first concept that landed. Born out of the deep desire to make sense of the madness, it’s where the Guardsman in me gets to shine. I wanted to share what I’ve learned (and what I’m still figuring out) about time, structure, and staying afloat as a parent. These posts will offer practical strategies for managing the circus of dad life—whether that’s blocking out creative time between nappy changes or building routines that actually leave space for joy. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about having the right tools when the pressure’s on.
Wands, Wookie’s & Wipeout’s 🧙♂️🪄 is where the playful side of parenting gets to run wild. I’ve always loved the way stories shape us, and now I’m watching them shape my kids too. Whether we’re pretending to be Jedi on a school run or sorting Hogwarts houses based on snack preferences, this series explores how fandom blends into family life. It’s equal parts chaos and charm—like watching your toddler wield a lightsaber in pyjamas while demanding a snack in Yoda-speak. These posts let me celebrate the magic and madness of building a home full of imagination.
Mission Logs 🚀 are the emotional core of Dadnauts. These weekly dispatches are more reflective and raw—less about tips and more about truths. Sometimes it’s a quiet moment at 3AM, other times it’s a total meltdown (theirs or mine). This series captures the pulse of parenthood as it re1ally happens, offering space for honesty, laughter, frustration, and growth. I hope other dads (and parents) see themselves in these entries—not perfectly polished, but deeply human.
Finally, The Toonverse Chronicles ⚽️🥅 bring my NUFC pride front and centre. Football has always been part of my identity, and now I’m sharing it with my little one. These posts aren’t just about matchdays—they’re about legacy. About building rituals, passing down values, and watching your child fall in love with something you’ve always held dear. Through the Toonverse lens, I explore how family and fandom intertwine—how wearing black and white becomes more than colours; it becomes a connection.
Dadnauts is a creative map of everything I care about—fatherhood, storytelling, structure, silliness, and shared joy. It’s messy, meaningful, and evolving—just like the journey itself.
Stay up-to-date with our future blogs on our X @dadnauts
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