A dad’s work is never, ever done – and here at Closer we believe these amazing men should be recognised for their hard work!
Which is why we want to reward hard-working, dedicated and inspirational men – and we need your help.
For Closer’s Dad Of The Year Awards 2016, we’ve shortlisted a list of celebrities, bloggers and real-life dads for you to choose from.
They come from all walks of lives, and each have very different stories, but one thing they have in common is the love and devotion they show to their children.
So it’s time to meet the Blogger Dads in the running…
Man vs Pink
Blog: Man vs Pink
This amazingly funny and smart blog is penned by Simon, a self-confessed geek and stay-at-home dad who’s intent on sharing his love for sci-fi and superheroes with his beautiful fangirl daughter.
He explains: “I think little girls should aspire to be more than just princesses, that pink should be one of the many colours they enjoy, and that all toys are gender neutral toys.
“I love being the stay-at-home dad of my awesome daughter, and I hope to share a little of how amazing that is along the way.”
His blog is often funny AND thought-provoking, generating laughs and serious conversations alike - and we absolutely LOVE tuning in to find out about how his ongoing struggle against pinkification is going!
We definitely recommend tuning in if you don’t already - it’s pure genius.
Diary Of The Dad
Blog: Diary Of The Dad
Tom Briggs is a VERY proud dad-of-three - so much so that he’s managed to transform his musings about parenthood into a full-time blog.
He explains: “The main protagonists you’ll read about on Diary of the Dad are my three children Dylan, Xander and Amelie. Despite robbing us of sleep and slowly destroying our house on a daily basis, we – my wife/best friend, Kate, and I – think they’re awesome and this is why I write about them.
“Every week, if I get the chance, I share my musings about parenthood and the things that they get up to as they reach each exciting new stage.
“I’m sure they’ll grow up to find this embarrassing, so if you’re a best mate reading my blog 20 odd years into the future, you should find some good material for your best man or maid of honour’s speech somewhere on these pages.”
His award-winning writing is enthusiastic, packed full of hilarious anecdotes - and enough emotional encounters with his little ones to warm the hearts of even the most Scrooge-like individuals out there.
In short? It’s a fab blog - and a worthy contender for Closer’s Dad Of The Year Awards 2016!
Xploding Unicorn
Twitter: @Xploding Unicorn
This one's a little bit of a curveball, because @XplodingUnicorn is a Twitter account, not a blog. But it's seriously amazing!
James Breakwell has developed a mammoth social media following by (over)sharing his off-kilter life as the father of four daughters.
Full of quirky quotes, hilarious anecdotes, and tons of “YES, THAT’S SO TRUE!” posts, his conversations with his girls cover everything from the economy to romance to life after death… all with a fun childish twist.
Speaking about his success as a Daddy Twitterer (is that a word?), he said: “On one hand, Twitter makes me a better father because I spend more time with my kids.
“On the other hand, Twitter makes me a much worse father because I only do it to get more material.”
Incredible - this is why we love him so much!
The Dadventurer
Blog: The Dadventurer
The Dadventurer - ak Dave - is a devoted dad to his little girl, loving hubby to his missus, and proud owner to a happy sausage dog.
You guessed it, all three of them regularly make appearances on his blog, which chronicles all the trials and tribulations of his life as a stay-at-home dad.
He explains: “The blog has chronicled my trials and tribulations of pregnancy, birth and being a newbie dad to our awesome baby girl. It then shifted focus in May 2015 when the missus went back to work after maternity leave to cover my life as a stay-at-home dad as I attempt to find my feet in a mummy-dominated world.”
Unsurprisingly, Dave has been nominated for blog awards in the past, and he continues to be thought of as one of the best daddy bloggers out there.
But he still keeps things in perspective.
“My work has, and continues to, feature quite heavily on my mum’s fridge,” he reminds fans.
The Lunchbox Dad
Blog: Lunchbox Dad
If there’s one thing we love, its someone who helps make our lives easier, our kids lunches more exciting, and our families more connected.
Beau - aka The Lunchbox Dad - does this and more, keeping his blog packed full of creative recipes, funny pictures, and his thoughts on parenting and life in general.
He’s also got plenty of little life hacks, guaranteed to save you time on those busy school moorings - what a life saver!
He explains: “My daughter and I have been on television and radio multiple times showing families useful products and teaching them how to make creative lunches. We also have taught classes on healthy and fun eating for Whole Foods Market.”
Epic work.
Skint Dad
Blog: Skint Dad
Ricky Willis is The Skint Dad, and, as you may have guessed, he spends his time helping parents to start spending less, without living without.
He explains: “The core aim of this site is to enable you and your family to save money, increase your income and manage your finances with easy to digest, actionable information.
“If you are looking to save money, my site is for you. If you want to increase your income, my site is for you. If you want a better, more financially secure life for your family, my site is for you.”
Why does he do it?
Well, the answer’s simple; because he’s determined to give his family the best life possible.
From nappy comparison tools to eBay outlet store guides there’s plenty here to help kickstart your Skint Dad journey.
Plus he keeps us smiling as we read, all while helping us save pounds - winner!
The Dad Network
Blog: The Dad Network
The Dad Network is, without a doubt, one of the most dad (and mum) friendly sites ever!
Dedicated to the art of modern fatherhood, the Dad Network offers an online hub and support network for dads, looking at everything from the practical to emotional side of fatherhood.
Founded by Al and his wife Jen, who share a beautiful little boy named Ted, this blog makes you think, makes you feel, AND makes you laugh - which is no small feat.
They explain: “We’re firm believers that there is no such thing as a perfect parent; nor an all knowing oracle that can solve all our parenting problems. The best way to learn, develop and better ourselves is through relationships with others. Other parents. Other dads.”
Hear, hear!
Phew, that’s a pretty eclectic list isn’t it?
Voting has now closed.
To find out more about Closer’s Dad Of The Year Awards 2016 - including a list of all the celebrity, blogger and real life dad nominees - click here.
For full terms and conditions, please click here.