Dads have a way of making us laugh, whether we want to or not. But beyond the jokes, there’s a wealth of stories, wisdom, and life experiences just waiting to be shared. And sometimes, all it takes to get your dad talking is the right question.
Father’s Day is the perfect time to start those conversations. But why stop there? Getting your dad to open up and share his stories is something you can do every day of the year. And with life writing, those conversations can turn into a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Here we share the best questions to make Father’s Day real quality time this year.
What’s Your Go-To Dad Joke? Getting Dad to Open Up on Father’s Day
Let’s face it, getting dads to talk about their feelings or life experiences isn’t always easy. They might be the strong, silent type or just not sure where to start. But asking a simple, light-hearted question like, ‘What’s your go-to dad joke?’ can be a great icebreaker.
From there, you can gently steer the conversation towards more personal topics. Ask him how becoming a dad changed him. You might be surprised by what he shares. Maybe he’ll talk about the joy and pride he felt the first time he held you, or the fear of not knowing if he was doing it right. These are the kinds of stories that reveal the heart of who your dad really is.
Fatherhood Reflections: How Becoming a Dad Changes Everything
Becoming a dad is one of those life-changing moments. Everything shifts—your priorities, your perspective, even your sense of self. Asking your dad how fatherhood changed him can open the door to a wealth of stories.
Maybe he’ll talk about how he became more patient, more responsible, or how he suddenly felt the weight of the world on his shoulders, knowing he had a little person depending on him. Or perhaps he’ll reflect on how he’s similar to or different from his own father and how that shaped the way he approached fatherhood.
These conversations aren’t just about the big moments, though. Sometimes, it’s the little things that carry the most meaning. A favourite memory from your pre-school years, for example, could be something as simple as Saturday morning bacon and eggs or bedtime stories. These are the kinds of memories that stick with you—and with him.
Life Lessons: What Have You Taught, and What Have You Learned?
One of the best parts about talking with your dad is uncovering the life lessons he’s learned along the way. You can ask him what he’s taught you (and your siblings) over the years, and you might find yourself reminiscing about those valuable nuggets of wisdom—whether it’s how to change a tyre, the importance of honesty, or simply the joy of a good BBQ.
But the conversation doesn’t have to be one-sided. You can also ask him what he’s learned from you. It might surprise you to hear how much he’s grown from being your dad. Maybe he’s learned patience, empathy, or even how to lighten up and have a bit of fun.
These exchanges can be incredibly powerful. They deepen your connection, give you a new perspective on your relationship, and create a sense of mutual respect and understanding.
On Father's Day, every Dad has a story to tell.
Q&A with Michael: Father’s Day
Michael is Cathy’s husband, and father to two amazing humans, Grace and Jack. They sat down with him and got him talking with these seven questions.
1. What’s your go-to dad joke?
My favourite dad joke is to make up silly names, just like Bart Simpson used to do in the prank calls he’d make to Moe’s bar. For instance, ‘Anita Bath’ gets a groan every time, but I reckon that’s half the fun of it.
2. How did becoming a dad change you?
Becoming a dad changed everything. I went from thinking mostly about myself to having two little people relying on me. It made me more patient, more mindful of the example I was setting and so much more grateful. Basically, the arrival of my children added a whole new layer of joy to my life. I loved instilling the love for St Kilda in you, coaching you as you became older, and, of course, going together to watch AFL games. Our camping trips and travels gave me chances to share the things I’m passionate about and built our bonds more strongly. It made life richer, no doubt about it.
Being a father has been the greatest privilege of my life. I’m inspired by other great fathers too, such as those who’ve gained well-deserved recognition through The Australian Fathering Awards, along with some of my closest mates.
3. How are you similar to or different from your own father?
I see a lot of my dad in me—his toughness, his work ethic, his love for family. I’ve tried to be as involved with you both as much as possible, just as he was with me, especially during the long truck driving trips he’d let me join in on.
I’ve always wanted to be there for you, not just as a father but as a mate too. I wish I’d had more time with him. He passed when I was 19, and there’s so much I’d love to talk to him about now.
4. What have you taught your child or what has your child taught you?
I hope I’ve taught you both the importance of doing what you love and staying true to yourself. But I’ve learned a lot from you, too—like the value of being present, of really listening. You’ve taught me to embrace new things, whether it’s a new band or a different way of looking at the world.
5. What’s the hardest part of being a father?
The hardest part is knowing that I can’t protect you from everything. You’ve got to face your own challenges and make your own mistakes, and as much as I want to step in and fix things, I know that’s not always my place. Watching you struggle sometimes, that’s tough.
6. What’s a favourite memory from your child’s pre-school years?
I’d say my favourite memories are the days we’d set off for holiday camping trips out to Bigriggen. We’d all pile into the car and head out with all the gear, then pitch the tents and settle into the campsite, while we watched you both take off on your bmx bikes. The excitement in your eyes, the laughs we shared—those moments are priceless to me.
7. Best way to spend Father’s Day?
Best way? With the two of you, no doubt. Whether we’re watching an AFL match, having a early-morning surf at Tugun or Kirra, or just sitting around with the dogs and some good music on, that’s what Father’s Day is all about for me. Spending time together, making more memories—can’t beat it.
The Gift of Stories: Why Life Writing Matters for Dads
Now, imagine if you could capture all these conversations and memories in one place. That’s where life writing comes in. It’s not just about recording facts and dates—it’s about capturing the essence of a person’s life. And for dads, it’s a way to reflect on their journey, share their wisdom, and leave a legacy that can be passed down through generations.
Life writing offers a structured way to get started, especially if your dad feels overwhelmed by the idea of writing his life story. With 12 Stories, we break it down into manageable, bite-sized pieces. Each week, your dad (or you, if you’re writing it with him) gets a new topic to explore—whether it’s his childhood, his work, or his reflections on fatherhood.
The beauty of life writing is that it’s guided but not prescriptive. Your dad can choose what he wants to write about and what he prefers to keep private. And the best part? At the end of 12 weeks, he’ll have a beautiful collection of stories that reflect who he really is.
Ready to Start? Give the Gift of 12 Stories This Father’s Day
If you’d love to get your dad talking even more, why not give him the gift of 12 Stories this Father’s Day? It’s a simple, structured way to help him share his memories, reflections, and life lessons. Plus, it’s a gift that keeps on giving, not just for him, but for the whole family.
With 12 Stories, your dad can write when and where he wants. Whether he prefers to type on a laptop, jot down notes by hand, or even dictate his stories to be transcribed, we’ve got him covered. And at the end of 12 weeks, you’ll have something truly special—a collection of stories that you can treasure forever.
So this Father’s Day, start the conversation. Ask those questions, listen to his stories, and let 12 Stories help you capture them in a way that’s meaningful and lasting. Because every dad has a story to tell, and it’s time to make sure it’s heard.
