Ey up! I’m Dan, the voice behind The North East Dad.
I’m a working dad living in East Durham with my wife, our baby daughter, and our 5-year-old wire-haired Jack Russell (who is as friendly as he’s obsessed with chasing sticks).
I started this blog to document the real, unfiltered reality of modern fatherhood in the North East of England. Between balancing a full-time job, managing nap schedules, navigating childcare handovers, and taking the dog on walks, my life is busy, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Why This Blog Exists
When I first became a dad, I noticed that most parenting advice online felt either overly clinical, aimed strictly at mums, or hidden behind glossy, picture-perfect Instagram filters that didn’t match real life.
I want to build a place for:
- Honest Dad Perspectives: Real talk on everything from routine collapses to surviving solo-parenting shifts.
- Practical Gear & Budget Reviews: What baby gear is actually worth your money and what to skip or rent.
- Local North East Life: Dog-friendly, stroller-friendly days out, pram-accessible walks, and surviving family life in Durham and beyond.
No toxic positivity, no lectures, just honest stories, helpful recommendations, and a reminder that if you’re keeping them and your wife fed, rested, and loved, you’re doing a great job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where in the North East are you based?
We live in the East of County Durham. Most of our day to day posts cover spots around Durham, Teesside, Newcastle, and the surrounding parks, beaches, and old railway tracks.
Why don’t you show pictures of your baby or share your family’s full names?
You’ll see plenty of dog photos, carrier recommendations, and local walk reviews on this site, but you will not see photos of my daughter’s face. Protecting my family’s privacy online is super important to me. My wife’s name is kept anonymous too. You get the real stories and genuine experiences, just without compromising their digital safety.
What kind of dog do you have?
A 5-year-old wire-haired Jack Russell Terrier. He’s incredibly friendly, loves a stream walk, and takes his job as big brother very seriously.
How can I get in touch?
Whether you’ve got a local day-out recommendation, a question about a review, or just want to say hi, feel free to drop me a comment.