Matty J and Ash Wicks share hilarious parenting tips you need to try now
Known as the ‘Two Doting Dads’, these two find the LOLs in parenthood.
Ash Wicks and Matty ‘J’ Johnson, better known as the podcast hosts of Two Doting Dads, have turned their parenting journeys into a shared adventure of fun and laughter – with a dash of healthy competition.
While they initially bonded over their shared sleep deprivation, they’ve since discovered the joys and challenges of fatherhood through imaginative play with their kids.
Matty J appeared on season 5 of The Bachelor Australia in 2017, where he gave his final rose to Laura Byrne. The pair are now parents to 5yo Marlie-Mae and 3yo Lola.
While Ash Wicks, also known as Jampikelets, is a father-of-two, and comedian a big social media following thanks to his hilarious videos which are often poking fun at himself, his parenting style – and his very patient wife April.
Parenting with a competitive spirit
Ash is all about tough love when it comes to family game time! “To build resilience in my children, I would never just let them win anything… Dad is number one in my house until they can defeat me on their own merit,” he says, highlighting that it’s all fun and games until winning is on the line!
Happiness comes from being active
Both dads credit their happiness to getting active and staying young at heart. “Playing games, especially competitive ones that get us up and moving around, has definitely brought out the inner child in me. We love things like Nerf battles in our house, I blow off a lot of steam being able to shoot a small child with a foam dart!” Ash jokes.
For Matty J, he likes keeping things light and playful at home, “The more I can pretend to be a big kid, the younger I feel. If I’m also making the kids or Laura laugh in the process, our household is far better for it!” he reflects.
Using strengths for strategy
Ash often channels his inner ninja during play. “I’m a much better hider than my kids. I often use this to win. Also, my kids are easy to manipulate, leading to them turning on each other…” he admits with a sly grin, suggesting a touch of ‘divide and conquer’ might just be fair play.
Matty J brings a more athletic approach, “I did gymnastics for 5 years when I was ten, so I feel like I have a huge advantage when it comes to mobility!”
An active alternative to screen time
Ash views their active games as an essential break from screen time, especially during less favourable weather. “Screen time can take over when you get a lot of rainy days. It’s about finding games that allow us to break up the screen time with some indoor action, without causing too much havoc,” he explains.
Matty J nods in agreement, emphasising the benefits of active play, “Don’t get me wrong, I’m the first parent to offer my kids a bit of screen time when I need a break. But the best type of play is always running around and being active.”
Ash and Matty J are great examples of how parenting doesn’t always have to be serious business.
Through their lighthearted battles, humorous tactics and realistic approach to fatherhood, these two dads remind us that sometimes, the best way to manage family time is to let fun lead the way.
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