The KiwiDad reading room

Parenting. From the thick of it.

My articles for OHbaby, Bountiful and The Sleep Store, together in one place. A bit of hard-earned perspective, a few useful ideas and the occasional nappy disaster.

OHbabyBountifulThe Sleep Store

Find your next read

Something for the stage you’re in.

12 articles · by Logan Donnelly

Showing all 12 articles

KiwiDad7 min read

School readiness

School Ready? We’ve Got a Problem

School readiness starts with ordinary moments at home: climbing, talking, playing and having another go.

2026Read article ↗

OHbaby6 min read

Play & everyday life

The Rough & Tumble Prescription

Couch cushions, a clear floor and a good wrestle. A dad’s take on big physical play, with a few important boundaries.

Issue 71 · 2026Read article ↗

OHbaby6 min read

Play & everyday life

How to Actually Enjoy Summer with Little Ones

Packing for the second poonami, keeping the day manageable and making room for a holiday everyone can enjoy.

Issue 70 · 2026Read article ↗

OHbaby12 min read

Family money

Baby Budget Breakdown: What It Actually Costs to Parent in NZ

An archive of my 2025 guide to baby costs, second-hand finds and planning for a change in income.

Issue 69 · 2025Read article ↗

OHbaby8 min read

Becoming a dad

7 Things Dads Aren’t Told Before Baby Arrives

The parts of becoming a dad that rarely make it into the usual advice, from changing friendships to a bond that takes time.

Issue 68 · 2025Read article ↗

OHbaby5 min read

Play & everyday life

All Together Now: Making Room for More in Your Family

The excitement, guilt and practical changes of preparing to go from one child to two.

Issue 67Read article ↗

OHbaby4 min read

Relationships

Can Parenting Harm Your Relationship?

The conversations that get harder on broken sleep, and a repair framework for finding your way back to the same team.

Issue 66 · 2024Read article ↗

OHbaby4 min read

Becoming a dad

The Evolution of Fatherhood: The Rise of Involved Dads

A nappy change sparked a conversation with my own dad about how much fatherhood has changed.

Issue 65 · 2024Read article ↗

Bountiful8 min read

Becoming a dad

Welcome to the Jungle: A New Dad’s Survival Guide

A field guide to the newborn fog, sharing the load and finding your feet as a new dad.

Published by BountifulRead article ↗

Bountiful8 min read

Becoming a dad

The Other Parent

Ways to get involved during pregnancy, labour and the first few weeks at home.

Published by BountifulRead article ↗

The Sleep Store5 min read

Work & newborn life

When Dad Returns to Work

Changing from work mode to parent mode, guarding your bandwidth and giving each other a proper break.

Published by The Sleep StoreRead article ↗

The Sleep Store6 min read

Work & newborn life

How Dads Can Help with a Newborn in the 4th Trimester

Meals, washing, visitors and the mental load. Practical ways to support your partner and get involved with your newborn.

Published by The Sleep StoreRead article ↗