Personalised book for older child one to one time after baby: your child's Day with Dad

What happens in your child's Day with Dad

1. Dad reveals a small rucksack and says that today is time for him and your child.
2. Your child chooses their route through familiar streets and spots favourite places along the way.
3. Dad and your child share a snack and make something together at a quiet stop.
4. A small mix-up gives your child the chance to choose what they do next.
5. Back at home, Dad tells your child that caring for the baby and having time together can both belong in their day.

How the first page could read

On Saturday morning, your child found Dad packing a small rucksack by the door. “Today is our day,” Dad said. Another grown-up would stay at home with the baby, while your child and Dad chose where to go, which snack to share and what to make before they came back.

Your child’s name, look and little details replace these words, and the whole story is written for their age.

Why this story works

New-baby days can make ordinary routines feel changed, especially when the baby needs a grown-up’s attention. This story gives your child, aged three to seven, a clear picture of a day that belongs to them and Dad: choosing the route, noticing familiar places and making something side by side. The baby is safely cared for by another grown-up, rather than being a problem to solve. At the end, Dad names what the day means: there is room for baby care and time together. Parents can add your child’s age, little details and a chosen art style, so the scenes feel close to home.

Reading it together

• Read it before a planned outing with Dad, then let your child choose one small part of the real day.
• Pause when your child makes a choice in the story and ask what they would pick.
• Bring the book out after a busy baby moment as a quiet reminder of time you can plan together.

Suggested art style: Storybook watercolour

Storybook watercolour gives the familiar streets, small stops and shared moments a warm, gentle feel. A sidekick idea: a curious town pigeon who keeps appearing along the route. You can pick any of the four styles and change the details in the form.