NORTHERN PLANNER

Right now I'm struggling with my image. This weekend, I took young Will to the supermarket and, pushing him aruond, happily asleep and outragously cute, I got the nod from other thirty something Dads with their little bundles of joy.

Nothing has made me feel more pigeonholed into a demographic than pushing my boy around a grocery mult (apart from doing the same thing in a shopping mall). I'm the Mamas and Papas, combat trouser wearing, 'new man', cliche Dad.

Made me realise, there are not really that many positive images of young(ish) Dads out there – or horrendous cliches, many of which star in advertising. There are few that are both real and aspirational.

Also made me think how important it is to not lose your sense of self when you become a parent. There has to be at least one thing you keep for you. This is nothing compared to Juliette (Mrs Northern) of course, who's with him while I pootle off to work. Must remember to make sure she get's me time too.