June is a special month for a lot of reasons. It’s Father’s Day. It’s Paternity Week. And for many of us, it marks the start of summer—backyard BBQs, longer evenings and more time with the people who matter most. This year, these kinds of moments feel a little more meaningful to me.
As we get ready for our Family Summer Kickoff—where a few of us dads will be behind the grill—I’ve been thinking a lot about what it actually means to show up. As a father, as a partner and as a colleague.
The modern dad
Paternity Week is a good reminder that fatherhood has changed. Not long ago, being a “good dad” often meant being a provider first and everything else second. Today, the expectation—and the opportunity—is very different.
Being a dad now means being present. It’s early mornings, school drop-offs, bedtime routines… and yes, figuring out how to properly pack a diaper bag again (after a few years off, I’m back at it). But more than anything, it means co-parenting.
What co-parenting really means.
Co-parenting isn’t about splitting everything 50/50 like a checklist. It’s about partnership. It’s about asking:
- How can we support each other better?
- How do we share the mental load—not just the visible tasks?
- How do we show up consistently (not perfectly but consistently)?
Raising a family is a team effort. And like any good team, it works best when everyone feels supported, respected and in it together. For me, co-parenting has been one of the most humbling—and rewarding—parts of becoming a dad.
And coparenting has changed how I show up in other parts of my life, too.
What fatherhood teaches us
Becoming a dad has a way of reshaping your priorities. You become more intentional with your time. You learn patience in ways you didn’t expect. You start to value presence over perfection.
And interestingly, those same things show up at work—listening more, leading with empathy, supporting your team the way you support your family. It turns out the things that make you a better parent also make you a better teammate.
Why the little moments matter
The simple moments are what I like best about events like our Family Summer Kickoff. On the surface, it’s pretty basic: food, families, kids running around, and a few of us dads trying not to overcook the hotdogs.
But underneath that, it’s about connection. It’s about creating space for families to come together. It’s about recognizing that behind every colleague is a full life outside of work. And it’s about appreciating the small moments—the ones that often matter most.
Because at the end of the day, those are the moments we remember.
An invitation
In that spirit, I also want to extend an invitation. Beyond our kickoff, I’ll be hosting a Community BBQ for Dads and Men on Saturday, June 20, at our fabulous new site, the Mary Gillespie House in Sainte-Foy. This fully-renovated house with its great yard and plenty of parking is a fitting location for this activity, also new to our list of events.
Nothing formal—just a chance to connect, have a laugh and build community. Whether you’re a new dad, a seasoned pro or somewhere in between, you’re welcome.
Closing thoughts
Father’s Day is a chance to celebrate dads. Paternity Week is a chance to reflect on what being a dad really means. For me, it comes down to one simple idea: Showing up matters. At home. At work. In the community.
Sometimes that means big commitments. Other times, it’s as simple as standing behind a BBQ, flipping burgers and being present for the people around you. And honestly, that might be more than enough.
Jarryd
