When it comes to fatherhood, most of us feel unprepared — but imagine stepping into it without being able to see. That’s the reality for comedian and Strictly star Chris McCausland, who joined us in The Dadsnet Studios for an unforgettable episode of The Dadsnet Podcast.
Chris opened up about the fears, challenges, and surprising joys of parenting blind — and in doing so, reminded us what really matters: showing up with love, humour, and resilience.
The Fear We All Feel (But Rarely Admit)
Before becoming a dad, Chris was terrified — and not just in the way most new dads are. “Being blind means there are just some things I can’t do as well as others,” he told us. “And parenting isn’t something you can just try and quit if it’s not going well.”
It’s a fear rooted in responsibility. Chris didn’t want to just “have a go” — he wanted to be great at it. But without sight, how do you prepare for a job that already comes with no manual?
“I was genuinely worried I wouldn’t be good enough. But then you figure out what you can do — and you do that as well as you possibly can.”
Parenting by Feel — Literally
Chris’s daughter has only ever known her dad as blind — and that’s made their bond beautifully intuitive.
“She knew early on she couldn’t just point. She’d place my hand on things instead. It was like learning two languages without even realising it.”
This theme of adaptability runs deep. Chris doesn’t read bedtime stories from a book. He creates whole worlds out loud. He’s not the “logistics” parent — he’s the daft, imaginative, deeply present one.
Letting Go of Perfection, Holding Onto Presence
Chris admits there are things he can’t do — school runs, driving, or navigating visual games — but what he offers in exchange is something every child needs: time, love, and complete attention.
“There are things I just can’t do. But my daughter? She doesn’t see what I can’t do. She sees what I do do — and that’s enough.”
What Blindness Taught Us About Fatherhood
Chris’s story reminds us that every dad brings something different to the table — and that’s okay. There’s no perfect mould. What matters is the relationship you build, the memories you create, and the way you show up — day in, day out.
“Parenting is about finding your way. Sometimes literally. But mostly, emotionally.”
Chris proves that you don’t need to see your child to see what they need.
🎧 Listen to Chris’s full story — and laugh, cry, and learn with us — on the latest episode of The Dadsnet Podcast.
Listen on Apple | Listen on Spotify
