For many dads, the early years of parenting are a blur of nappies, night feeds and Lego-related foot injuries. But what happens when the kids grow up—and start to carve out lives of their own?
In the latest episode of The Dadsnet Podcast, Chesney Hawkes, now a father of three grown-up children, shares what it feels like to move into this next chapter of fatherhood—when your kids are no longer babies, but young adults with dreams, doubts, and destinations of their own.
“I’ve got one graduating university, one about to move out, and one on stage with me… they’re all flying in different directions.”
It’s a bittersweet season, and Chesney doesn’t shy away from the emotional weight of it. He describes the proud, aching joy of seeing his daughter get into St Andrews—and now, preparing to watch her graduate on her 22nd birthday. He talks about his eldest son’s journey into adulthood. And of course, he beams when describing his youngest son, Indy, now his band’s lead guitarist.
“Sometimes I come home from a gig and they’re drinking my beer. That’s when it hits you—they’re not little anymore.”
The episode digs into the real, raw side of fatherhood as your kids get older: the pride, the longing, the letting go. For Chesney, this stage has also come with reflection and growth—not just in his relationship with his kids, but in how he sees himself as a dad.
“I’m learning to step back. To trust that we’ve raised them right. That they’ll be OK. That’s hard, but it’s necessary.”
He also credits his wife—the “rock” of the family—for her emotional strength and grounding presence throughout their parenting journey. It’s a humble, honest moment many dads will relate to.
Whether your child is just starting to toddle or is returning from uni with laundry and life plans, Chesney’s reflections are a gentle reminder that fatherhood never stops—it just changes shape.
🎧 Listen to the full episode now on The Dadsnet Podcast for an uplifting, honest conversation about growing pains, pride, and parenting through every stage.
