When I first came across The Modern Dad Club, I loved the idea straight away.

As parents, we're often encouraged to find our village - but dads can sometimes find themselves left out of those conversations. CJ Henry set up The Modern Dad Club to create a space where dads can connect, share experiences and support one another, and it's been brilliant to see the community grow.

We recently spent some time with CJ trying out the newest Izmi carriers, so ahead of Father's Day I wanted to ask him a few questions about fatherhood, community, babywearing and what he's learned during his first year as a dad.

 

Hi CJ! Tell us a little about yourself and your family.

Me and my wife had our son in June 2025. He recently turned one, so we have officially made it through a full first year of parenthood. The family dynamic has changed, however we have tried to keep doing the same things we did before he was here, with slight adjustments. Since he was born, we have managed to travel a fair bit, which has been great during my wife's maternity leave. We try to keep a regular routine, which isn't always perfect, but it works for us and our little one is happy, which is the most important thing.

What inspired you to start The Modern Dad Club?

Month three of finding out we were having a baby was the turning point for me. Not sure why specifically then, but I remember my wife looking at mum & baby groups alongside antenatal classes, which made me think I should be looking for something too. I quickly realised there was nothing out there for men.

There wasn't a space between being a parent and needing therapy, care or support. I was looking for the space in between - that social space for everyone to feel seen and heard. So I thought, if it's not there then why not build it?

What was your vision when you first started?

My vision for starting The Modern Dad Club was to build a community where dads felt seen, heard and understood within a space that didn't feel alien or uncomfortable.

I had been to a few appointments, classes and groups where I felt isolated (not intentionally), and I didn't want that for anyone else. Being a dad has its challenges, so creating this space was for dads to come together and just be exactly that... a dad.

Why do you think community matters so much for parents, and dads in particular?

Many mums do naturally find groups easier and, more often than not, it's to fill that time and space when on maternity leave in the early stages. Dads don't often have that time in those moments.

But it's during those times that things can be really challenging for dads, as most want to be more present, but the juggle between providing and presence is something I often hear is the hardest. Creating a community where dads can be seen and heard is important because it forces everyone to realise this is needed.

What's the biggest benefit you've seen from dads connecting with other dads?

The biggest benefit I've seen is that dads are realising it's not just them, and most - if not all - dads are experiencing the same emotions, feelings and challenges as they try to navigate fatherhood as best they can.

I often say that just because I founded The Modern Dad Club does not mean I am a professional. Just like everyone else, I am trying to navigate this journey, but it's stronger in numbers when you have others to do it with.

Dads have formed friendships and even business connections from this, and that's what I love to see.

How has fatherhood changed you?

I always hear this question, but I often say it hasn't changed me, it's just upgraded my life experience.

It's given me so much more confidence. It's given me more of a push and a reason to go harder. But that doesn't mean it's not hard, it's not challenging, and it doesn't come with its down moments. That's the beauty of life, and in all of that it's a great blessing.

The most rewarding parts of fatherhood are the moments when you come home and he crawls to the door, or when he is crying and you are the reason he stops and feels calm. Those moments will forever stay with me.

Do you think carrying your baby changes the way dads connect with their children?

Yes. Naturally, mums might breastfeed and have that physical connection and, as a dad, it's hard to create that. I find having a carrier does help bring that closeness to my child and almost creates that extra bond.

You've recently been trying some Izmi carriers. What stood out to you?

The one thing I love about Izmi is that they don't feel like traditional carriers. They come in a variety of colours and look and feel like a cool addition to the dad swag, haha.
(CJ is wearing the NEW Leopard Oat colour of our much-loved Izmi Baby Carrier)

What advice would you give to a new dad who might be feeling overwhelmed or isolated?

At The Modern Dad Club we have a quote that says:

"Trust in your process of being a dad. Even if it's unconventional."

Which means follow what feels right to you, because being a parent isn't one-size-fits-all, and what works for some may not work for you.

Looking ahead, what are your hopes for The Modern Dad Club?

We are currently expanding, with dads nationally wanting The Modern Dad Club experience locally. We'd love to bring this across the UK and continue creating more spaces for dads in multiple capacities.

And finally... what does a great Father's Day look like to you?

Simple pleasures - a morning wake-up in bed with my son, followed by a great breakfast and some time out in the garden (UK weather dependent, haha), spending time with my family.

 

A huge thank you to CJ for taking the time to share his experiences with us.

You can find out more about The Modern Dad Club and the fantastic work they're doing to support dads and build community right here: www.themoderndadclub.com/

Happy Father's Day from all of us at Izmi 💜