I tried being a dad for 30 days 

Okay so apparently there isn't a 30 day return policy...

Congrats. If your experience is like mine, your entire mindset will change much more than you realize, even now, as your kid grows and grows. So much of the parenting I've seen in the media makes so much more sense to me. I thought I understood the struggles of a parent, but I see now that it was all silly theory that I couldn't possibly understand. And you'll understand more and more as the years go on. It's a great journey, but don't feel guilty if you sometimes think it's not a great journey. Being a parent is the best thing I've ever done.

“It’s so easy to be bad parent, to not care, to not research, to not worry..” Best quote. We know Franky will be one of the luckiest boy to have you both as his parents! Happy for you Matt and Nat 🎉

You have no idea how satisfying it is for parents to hear from new parents how freaking hard it actually is. But also the absolute best thing ever.

Fellow Dad here. It's true that it's gonna be one of the hardest part of your life, but it certainly will be the most fulfilling. Congrats to you guys!

Congratulations!! As a mom to twin boys (born 28 years ago)...it's all worth it! That first year with my twins was the HARDEST OF MY LIFE. I now laugh thinking back at how much I cried, how scared I felt and the fact that I questioned every single thing multiple times when it came to my sons. I think it all turned out pretty well as my sons are now both adults and work as educators. I can tell you that I survived the multiple questions and anxieties I had as a parent and you will too.. Oh yeah, their dad sometimes helped too. LOL!

I realized the reason why we have kids is because we need to learn to love someone else rather than just ourselves.

He is absolutely precious. I got teary watching this - my own boys started their first year of high school/last year of middle school this week. I think the most true thing I ever heard about parenting is, “The days are long but the years are short.” There were definitely days when I counted the hours until bedtime…but now those days seem so far away, yet somehow only just yesterday. Time is a weird thing when you become a parent. Sending warm thoughts your way - hang in there!

The moment i saw the title, i laughed matt ngl, super creative 🤣

That first minute gives me so much satisfaction. My daughter is 4 and I'm almost 48 years old. I'd like to think I'm as energetic as my 20--year-old self, or even my 30-year-old self. It's true that as a parent the days are long, and the years are short. Congratulations!

I’m a new father for my 6 month old daughter Adeline. Thank you for this video. It affirmed that while becoming a father is the most humbling experience of my life, it’s also the most rewarding. The highs far outweigh the lows. Congrats on Frankie and becoming a dad!

Congrats to both of you. Welcome to the world, Frankie.

I totally agree that becoming a parent is extremely hard.. Since becoming a father, I feel like I started a second life. Everything is different, including my value system. I have shifted completely to focusing on another than myself. My definition of love has significantly shifted. Ultimately this is a gift.

This made me shed a tear. Thanks Matt and congrats on becoming a dad!

It's strange how natural it is for me to see you as a dad. I've known you for I don't remember how long, I just have the feeling that in a certain way I have access to your life and now I follow you in this important part of your life and everything seems so natural to me. I'm 100% sure you and Natalie will be great parents. The way you always put a lot of effort, dedication and attention in what you do will be reflected in the way you take care of your son. ❤

Wife and I went through a few losses, we both lost it when we first heard our son cry

Congrats Matt and Natalie. You guys will be fantastic parents.

As a creator who's been inspired by Matt over the years and as a (kind of new) dad - this is the one video that I have been waiting to see in forever. It's like every single point hit home - and weirdly, it has been even more exciting in seeing you take up the role with such demeanour. Thanks Matt - I hope we keep getting more videos from this side of you!

Yay, I love this new generation of dads being involved in taking care of the baby and raising their kids. My dad admitted a long time ago that mom raised me and my sister, he did help in some ways especially with picking us up from school, but mom ran the house (and paid bills), helped me with homework/studying, and she cooked all the meals while she had a full time job as an accountant. My sister and I didn't have an allowance, we could only earn a little bit of money to do chores (and basic yard work), keep our rooms clean, and take care of the dog. I appreciate seeing married couples act as a team by taking care of the house and the kids, it's such a beautiful and important dynamic.

Watched this video when it first came out, right when we found out we were pregnant. Rewatching it now at 4am with our 5 day old sleeping on my chest while my wife grabs a few hours sleep, and it hits so close to home. We’ve been lucky with phenomenal midwife-led care during our hospital care, but also looking forward to taking him home and learning how to parent in our own space. Great video.

This is so needed, most routine videos are from people who aren’t parents or kids are older. Congratulations and welcome to a new world, can’t wait for the toddler stage videos 😂👍

Being the super good parents is the most difficult thing in the world and at the same time it is more fun and enjoyable. It is the part of life and I am really excited to become a parent in the future ☺️

Our eldest turned 25 today and it’s amazing how what you’re saying still resonates! I so appreciate your vulnerability here! You guys are great parents. What a gift little Frankie is.

I'm a mom to a baby girl under a year old and it absolutely does get (so) much easier. I actually look forward to her waking up in the morning now because she's so awesome to be around. There are hard parts still for sure but it's now so enjoyable. So congratulations, Matt! Been watching you for a long time now. Happy to see your family expand!

Congrats Matt, and welcome to the best job in the world! I've been a father for 9.5 years, and I'd like to tell you it gets easier but every single milestone is both challenging and fulfilling. It's hard work but so worth it. Also it does go as fast as everyone tells you.

The “thought I was busy before…” comment. I FEEL THAT!

Casually opened up RU-vid to learn how to speak Spanish to then be pleasantly surprised by my For You Page that one of my favourite youtubers had a baby! Congratulations!!!! ...And good luck!

Being mom has taught me more about myself than anything else. Parenting is hard, it’s like an unexpected slap in a face no matter how much you try to prepare for this role, but as Matt said despite being hard, it gives you much more hapiness. Congratulations Matt and Natalie! Seing your faces when you look at Frankie makes my heart melt. ❤

The second I saw our son for a first time I felt everything IN ME changed! It’s 4 years and it’s super powerful every single day…

Best advice I ever got about parenting: "don't do what's easy, do what's right". Good luck man, it's the hardest job you'll ever love.

I don't know why but I really like the camera angles when Matt talks to the camera. One sitting cross-legged on the floor and one with the camera on a table which Matt is almost hunched over, as if trying to get down on the level of the camera. It creates a really nice vibe of being informally let into the house

I'm not a parent but this certainly can help me prepare for the day if it ever happens. Given you're channel is my favourite (this video is one of your best btw), it teaches me that when life gets complicated, its worth going back to basics. When we encounter something that seems complex, it's very easy to respond in kind. Thank you for giving this to us and of course, congratulations. It's satisfying to see you come this far. Long may it continue!!!

Welcome to fatherhood, Matt. I’d say that your experience sounds about like what we went through - including the lack of weight gain thing - which was so stressful. Frankie is adorable. This brought back so many fond memories (my 17 year old son is lounging on the couch behind me). Congratulations, again, to you and Nat.

Nat is sooooo pretty, motherhood looks good on her!

I remember that we were looking at each other saying: “What were we thinking!” There’s definitely a live before and a live after. But we wouldn’t go back to the before. In the end all the struggling, sleepless nights, worries and questioning “Are we doing the right thing?” is nothing to the joy and happiness it’s brought us. Congrats Matt and Nat! You’re doing great! Frankie couldn’t have wished for better parents.

I tried to be a dad for 26 years and now I think I will stick with it. Definitely life changes. Congratulations Matt and enjoy your little one.

Congrats to the both of you, just. Being a parent is the best thing ever, but at times can feel like the most challenging. However you come to realize that the ups completely overwhelm the downs (in our case). Send the 3 of you love.

It's ridiculously humbling to enter parenthood. Any preconceptions you might have about how busy you previously were, and just how structured you will keep your life after your first child comes along are just totally blown out of the water. Any preconceptions you may have had about just how busy you were before children is blown out of the water, and you unlock ways to be busy while you're being busy all on significantly less sleep. I wonder if any insurance companies out there have compiled statistics of at-fault car accidents between parents and non-parents. We absolutely shared the same experience too - when we finally went to the post-natal room and the midwives and doctors left we had that sudden moment - "Oh shit, we're 100% responsible for that human being now too". Parenting books and courses only tell you so much, each child is so vastly different. Even siblings. Congratulations again you guys. For all the hard work it has and is going to be, you'll still love it.

Congratulations to you both! This video resonated with me in so many ways, almost a relief to think 'no, it wasn't just me'. The vertical learning curve is absolutely true, no matter how much you try to prepare, you are still left feeling woefully underprepared and over-run. Learning to get go of your previous, baby-free life is brutally hard, and takes a while, but like all things, you adapt and overcome. Really good point on simplifying your life as much as possible. It took about 18 months but now my child is an absolute joy and whilst I'm sure they'll continue to test us in new and interesting ways, I can't imagine life without them.

Congratulations! 37 years old dad here with two wonderful kids of 5 and 3 years old! Have fun on this journey. yes it’s hard and intense sometimes but it’s rewarding and so much fun. For the parents, open communication at all times and be sensitive to each others needs. It is very important for the family’s health. Specially in the beginning.

My daughter just reached 1 month today, it's so nice to see other parents experiences and that last piece of advice your brother gave to you, it's just so true! Every time I feel exhausted, I feel a bit better when I realize that. Congrats to both of you, it's hard but we got this!

Hooray! What a heartwarming video. It's sweet to see the joy and love you both have for your new baby. Congrats!

Congratulations to you both! So glad baby, momma and pops are doing great!

Congrats! ✨ Parenting is harder than people tell us, but is more wonderful than you can ever imagine ❤.

"... It's what makes good parents." Thank you for this, Matt! I needed to hear that. Congratulations to you and Nat on your little family 🫶🏽

Parenthood is teaching me productivity, prioritization, taking care of my needs, what energizes me, what nourishes me, what do I need to be a good parent, where are my limits, and getting help and support from others. Prioritization has been huge. I used to have so much time, and I don't anymore. I've had to narrow my life down drastically. What is my top value? What is most important? It's also really important to learn to rest properly, because I have very little time to do that now.

Congrats guys! Perfectly summed up, & so cute! I'm glad you included a balanced perspective of highs and lows too. So often soon to be parents or young parent are given one or the other, but not both.

You are gonna be the great dad for sure 😊 so happy for you!

Thank you for being SO real & honest about parenthood! Absolutely love the name, Frankie, & it already shows you guys are amazing parents 💕

Beautiful message. Beautiful video. Beautiful to see you to as parents & celebrating this new chapter of your lives.😊

What a wonderful, realistic video of the first few months of parenting. You captured it so well. So many emotions and so much exhaustion! Your little one is adorable and your brother’s advice made me cry. So sweet. Congrats to you both.🎉

I'm so happy to see this! It makes me feel better that there are other people like me out there who got hit over the head by parenting and how hard it is! But we wouldn't trade it for anything!

It's so sweet to see a buff dad navigating the joys and challenges of being a dad. You can tell he's going through a whole mix of emotions.

More videos like this please! This is great learning content for both new parents and aspiring parents.

This made me cry! Not enough dads feel this way! I was lucky to have a great dad and my kids are just as blessed! Thank you! If it's not tough you aren't in it! I love the quote! It's true! Thank you and good luck! Congrats!

Only you can turn becoming a parent into a documentary 😂 I love it❤

All the best for the new daddies! Life starts now! Enjoy the ride as most as you can!

Congrats Matt and Natalie. I know you two are and will continue to be amazing parents. Also, Matt, this has to be one of your most emotionally connecting videos. You always do such an amazing job of making us feel like we're doing the challenge with you as you take us along the journey. But this video hit on another level. Even though I'm only turning 17 this year, I can feel and understand all the different things that you guys are going through, the high points and the struggles. And then the text you read from your brother at 8:46 ties it all so beautifully together. Such amazing storytelling Matt. Can't wait for the next video.

More of this! Amazing Edit and video! Started crying as a fellow dad here! Gratulations from Norway 🇳🇴

Matt, I laughed out loud after the 30 day countdown. I was on the verge of tears thoughout the entire video - there are no words to express the feelings, but you did an amazing job documenting your feelings and ups and downs. Sending you, Nat, and Frankie all the best ❤

Aww. What a privilege to be introduced to Frankie! Congratulations Matt & Nat! Thank you for sharing your journey!

Hey Matt, Huge congrats on entering the world of fatherhood! As someone who's been through the complex rollercoaster of parenthood, I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate you showing the real, unfiltered side of being a dad. It's not all rainbows and butterflies, but each moment-no matter how challenging-adds a layer of depth to our lives that's beyond rewarding. Your transparency will undoubtedly help many new parents feel seen and understood. Can't wait to see you, your content, and your family grow in this new chapter. Wishing you sleep-filled nights and priceless memories!!!

Congrats guys! Thanks so much for sharing these precious first days with Frankie. Just filming all you did would have added to the crazy of these first days, but what a wonderful legacy to look back on for yourselves. And what an amazing reality check for all new parents. Cheers guys, hoping you're getting a little more sleep. Ps: he is so freakin' cute!

You three are just adorable! Thank you for sharing Matt, really appreciate your storytelling and showing your vulnerability through this experience as well. Was Frankie's fist-bump at 1:35 intentional to align with your voice over saying 'respect and admiration' to Nat - so perfectly timed! :D

Congrats!!! Frankie is amazing! I heard similar advice that I always cling to: if you’re worried about being a good parent, then you’re a good parent. Bad parents don’t worry about their parenting… I’ve always admired your work, but this is a special, new level. Thank you for sharing your journey 💜

Such a beautiful journey. Thanks for sharing and wish you guys the best days! Enjoy every second!

Been a follower for over 3 years and you made me cry several times throughout the video talking about your son ❤️ I’m son happy for you two, congrats!

30 day series is back baby! I mean literally😂

Welcome to the world Frankie!! Matt, your brother is a genius at giving advice. Obviously, a great dad. This is for both of you, but mostly Nat. I picked up on her stress and pain from experience at giving birth and being in the hospitsl. As a mom of 4 girls, one who was born with congenital heart defects, and my last born with me being sick with Covid I can relate. You did everything right and nothing wrong. The only knowledge I have after delivering 4 beautiful girls is that each one is like the first time. My last was a 9lb baby. Between her shoulder being lodged in a funny place, Covid, she lost 3lbs in the first month. After considering myself a pro at nursing, I found myself a total newbie. I had to pump all hours of the day between nursing. I had to consult with a lactation consultant. Weekly weigh ins. I supplemented with formula. All while caring for 3 other girls, my dad passing away unexpectedly, the general stress of being an adult living life. It was awful and scary, and nothing like the last pregnancy/birth/post partum experience I fantasized or planned for. I was pressured and shamed and I had to fight for me and my baby. It's still beautiful and wonderful. My youngest turned 1 on the 30th. It absolutely goes by too fast. Sending a long distance hug to you both. Especially for Nat. Its a shame you didn't feel supported while in hospital. Unfortunately, with healthcare such as it is, it's extremely important to advocate for yourself, each other, and for Frankie. I have faith your gonna be great parents.

Went through the exact situation 8 months ago when my daughter was born and things to get easier but its still a lot of work but as soon as they smile all the stress and tiredness goes away.

Congratulations 🎉 feel it so much and brought me to tears, since I had the toughest year ever as being a mom for the first time...mentally and physically. But the love grows and grows! All the best for you guys ❤

Father of three here - your brother’s wisdom is spot on! Every day is a new adventure but it’s the best kind of challenge. Plus, you and Nat doing all of that as a team is unlike anything else; getting past those first weeks is the true grind. We just went through our second miscarriage…your video was like balm and we’re celebrating a successful and safe delivery for y’all. So excited for you THREE to be on this journey as a family. Keep it up.❤

Congratulations to you guys. We have an 11 week old (our third child). The first two weeks definitely are the hardest. I feel the second month is a lot easier. Every stage is different. The first child is ALWAYS the toughest. I have never really been a fan of the newborn stage, but it definitely passes you by quickly. Today, I just drove my oldest child to his first job, so there's a stage you get to look forward to... Frankie is adorable. You can see all the love you two have for one another and your child, and that is so vital for raising a child. My older two kids see how much love my husband & I have shared, and for nearly 23 years we've been together, 19 years married. . .and having babies together really makes it a great testament for our love. You two will do great! Keep communicating and working as a team, like I see you have been doing. That's the way to go!

Beautiful video. Such an immense milestone! Congratulations both!

Proud of you both! Welcome to the club. Enjoy everyday with all the easy moments and hardships. You are going to be amazing parents!

Man, Matt, I am so proud of you!! Also, more content on fatherhood/parenting man!!❤

I've been waiting for this video. My kids are 8 and 6 now and it's a wild ride. I wouldn't change it for anything though. Welcome to parenting!

It´s always a joy to see your videos. And this one especially. Congratulations, to all three of you, on having each other. 🥰

Those final seconds of the video made me break down in tears. New dad here too, and so much resonated. Thanks, Matt.

I'm about to cry rn. This is so touching and heartwarming. You guys are clearly doing really great and are amazing parents. Don't forget to tell nat (especially in the really rough times like during tantrums or when shes just touched out or overly emotional from hormones or being overtired) that she's doing great bc as a mom myself I cant even describe how much of a difference it makes just to have someone acknowledge that you are trying and that you are in fact NOT failing in the bad moments. A lot of time, I was told that by people who only saw my child when he wasn't crying and just being a happy baby and it never felt genuine. I was told by 2 random women out in public that I was doing good in the middle of dealing with a tantrum, and I cried so hard because it felt like I was really being seen. That's somethin⁶g a lot of people don't talk about, but, especially first-time moms or moms with little ones, NEVER forget.

Man, it’s been so impressive to see your progression on RU-vid but it’s really gratifying as a viewer to see you as a father. Take whatever time you need to find a balance in your life as a new parent, we’ll all stick around for however long it takes.

This was truly a gem of a clip, humorous, sad (the suboptimal hospital stay), and very loving - 100% self recognition. All respect and care to all you parents who do your best and and may all others also find a sustainable path.

The greatest gift. What a sweetheart! ❤❤ everything gets easier with the next, and next blessing.

Frankie is SO ADORABLE! Congrats, Matt and Nathalie ❤

Matt and Nat really produced an entire offspring just to give us a self help video on parenting, now that's dedication to your audience! (Shitposting aside, congrats! Kid's gonna grow up to be one of the most well-rounded people on the planet with you for a dad)

I Have a 3 week old- so this video came out at the perfect time and really hit home for me. Thank you Matt for sharing! Hope to see some more parenting content from you in the future.

Congratulations to you both. And thank you for making such a thoughtful video about the first month. 💜

As a mom of two, now 15 and 20, congratulations on your new son! I’m so happy that you’re enjoying him! Sleep will come. I promise! :)

Father of four here. I’m glad to hear it all went well and you are enjoying your time. This is definitely a life change that will teach you what essentialism is

Massive congratulations, Frankie is adorable! Not a parent yet, but love seeing the honest stuff so that I'm not shocked one day

So happy to see that cute boy, it's amazing to see one of your coaches is dad now, thanks for just being there, wish all of you health, happiness and success❤

LOVE this congrats!!!

haha best ad spot ever 😂❤

Congrats! I was really fortunate to grow up with both of my parents retired before I was adopted. Having them there so much was really important - and as I've gotten older and learned about other people's lives - and also pretty rare. Take advantage of the growth of your platform and slow down and give more reposnsibility to your team and ask for help. Do whatever you can to spend more time with him and less time working if you're able

Congrats, the best advice I received (and I was on the receiving end of) is to always remind Nat how great of a job she's doing. Motherhood is so hard especially in the early months and hearing reassurance is invaluable during such a vulnerable time.

Dude we just got some pretty intense news about our impending birth and I needed this. Great to see you and Nat (and Frankie) thriving and growing through this experience. ❤

I officially joined the dad club just three weeks and one day ago. This video couldn't have come at a more fitting time for me. Kudos to Matt for sharing it! Here's to all the awesome dads out there! 🕶👨‍👧‍👦🎉

Got one on the way, so nervous but so excited! But I’m glad this came out when it did. I’ll probably be rewatching it monthly until the day comes

When I became a parent this is when I valued minimalism even more. Life is so chaotic with a baby I needed to make the rest of my life as simple as possible.

I will always live for this quote about parenting. “Everyone is a good parent until they become one”. I didn’t realise I became a parent to an actual until we brought our daughter home. Then I didn’t bath her for the first 2 weeks, I would always pass her to the nearest family member. Also congratulations 🥳 on baby Frankie.