Having kids turns your life upside down and inside out. And there’s simply nothing better, proud daddy Alan Paris says.

Alan and Faye Paris enjoy a relaxed moment with Evie and Charlie.

My wife Faye and I had been married for five years before we had kids.Today, our elder daughter Evie is three years old while Charlie, our son, is 16 months.

Being the last of five children, and already having 11 nephews and neices and various friends who had kids before we did, both of us were very well aware that life would change once we had Evie.

In fact, that’s why we didn’t have children right away. We both had careers that were going well, and we wanted to travel and see a bit more of the world before kids took over.

And, thankfully, we did... though, we could have squeezed in one more long-haul holiday. I have to say that whatever expectations you have before the kids are born, these are nothing compared to what actually happens.

You do turn into that annoying couple that only talks about their children for a little while too

I remember the first couple of weeks were really tough, and all people tell you is: “Don’t worry, it gets better.” Despite the good intentions, this is actually quite annoying when you’re in it. But you know what? I’d probably tell others the exact same thing.

That new, little person takes over your life in the most amazing way. And yes, you do turn into that annoying couple that only talks about their children for a little while too.

Having Evie and Charlie is the most incredible thing that could’ve happened to us. It’s amazing how much you can actually learn about life from these little people.

We take so much for granted, and we also worry about the wrong things. Charlie can spend ages chasing a balloon around the living room, giggling to himself. We lose interest in things too quickly when we get older.

There were many new things to get used to, but I don’t think there was a ‘toughest’ aspect really. It’s more a matter of shifting your focus and priorities about absolutely everything. Things are not about you anymore. It’s about these two little people too. And whatever you do, affects them.

For example, think about this: when you indulge at a wedding the night before, you will not find it easy and fun to play with the kids the morning after.

It must be horrible to wake up in the morning, all excited about the new day, run into your parents’ bedroom, poke your dad to come and play with you… only to be greeted by groans.

Then you have to watch a very unenthusiastic father drag himself to the living room to put the kettle on. But half a mug later, and I’m on the floor rolling around with cushions and soft toys!

The best thing about it all? That finger poking me in the morning. I’m not a morning person at all, but the excitement and expression of ‘possibility’ on my daughter’s face, everyday, is priceless.

When Charlie was born, things changed yet again. With Evie, we could take things in turns. Waking up at night, changing her, bathing her and so forth.

But with two kids, there isn’t much turn-taking, because it’s more full on. However, it’s been great watching Evie ‘allow’ her little brother into our family.

When we first brought Charlie home, she actually asked me when his mummy and daddy would be coming to take him home.

Now, before he goes to bed in the evening she tells me: “I’ll take care of Charlie tomorrow ’cos he’s cute!” That’s what is so great about kids. She’s gotten over it, and now wants to do the most natural thing in the world – take care of her little brother.

But there’s a reason as well, of course... “’Cos he’s cute!”

The second time round, things are a tad easier. You tend to worry less, and have a bit more of an idea of what is going on.

However prepared you think you are for the first kid, it’s still a huge learning curve. You’re still learning with the second one too, but you tend to have more of a grasp of things... though Charlie, so far, is very different from Evie.

I do miss some aspects of the old days. Spontaneity, for starters. Being able to wake up late in the morning, or up and leave on holiday; even simply staying later at the beach, or out on a night with friends.

Having said all this, I wouldn’t change our situation for anything. Before they were around, I used to arrive home and it was quiet (which can be a good thing on certain days).

Now I’m greeted by a speeding, two-foot blonde and a big hug. Then Charlie hobbles behind her and shows me his new teeth. You tell me what is better!

As for this upcoming Father’s Day, I fully intend to spend it jumping around on our bed, reading stories in the kids’ tent, blowing bubbles on the balcony, taking them to the beach, or a playground and then for an ice cream.

There’s only one thing I can say to dads-to-be. Don’t fight it, or avoid it; just enjoy it. The kids are there to stay. You can either waste your energy complaining about how tired you are, that you woke up 20 times last night, or you can get stuck in, and enjoy them.

This time shall pass, and you will miss it. My dad always says how he wishes he was around a bit more when were young, but he was busy making sure that we got everything we needed.

When your kids are this young, they’re always excited to see you, they find you funny, they think you’re the most amazing person in the world, and always want to be with you.

What else could anyone want? This too shall pass…unfortunately.