Kieran (father of 3): My name’s Kieran, I’ve got three boys. When it comes to looking after my children it’s a responsibility I take very seriously. And sometimes when things are quiet, that’s when it’s time to go and have a look because, you know, quiet can quite often mean they’re up to mischief.

[to boys] You guys alright?

Boy 1: Yeah.

Kieran: My kids’ ages are eight, six and three, so knowing that what they get up to and that they’re boys. So, quite often they like to climb, they like to jump, they like to play with things. Sometimes they like to, you know, poke things into wall sockets. Just making sure that I’m always, always watching them, always know what they’re up to.

When they’re a lot younger there’s certain things to watch out for and as they get older there’s different behaviours that I’ve got to watch out for.

Yeah these ones, these locks are quite good. So, I know his big brothers can break into them, but the three-year-old still hasn’t worked it out yet.

[to boys] Hey, hey, hey, can you take that out to your brothers please? The main thing for me is they’re my kids and they’re my responsibility.

[to boys] Boiled eggs.

Boy 2: No, no.

Kieran: [to boys] Come on, watch out guys.

And it’s just that constant awareness, so with my wife and I, we tag team and sometimes they can drive you crazy, you know, having three boisterous boys.

[to boys] Right now away, thanks. No, no, out of the kitchen thanks, come on guys. Come on.

It’s about having a line of sight.

[to boys] Wait there, we’re not crossing the road yet; any cars?

But, it’s also about knowing your children and knowing what their capabilities are.

[to boys] You hold my hand thanks. Any cars?

Boys: No, no.

Kieran: [to boys] Alright.

I think it’s important, especially when you’ve got the kids outside, roads around, other kids and adults; it’s just good to keep an eye on them. Quite often sometimes it’s just as much as doing a head count all the time, making sure there’s always one, two, three

[laughs].

My boys have got a lot of energy and if I’m not watching them or if I’m not on to them, they can get up to a lot of mischief. Lyndon is my three-year-old, he’s just turned three. Obviously being the youngest of three boys he cops a bit from his big brothers, so it’s always about knowing, okay keeping an ear out for tears and tantrums in the backyard and to get out there and deal with things before it gets too far.

There’s always going to be times where they fall over and bump themselves and break a tooth or doing something which can, you know, can cause you a bit of panic, but ultimately it’s about creating that environment for them and that good supervision that allows them to develop and at the same time, you know, keep them safe.

Bath time. When both of us are in the house there’s always someone with the kids. You know, I always make sure the water temperature’s not too hot, not too cold [laughs]. Always important to watch your kids around water, you know, whether it be the bath or the backyard with playing with the hose. I will get the eldest one through first, then the second one and third one.

Lyndon now, the three-year-old, sometimes even if there’s only a little bit of water in the bath, he can stay in and play on his own for a bit, but I’ll always be here. Someone will always be here watching him or only within a few steps away from him.

[to boys] So, too much soap in there is there?

And being boys I think, it doesn’t matter how cold it is, how hot it is, they always want to be in water. I think it can be a good fun experience for kids, but as long as someone’s there and they’re safe.

[reading to boys] He’s a dogfish, so now when I see everyone with their ordinary old dogs I say, ‘Why would I need a dog when I have the best goldfish in the world? I like saying that.’

You know, it’s good to have family and friends who can, you know, who can help out from time to time, but ultimately they’re my responsibility.