Latest news with #fatherhood
Khaleej Times
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Superdad Awards Season 2 celebrates UAE's most inspiring fathers in a meaningful tribute
The second edition of the Superdad Awards was held on June 14 at JW Marriott Hotel Marina, Dubai, bringing together fathers, families, and community leaders to recognise fatherhood in its many powerful forms. The event was timed ahead of Father's Day to spotlight real stories of strength, sacrifice, and love, and to reflect on why celebrating fathers is more important than ever in today's world. Organised by 321 Events DMCC, the Superdad Awards were created to shine a light on the often-unacknowledged contributions of fathers who serve as role models, caretakers, mentors, and changemakers in their homes and communities. The 'Superdad of the Year' honour was awarded to Taylor Johnson, an American father of three, including two adopted daughters with visual impairments. Taylor's story stood out for his ability to balance fatherhood and entrepreneurship while creating a nurturing environment filled with love and opportunity. Zoha Masood Beig, founder and CEO of 321 Events DMCC, shared: 'Fathers are often the silent supporters — strong, loving, consistent, yet rarely recognised. That's why we created the Superdad Awards: to tell their stories, to celebrate their efforts, and to inspire more families to see fatherhood as a role of heart and year's winners reminded us that being a dad isn't just a title, it's a legacy.' The evening was far more than an awards ceremony — it was a heartfelt celebration of fatherhood in all its forms. Guests were treated to a powerful live sand art performance, beautifully narrating the emotional journey of a father's life. A moving dance tribute followed, paying homage to fathers across generations and their timeless role in shaping lives. The awards were adjudicated by a distinguished Jury and Advisory Board comprising renowned industry leaders and dignitaries: Maher Al Kabi, Raza Beig, Gaurav Tandon, Amitabh Taneja, Nina Zandnia, Mohammed Al Mansoori, David Van Lachem, Mirza Al Hussain Sayegh, and Juhi Yasmeen Khan. Their collective expertise ensured a rigorous, fair, and thoughtful selection process, celebrating truly deserving fathers. The night concluded on an inspiring note with the official announcement of Superdad Awards – Season 3, set to return in 2026 with renewed spirit, wider community engagement, and even more extraordinary stories. The next chapter promises to elevate the celebration of fatherhood to greater heights.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
'Dad brain': How becoming a father changes your brain
It's not only mothers who experience profound changes around the birth of a child - fathers also show measurable adjustments in brain structure and hormone balance, according to new research led by psychology professor Darby Saxbe at the University of Southern California. Results from brain scans show: The cortex, the part of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions, also changes in fathers, Saxbe explains in the American Psychological Association (APA) podcast Speaking of Psychology. The changes are more subtle than in mothers, but nevertheless detectable - and they appear to promote the fathers' ability to care. There are also changes in hormone levels. The testosterone levels of many fathers fall after the birth, something associated with a higher motivation to look after the baby, explains Saxbe. This means that less testosterone can mean more closeness to the child, as well as a better quality of relationship during the transition to parenthood. At the same time, it was shown that partners of fathers with lower testosterone reported fewer depressive symptoms - provided the relationship was good. Poor sleep is a constant companion of young parents. And according to Saxbe's research, lack of sleep is a consequence rather than a cause of brain changes. Those who are particularly involved in caring for the baby often sleep less well - but the brain seems to want to "remodel" itself precisely for this purpose. Her research also suggests that fatherhood is a real "development window" for the brain - comparable to adolescence or childhood. "Every window of change is a window of vulnerability, but it's also a window of opportunity," says the professor. Anyone who initially feels that they are unable to concentrate like they used to need not worry immediately. This is because children boost their parents' memory: they sharpen their cognitive skills and parents have "more ability to remember and retrieve things" that are related to the child. Another key finding: fathers who take parental leave also benefit - but mothers benefit even more. They sleep better, are less stressed and show fewer depressive symptoms, her research showed. "It was really the moms that had the biggest benefit." Parental leave is something that not only benefits fathers, but the whole family. "We know it has benefits for the children. We also know that it's beneficial for the partner. And I think that anything you can do to take the pressure off the family system is also a way of managing stress." - Darby Saxbe is Professor of Psychology at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. There she directs the Neuroendocrinology of Social Ties (NEST) Lab, where she studies how close relationships affect health, with a particular focus on the transition to parenthood. Her book "Dad Brain" is due to be published next year.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Carson Wentz Shares Major Personal Announcement on Thursday
Carson Wentz Shares Major Personal Announcement on Thursday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. NFL teams across the league are preparing for a new season, looking to put themselves in a position to compete for a Super Bowl. Advertisement After OTAs and during mandatory minicamps around the league, a Super Bowl champion and former backup quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, took to social media. Carson Wentz, who was once viewed as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, shared some exciting news with fans on Thursday. Wentz and his wife, Madison, are welcoming their fourth child. The couple, who got married in 2018 while Wentz was at the peak of his NFL career, will be having their fourth girl. They are currently parents to their daughters Hadley, Hudson and Jayne. "And the #girldad journey continues with number 4! 😎💕" Wentz said. Advertisement View the original article to see embedded media. Carson Wentz most recently played for the Kansas City Chiefs. He signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs, playing the 2024 season in Kansas City. During his time with the Chiefs, Wentz played three games and started in one matchup. Wentz finished his time with the Chiefs, posting 118 yards with a 63.2 completion percentage. Before his time with the Chiefs, Wentz also played for the Los Angeles Rams, Washington Commanders, Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Carson Wentz (11).Brett Davis-Imagn Images Wentz's best season came in 2017 when he finished the season as an MVP candidate. During the 2017 season, Wentz posted 33 touchdowns and 3,296 yards with a 60.2 completion percentage. Advertisement He earned his one and only Pro Bowl appearance in 2017 and served as a reserve player behind Nick Foles in the Super Bowl after suffering an injury that season. Related: Patrick Mahomes Turns Heads with Personal Announcement on Sunday Related: Carson Wentz's Parting Message After Chiefs' Super Bowl Loss This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Lee Ryan's colourful love life: From celebrity engagements to explosive love triangles, a secret love child and even a threesome with bandmate Duncan James - as he prepares to welcome sixth baby
He's just announced he is set to become a father for the sixth time, as he prepares to welcome his fourth child with his now wife Verity Paris. And while the couple are living an idyllic life with their three children over in Spain after moving overseas three years ago, Lee Ryan's love life hasn't always been so conventional. From celebrity romances to rumoured flings, love triangles and even a secret love child, the singer's love life has been colourful to say the least. Back in his Blue heyday, the star was linked to a number of women - including Atomic Kitten star Liz McClarnon and even American star Caprice. He looked to have found love with hairdresser Samantha Miller with whom he welcomed his first child, however the news of a secret love child and assault charge led to a rollercoaster relationship and bitter split. On screen too Lee hasn't held back after he became entangled in a messy love triangle during his time in Celebrity Big Brother after a series of passionate smooches. While he has even admitted to threesomes with his bandmate Duncan James, it seems now the star has mellowed and settled down for good. Liz McClarnon Enjoying a number of high profile romances, Lee was previously engaged to Atomic Kitten star Liz McClarnon in the early 2000s. The pair had dated on and off for two years and Lee popped the question in 2003 as they got swept up in the relationship bubble. However they split shortly after amid allegations that Lee had slept with a lap dancer and Liz saying she didn't like dating a fellow celebrity. Yet Lee insisted he was the one to call things off, saying later: 'It just wasn't right any more.' Opening up about their split, Liz told Closer: 'I'd never date another celebrity again. I was engaged to Lee and I didn't like having our relationship in the spotlight. 'For me, it leads to paranoia. You read things about each other and wonder who said what.' Caprice In 2004 Lee sparked romance rumours with model Caprice Bourret after it was reported they were secretly dating. The Sun revealed that the pair met at a London club and the model reportedly told friends she and the Blue singer were in love. A close friend allegedly told the paper: 'She's really happy at the moment. She's been gossiping with friends about how she's going out with Lee but that it's meant to be secret. 'She said she thinks they are in love and she's very excited about the relationship, although it is in the very early stages.' As well the American singer, Lee has also been linked to former models Alicia Douvall and Stephanie Saunders. Samantha Miller In 2007 Lee met Samantha Miller on MySpace after she posted a number of sexy snaps on his page. Samantha was reportedly a devoted fan of Blue for a number of years and recently told the singer's friends that she had a poster of him on her wall when she was a teenager. After reportedly describing her as 'well hot,' his friends and family were then stunned when he revealed at his 25th birthday party that Samantha was pregnant. However the pregnancy was by no means smooth sailing after Lee broke up with the future mother of his son five months into her pregnancy leaving her 'devastated'. The couple later reunited but then suffered a tumultuous engagement punctuated by public arguments - one of which saw Lee throwing money at Samantha outside a Mayfair hotel. Their relationship suffered another blow when it emerged that Ryan had fathered a secret love child in 2007. Lee and Samantha welcomed their son Rayn in 2008. However the couple suffered a bitter break-up in 2010, after Lee was charged with physically assaulting Samantha. The singer was charged with assaulting Samantha after allegedly hitting her as they drove through London's West End. The charge was withdrawn that month at the request of his partner. A spokesman for Ryan told MailOnline at the time: 'Lee 100 per cent denies common assault. He categorically did not hit Sammi and will be fighting these charges in court'. Later in 2019 Lee reflected on his failed relationships and low points of his life as he told the Daily Mail: 'I shouldn't have lost the family life I had with my ex-fiance, Sammi, and our little boy, Rayn. He's ten now and we're really close again. 'But I neglected the relationship so it's only relatively recently that he's been able to see functioning co-parenting, something my mum and dad never achieve. 'I also have a daughter, Bluebell, who's 11. These are key ages for my kids so I'm working as hard as I know how to make memories with each of them that will last. They're my priority for the next few years.' Jessica Keevil Lee fathered daughter Bluebell with Jessica in 2007, prior to his relationship with Samantha, after the pair met in a night club. After a number of dates Jessica revealed she was pregnant and Lee broke off the relationship and began dating Samantha. While Bluebell was born in 2008, just a few months before Rayn, Lee didn't undergo a paternity test until a year later which confirmed he was the father. Lee's relationship with Jessica's family has been troubled, and he has defended himself against accusations of failing to pay child support in the past. In 2011 Bluebell's grandmother Jane Stowell called Lee a 'terrible dad' and told The Sunday Mirror: 'Lee's been a nightmare. Jess has had to battle to bring their daughter up all by herself. 'It's as if his own child is an inconvenience to him. Every time we ask for help he ignores us.' However the Blue songwriter slammed the claims and insisted he had been paying for his daughter and disputes between his family and Jessica's have meant that seeing his daughter had been difficult. A spokesperson for the singer told MailOnline at the time: 'Lee has being paying constant regular maintenance to Jessica Keevil for the last year and a half, ever since he found out Bluebell was his child. 'In fact Lee transferred money into Jessica's account only last week. Any suggestion that he has not is complete fabrication.' He added: 'In addition Lee held a birthday party for Bluebell's at his sister's house in June last year. 'With regards to access to Bluebell, there has been an ongoing dispute in 2011 between Lee's family and Jessica's family, which has made visitation rights awkward. 'Lee takes his role as father of Bluebell very seriously and is saddened and upset that her family feel the need to make such statements in a public arena.' Casey Batchelor and Jasmine Waltz Ever the lothario, Lee was also embroiled in not one, but two romances during his time in the Celebrity Big Brother house in 2014. The star found himself caught in a love triangle with both Casey Batchelor and Jasmine Waltz after kissing both girls. While Lee was chained to glamour model Casey before he entered the house, he appeared to lead Casey to believe he wanted to give their relationship a go before secretly spending the night with Jasmine. Lee and Jasmine spent the night in the UFO out of sight of Casey who was kept in the house, and the devious duo were seen kissing under Lee's bedsheets and then disappearing to the bathroom together for quite some time. He later explained to Casey about their 'bedtime cuddles' and said he wanted to cool things off because he didn't want a relationship in the house, and didn't want to be perceived as a player. He said: 'You know they're all talking about us. I was worried about the way people would perceive us. I came in single.' When Casey questioned if it was just a house relationship for the singer, he said: 'No, well, I didn't want anything. I love cuddling and being with you. Everyone else is making an issue about it. I'm not trying to say anything, but I don't want us to be any different with each other.' Later after Jasmine was evicted, she came back into the house to confront Casey about her behaviour with Lee. During the scene, Jasmine snapped: 'Hi Casey, I have a few things to say to you. When Lee and I got together he said he really liked me and saw you as a friend. 'As soon as you left you threw yourself at him. It's quite embarrassing really. 'You deliberately went out to hurt me. I've had to sit at home and watch this. Putting your t**s in his face and saying how horny you are and that you can't wait to have sex with him.' Duncan James Lee has also sensationally revealed that he had threesomes with his bandmate Duncan James, who is openly gay. He told New: 'Me and Duncan had threesomes! We did some crazy s**t with each other. In the past we've done some s**t like that. 'It's not just high five each other. I think they call it a spit roast.' Although Duncan rubbished claims of a gay fling with Blue band-mate Lee, he did admit to having threesomes. Lee made the admission during a candid chat with feisty American Jasmine Waltz and former Apprentice finalist Luisa Zissman in the Celebrity Big Brother house in 2014, telling them: 'Yeah I've been with a man. Everyone's done experimentational s***. I'll tell you later.' He added: 'Of course, man. I'm a well-traveled person. I've never admitted it anywhere. No-one's bothered to ask.' Duncan tweetes at the time: 'Still laughin at this mornings claims. Every1 knows about the 3somes but its never gone beyond that. I mean I love Lee but not THAT much.' A source also told The Sun: 'Lee has an incredibly intense relationship with Duncan. He feels he is the only person in the world who truly understands him. 'They love each other and it's true they've been intimate over the years. They're completely comfortable with each other and still go on holidays together.' Lee also revealed he was happy for Duncan after he came out as gay in 2014 after previously identifying as bisexual. He explained: 'It's his business. And he told me eventually... He seems so much happier now. He feels like he's just cool, man. 'I saw him the other day and he was really happy. I love him to bits. He's like a soulmate, a brother. He looks like he has a weight off his shoulders.' In 2022, Lee was accused of transphobia after becoming embroiled in a vicious spat with a drag queen on Instagram - and later revealed he was bisexual. The singer sarcastically commented on gender identity, posting to his 172,000 followers: 'I might start identifying myself as an alien / star / seed / indigo child. Anything but human. Please respect my wishes.' After the post, drag queen Layla Zee Susan - real name Sammy Shepherd - challenged him for his 'insensitive' comments with Ryan launching a foul-mouthed attack on Layla. Discussing the fallout with The Sun, Ryan furiously denied claims that he was transphobic or homophobic, saying: 'I'm bisexual and my bandmate is gay - I would never disrespect anyone like that. 'I normally ignore things like that but it's like somebody calling me racist when I'm not. Duncan's constantly dressing in drag, he's gay, Blue has a big [gay] following - so this really upset me. 'Some of my best friends are gay. I didn't say one thing about him being in drag.' Laura Anderson In 2019 Lee was spotted out on a date with Love Island star Laura Anderson as they enjoyed an fancy evening at Sexy Fish in Mayfair. However nothing came of the romance and Laura went on to welcome a baby with her now ex Gary Lucy in September 2023. Verity Paris Lee and Verity were first linked back in January 2020 before enjoying a loved-up holiday together in February 2022. Verity - whose real name is Verity Morley - is an Ariana Grande impersonator who starred on the X Factor in 2009. Recalling how they first met, he said: 'We first saw each other at a Christmas lights switch on when I was promoting and Verity was a performer, and we met backstage. 'A few weeks later, we went on our first date and we bonded over our love of food – sushi, on that occasion. The first time I knew she was the one was on our second date. We picked a Christmas tree and danced around my living room to John Legend.' On Thursday Lee revealed the pair are expecting their fourth child together as he shared a photo of himself cradling his wife's bump with the playful caption: 'Oops we did it again. 'Baby number 4 on the way to add to our lovely little family! Another vibe to join the tribe we are truly grateful ps…. Check out little Elton John by the piano!" The couple enjoyed a lavish wedding ceremony in Seville last October - two years after their secret legal ceremony in Gibraltar. He moved to Spain three years ago to start a family with Verity, 34, and the couple said 'I do' at a registry office in 2022. After missing out a big wedding day with their family and friends due to the pandemic restrictions, the couple celebrated their nuptials with a fairytale wedding in Seville on 7 October, with all his Blue bandmates in attendance. Describing the special day to OK!, Lee admitted he cried at several points during the day, saying it 'felt like a dream'. The couple's three children all played roles in the ceremony, with their daughters being flower girls, while Lee walked down the aisle carrying their newborn son to a string quartet playing Time by Hans Zimmer. Gushing about his wife, he admitted he knew she was the one on their second date and that 'she saved my life', while describing the moment he saw her in her dress, 'it took my breath away'. When the couple first tied the knot two years ago, Lee told The Sun: 'I met someone finally who loves and supports me in everything I do. 'Verity is a beautiful, strong and loving woman who I treasure, and I'm a lucky man to have such a wonderful mother for my child, and now wife in her. 'I've never been more calm and grounded and I have Verity to thank for that. I'm the happiest I've ever been in my life because of the wonderful family life I now have.' The couple moved to a beachfront apartment in the Costa del Sol in 2020 with the duo admitting that they now have a 'better quality of life' and 'new lease of life'.
The Sun
21 hours ago
- General
- The Sun
When I found myself caught up in a double life, you helped me find a way out
DEAR DEIDRE: THANK you for helping me untangle the double life that was destroying me bit by bit. When I first wrote to you, I was 45 and completely exhausted. I was juggling two lives – one with my girlfriend and our two young sons during the week and another with my wife and daughter every other weekend. Neither woman knew about the other. To outsiders, I seemed like a man with a demanding job in the city, balancing family and work. The truth was far messier. My wife, who I'd been married to for 15 years, came from a culture where divorce is heavily stigmatised. We hoped having a child would fix things between us, but it didn't. Years of unhappiness led me to take a job over 200 miles away. That's when I met my girlfriend online. She had everything that my marriage lacked – she was warm, funny, and kind. When she became pregnant, I made the choice to live with her. But I never properly ended my old life. I didn't know how to. By the time I reached out to you, I had two little boys I adored, a woman I loved, and a growing mountain of lies. My daughter, then nearly 10, was starting to ask questions. I barely slept. I was snapping at everyone and hated the man I'd become. You made it clear these secrets couldn't last forever and that my children deserved to hear the truth from me – not find it out in ways that would break their trust. You also reminded me that staying in a toxic marriage wasn't helping anyone. Dear Deidre: Cheating and can you get over it You encouraged me to come clean with my wife and get support. I contacted a counsellor through Tavistock Relationships ( 020 7380 1960) who helped us navigate the transition. With your advice, I stopped spiralling. I found a way forward that considered everyone's wellbeing – not just my guilt. My wife and I began the process of separation and have now officially divorced. It was painful, but also freeing. Your support pack Worried About Mum and Dad helped me talk to my daughter and protect our relationship through the changes. After years of stress and deception, I finally feel like I've become the father and man I want to be – to all my children. I still have a long road ahead, but at least I'm no longer living a lie. Thank you. DEIDRE SAYS: I'm so glad you reached out and shared your story. Living a double life can be incredibly stressful, but by opening up, you took the crucial first step toward honesty and healing. Your situation is one many people find themselves in, especially when cultural pressures make separation feel impossible. Keeping secrets often causes more harm than good, especially for children, who pick up on tensions even when adults try to hide them. By choosing to be honest and seeking support, you've given your children and yourself a chance at healthier, happier, more trusting relationships. Your story also highlights why it's so important to face difficult truths sooner rather than later. Avoiding the conversation might feel easier at the time, but it only prolongs the pain and uncertainty for everyone involved. Open communication, even when it's hard, lays the groundwork for healing and rebuilding trust within families and relationships. There is no perfect way to end something, but there is a responsible one, and you've now started down that path. Ask me and my counsellors anything Every problem get a personal and private reply from one of my trained counsellors within one working day. Sally Land is the Dear Deidre Agony Aunt. She achieved a distinction in the Certificate in Humanistic Integrative Counselling, has specialised in relationships and parenting. She has over 20 years of writing and editing women's issues and general features. Passionate about helping people find a way through their challenges, Sally is also a trustee for the charity Family Lives. Her team helps up to 90 people every week. Sally took over as The Sun's Agony Aunt when Deidre Sanders retired from the The Dear Deidre column four years ago. The Dear Deidre Team Of Therapists Also Includes: Kate Taylor: a sex and dating writer who is also training to be a counsellor. Kate is an advisor for dating website OurTime and is the author of five self-help books. Jane Allton: a stalwart of the Dear Deidre for over 20 years. Jane is a trained therapist, who specialises in family issues. She has completed the Basic Counselling Skills Level 1, 2, and 3. She also achieved the Counselling and Psychotherapy (CPCAB) Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Studies. Catherine Thomas: with over two decades worth of experience Catherine has also trained as a therapist, with the same credentials as Jane. She specialises in consumer and relationship issues. Fill out and submit our easy-to-use and confidential form and the Dear Deidre team will get back to you. You can also send a private message on the DearDeidreOfficial Facebook page or email us at: deardeidre@
