There are countless ways to measure a man’s success. Over time, we each craft and refine our own definition—
A job title, popularity, friendships, health, wealth, status…
But there’s one measure of success that’s too often overlooked: the kind of relationship a man builds with his children.
My name is Nicolas. I live in the southwest of France, and as I write this, I’m 40 years old. I’m both a father and a stepfather to four children.
I created this site to share my journey as a parent. The process of becoming a better father—or stepfather—is an adventure in itself. That’s why this site is called Daddicted (Dad + Addicted).
Fatherhood is an opportunity to grow—not just in our role as parents, but as individuals, and in all our relationships. It’s both an immense responsibility and a source of deep joy.
It’s also about forging strong beliefs. And I’m sharing mine in this manifesto.
A father who chooses to be present—who gives his child his full attention, consistently—doesn’t just change one life. He contributes to shaping a more human and connected society.
Manifesto
I dream of a world where children grow up with present, engaged, and inspiring fathers.
A society that values fatherhood as much as career success, where success isn’t measured in numbers alone but in the strength of relationships, the values we pass down, and the human impact we leave behind.
Every time we say “Not now, I don’t have time”, a belief takes root in our child’s mind:
- Work comes first.
- Success means being stronger than others.
- You matter less than my obligations.
I believe…
1. Being a present father means giving your full attention.
Time is a choice. We don’t find time for our kids—we make it and we protect it.
The greatest gift we can offer is ourselves—our attention, our guidance, our love. No distractions, no screens, no half-presence. Genuine, uninterrupted time.
Parenting is an investment. Every interaction is a building block for the future. What we give today, our children will carry into tomorrow.
2. The best parenting is both firm and nurturing.
Studies prove it: the authoritative parenting style creates the most well-adjusted, independent, and happy children.
✅ Clear rules, explained with respect.
✅ Strong authority, but never arbitrary or harsh.
✅ Encouragement over punishment.
✅ Valuing effort over just results.
And humor? It’s a parent’s survival tool. Because fatherhood isn’t about perfection—it’s about embracing the chaos and laughing along the way.
3. A father leads by example.
Kids learn from what they see, more than what they hear.
If we prioritize work over them, they’ll learn that family comes second.
If we obsess over image and competition, they’ll grow up measuring their worth in comparison to others.
If we model patience and active listening, they’ll learn to do the same.
4. Parenting is about preparing kids for the world—not shielding them from it.
We can’t raise them in a bubble. But we can equip them to navigate life with confidence.
✅ Against extremism: teach them critical thinking.
✅ Against injustice: teach them responsibility and action.
✅ Against climate crisis: teach them adaptability and innovation.
✅ Against digital overload: teach them focus and self-discipline.
5. A father doesn’t need to be perfect.
We don’t raise kids on autopilot. We learn, we make mistakes, we adjust, and we keep growing. A humble father grows alongside his child.
Presence matters more than perfection. A child doesn’t need a flawless father. They need one who is truly there.
We will all mess up. And guess what? We’ll keep messing up. But the worst mistake would be doing nothing at all.
Parenting is a Process, Not a Performance
A child doesn’t need a perfect father—they need a father who shows them that learning and growing is part of the journey.
A child who feels seen, heard, and supported with both kindness and structure will grow into a more confident, resilient, and fulfilled individual.
6. Parenting Is a Shared Responsibility
Being an engaged father is crucial, but raising a child is never a solo mission. Other key attachment figures—mothers, grandparents, teachers, friends—all play an essential role in shaping a child’s development.
The more a child is surrounded by positive role models, the stronger their sense of identity becomes.
Our role as fathers is not just to guide our children, but to build a supportive network around them and collaborate with those who matter in their lives.
7. A Dad Takes Care of Himself, Too
Being fully involved doesn’t mean losing yourself in the process. A father who is constantly exhausted, stressed, or frustrated can’t be at his best.
Taking care of yourself—mentally, physically, and emotionally—isn’t selfish. It’s smart. It’s efficient.
Because a child doesn’t need a father who burns himself out for them. They need a father who is balanced, fulfilled, and strong.
8. Parenting Is Both Personal and Collective
An engaged father can have a profound impact on his child’s life, but he also operates within a broader social framework—one that shapes fatherhood itself. Parental leave policies, cultural expectations, and societal attitudes all influence the way we raise our children.
Being a great dad isn’t just about what happens in our own homes. It’s also about advocating for a world where fatherhood is valued, supported, and normalized.
9. Parenting Is Learning to Manage Stress and Frustration
Neuroscience proves it: children learn just as much from how we react as from what we say.
If we explode in anger every time things get tough, they’ll internalize that anger is the default response to frustration.
If we take a deep breath before responding, they’ll learn to regulate their own emotions in a healthier way.
There is no such thing as successful parenting without self-awareness and growth.
Taking a step back, mastering our own reactions, and choosing calm over chaos isn’t just for our benefit—it’s one of the greatest lessons we can offer our children.
I reject the idea that…
🚫 Fatherhood is about being perfect.
🚫 Parenting is solely a mother’s role.
🚫 “I don’t have time” is an excuse. Time won’t wait—one day, they’ll be grown, and it’ll be too late.
🚫 Presence can be replaced with material gifts. Kids need time, attention, and shared memories. Not just presents.
Fatherhood Is a Pillar of True Success
We need to redefine success—not just as wealth, status, or career achievements, but as the quality of relationships we build, the love we nurture, and the example we set.
The world is already changing. Are you ready to be part of it?