BY HEJIRA CONVERY, KINDICARE

SEPTEMBER 27, 2024

Sam Mac is a TV presenter, radio host, entertainer and viral social media star, but his number one job is being a dad to Margot and Mabel. 

His eldest, Margot, has just turned two, so he knows how fast that first year goes!  

There are many massive milestones and memorable moments in a baby’s first 12 months, and Sam is here to share some of his parenting highlights – which include getting 1.5 million views on TikTok and creating a beautiful new picture book! 

We hope you enjoy our Q&A with Sam Mac, and make sure you enter our giveaway at the end of it, because you have a chance to win Sam’s new book, Suddenly One, plus classics from Mem Fox and Alison Lester.  

FIVE MINUTES WITH SAM MAC 

KINDICARE: A lot happens from the time a baby is born to when they’re smashing their first birthday cake. Which moments really stand out for you? 

SAM: The first time Margot said "Dada" was incredibly exciting. It was quite surreal, actually.  

I felt instant pride, because it's one thing to become a dad, and to know that you're a dad, but when your baby says it out loud to you for the first time, you can't help but be amazed.  

Also, not that it's a competition, but Margot did say “Dada” two months before she said "Mum" and that had nothing to do with my daily brainwash sessions from around two months of age! 

KINDICARE: Well done with that, and now that you’re an experienced dad-of-two, what special advice do you have for expectant parents and new parents?  

SAM: Parenting is the hardest thing you'll ever do, but also the most magical thing you'll ever do.  

I recommend that you shower your baby with love and affection every single day, treat EVERYONE with kindness and respect (they are watching you); and remember to take a breath and not apply adult logic to a baby.  

Also, get a brand-new phone with the highest quality camera and ensure that you have a ridiculous amount of storage space on your device. Because, my goodness, you will be taking an absurd amount of photos and videos!  

Do you really need 74 photos and 12 videos of the first time you put your baby on a slippery dip? No. But will you have the internal strength to delete even one of them? Absolutely not. 

KINDICARE: Going to the playground is definitely a great way for a little one to connect with their parent and learn about the world, and story time is brilliant for this too. What’s your favourite way to share a book with Margot, and what tricks do you have to make the experience extra special?  

SAM: I absolutely love reading with Margot.  

My fiancée, Bec, and I make story time a real priority and an important part of Margot’s morning and bedtime routine every day.  

I try to make it as interactive as possible.  

I am definitely guilty of over-committing to the voices, animal sounds and singalongs, but just let me enjoy that while I have a captive audience!  

Now that Margot is two, it's increasingly her leading the way.  

We let her choose the books, we try to get her to do the sounds and finish some of the sentences, and ask her lots of questions about what's on the page.  

It's a fantastic way to develop her language and conversation skills, as well as her confidence, but the number one rule is: it should always be fun. 

KINDICARE: What’s been Margot’s reaction to Suddenly One, a story that celebrates all those brilliant milestones in a baby’s first year?  

SAM: One of the biggest motivators for me to go ahead with the book was kind of a selfish one. 

I kept picturing the moment Margot and I sat down and read it together, and in years to come, as Margot gets older, I hope she stumbles across my book, dusts it off, and really takes it all in.  

The book is essentially a love letter to Margot. I want her to know how much joy she has brought, and continues to bring to Bec and I.  

Margot brought the magic to our lives, and I hope that flows through the book. 

KINDICARE: Suddenly One is inspired by a poem and video you made for Margot’s first birthday and put on socials. How did it feel to go viral on TikTok, and what’s your advice for all us parents who’d love to get 1.5 million views? 

SAM: I am certainly no expert about going viral on TikTok! Many of my videos are still sitting on 62 views as we speak. I was as shocked as anyone when this video went bananas.  

I genuinely just wanted a cute little record of our first year with Margot.  

I decided to share it, because I was proud of Margot, Bec and myself for reaching that first major milestone.  

I posted it at night, and when I checked my account the next day, it was on a million views!  

Parents around the world were asking my permission to use the audio for their own child's first birthday. I had a lady in Columbia who asked if she could frame the words to place above her daughter’s bed.  

It was very humbling and quite overwhelming.  

I think it resonated because it was from the heart. I was speaking truth as a new dad, and even though we lived those experiences in our own unique way, many of them are universal. Therein lies the connection point.  

And it's just dawned on me that I’d better start working on Suddenly Two … oh dear. 

KINDICARE: Your moody pregnancy shot with unintended underpants also took social media by storm! What can we expect from you next, when it comes to parenting, posting and general awesomeness? 

SAM: I loved capturing the beauty of Bec's pregnancy. We took some stunning shots that day, but as we flicked through them, we noticed my reflection and couldn't stop laughing.  

Credit to her, it was Bec who said, "You have to post that one."  

I think people enjoyed it because it was very unexpected and you almost do a double take. That and the fact I have amazing pins!  

And when it comes to parenting, the arrival of our sweet baby Mabel just over a month ago means we're right in the thick of siblinghood.  

Watching Margot become a big sister before our very eyes is quite breathtaking, and occasionally scary (what's with the urge to poke her little sister’s eyes??), and I really have no idea what's next, but that's the exciting part.   

KINDICARE: It sure is, Sam, and thanks for sharing some of the incredible moments you’ve already had.  

WIN • WIN • WIN • WIN • WIN 

Now, KindiCare readers, here’s your chance to win some classic picture books for your little one! 

Thanks to Penguin Kids Australia, we have three prize packs to give away, each containing:  

• A Suddenly One hardback book by Sam Mac ($19.99) 

• A Kissed by the Moon board book by Alison Lester ($14.99 rrp), and 

• A Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes board book by Mem Fox ($16.99 rrp) 

These stories will begin your baby’s book collection in the best way possible, and for your chance to win one of the prize packs, simply head to KindiCare’s Instagram or Facebook page and follow the entry instructions.  

The more people you tag, the more chances you have to win, and we wish you luck!