Intro
Laurence Chinery is a father, educator, and podcaster based in the Netherlands. After years of teaching in Hong Kong, he and his wife made the bold decision to move their young family to Europe so he could become a full-time stay-at-home dad. Laurence now hosts Dad Dialogue, a podcast about modern fatherhood, where he speaks with other dads navigating parenting, purpose, and partnership.
In this conversation, we talk about what it’s like to be a stay-at-home father in a new country, how the decision reshaped his identity and marriage, and what he’s learned about patience, partnership, and redefining success.
Story Highlights
- Moving from Hong Kong to the Netherlands to raise their two children
- Navigating isolation and rebuilding community as a stay-at-home parent
- How Dad Dialogue became a creative outlet and source of connection
- Why clear communication saved his marriage during transition
- Balancing domestic life, self-worth, and long-term goals
Quote
“I became a stay-at-home dad, and yeah, I love it. It’s amazing to be able to take this time and really invest into them, and see the development and the growth. However, it was very isolating, especially moving to a whole new country, of having to try and make new friends. We had no family. Like, we had one friend.”
About Laurence Chinery
Laurence Chinery is a British educator, podcaster, and stay-at-home dad currently living in the Netherlands. After teaching in Hong Kong and Sweden, he shifted focus to parenting full-time when his family relocated to Europe. He is the host of Dad Dialogue, a podcast featuring honest conversations about modern fatherhood. Laurence’s experiences span education, cross-cultural living, and parenting, making his story both relatable and refreshingly candid.
Why This Conversation Matters
Laurence’s journey sheds light on a rarely discussed topic — stay-at-home fatherhood. His honesty about isolation, identity, and self-worth offers a glimpse into how men can redefine what success and contribution mean. The conversation goes beyond parenting; it’s about partnership, purpose, and learning to find fulfillment in unexpected places.
Turning Points
Laurence’s transition from teacher to full-time dad came with both freedom and friction. The move from Hong Kong to the Netherlands meant new routines, no support network, and a complete reset of identity. Starting Dad Dialogue gave him space to reflect and connect — not just with other fathers, but with himself. He and his wife have built a rhythm based on clear communication, shared responsibilities, and mutual respect — proof that balance looks different for every family.
Key Lessons
- Redefine success. Fulfillment can come from presence, not paychecks.
- Communicate clearly. Alignment with your partner prevents resentment.
- Structure brings sanity. Routines give shape to long, unpredictable days.
- Isolation is real. Connection and creative outlets are essential.
- Parenting is partnership. There’s no single right way to raise a family.
If You Enjoyed This Episode
You might also like:
- Rob Lilwall on Adventure, Resilience, and the Courage to Keep Going — on redefining growth through challenge.
- Vivian Lim on Building Communities and Continuous Growth — about belonging and evolution in new places.