In 2013 Michael Ray found himself in a position not too many men experience. This was the year he became the sole parent of his two-year-old daughter Charlie. A few years later Michael and Charlie were in the media after Michael was told he couldn’t assist his daughter backstage at her ballet concert. This made waves across the globe and Michael soon found himself in the position of role model and somewhat hero in dads circles. 

Pablo Miller discusses Michael Ray's new book 'Who Knew?" 

Who Knew? explores global issues around parenting past and present and discusses how we must change our ideologies instead of conforming to the status quo.  

A great gift for Father's Day ! 

Where it all started! 

The interview with Neil Mitchell on 3AW discussing the ban from Charlie's ballet concert. 

So much has happened since then and I am always so humbled by the support that I received from so many people. 

This shows that the outdated gender expectations are slowly being chipped away and Dads are stepping up and taking an active roll in rearing the next generation 

 Michael Ray outlines why the discussion around single and working parents must change .

George and Michael talk about outdated gender expectation, about maternal gate keeping that promotes mum-shaming and changing the perceptions that fathers are merely baby- sitters but rather PARENTS!

Men need to be held equally responsible for raising the next generation.

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 In this month’s Crazy to Sanity LIVE, Michael Ray discusses fatherhood in an insightful and unfiltered conversation, emphasizing the importance of showing both success and failure to his daughter. He believes that constantly wearing the "problem solver" hat prevents children from developing their own decision-making skills. Michael also highlights how early lessons from authority figures can lead us to prioritize external validation over intrinsic values. His journey challenges male stereotypes and encourages fathers to raise children with confidence and ethics. It's a raw look at fatherhood from a man's perspective, encouraging more open conversations about men's experiences. 

 In this episode, Darren speaks with Michael, a single father, about his unique experiences and the changes needed to better support men and fatherhood. Darren, with a rich background in radio, advertising, and early childhood education, brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion. He has worked extensively with fathers through programs like Relationship Australia's FUN 4 KIDS and has designed ante-natal classes for new fathers. Darren's passion for empowering dads extends to private consultations and community discussions on the evolving role of fathers. He also balances his professional commitments with life in a blended family of six in Melbourne 

 Recently had a chat with Pablo Miller from Perth's Triple MMM about some some of the outdated gender expectations around contemporary #fatherhood 

 Why aren’t there change tables in male toilets? And why isn’t fatherhood spoken of in the same glowing terms as motherhood? Single Dad & Blogger Michael Ray joined Pablo to discuss modern day fatherhood and what we can all do collectively better. 

 Parents, You've Got This is a modern online village connecting parents with experts and each other, offering expert support throughout their parenting journey. Founded by Christy and Freya, two Melbourne mothers with seven children between them, the program is designed to provide tailored health and wellness advice for each stage of a baby’s development, empowering parents with the knowledge they need. 

Michael Ray appears on Channel 9's Weekend Today Show for Fathers Day 2019. 

Covering the discussion on Brisbane's New NRL Team and Dad Time Benefits 

Managing to get a completely unashamed and brazen plug in for my upcoming book, released next year (through Jennifer Sharp DAISY LANE PUBLISHING)

While talking about some of the challenges and opportunities facing contemporary fathers and their direct impact on women empowerment and equality in general.

Also hopefully serving as an example not to cut your own hair during lock down!😳
 

 Here we are, Father’s Day 2020, my 8th year as a dad and so much has changed over each of those years, not only for my daughter but also for me as a person and as a dad. Looking back, I remember thinking from the outside that fatherhood would be limiting, however, I’ve found fatherhood has given me the freedom to cast off the ego, facade and pretense and actually discover who I am as a person and as a man. 

More about Michael's journey will be published in his book "Who Knew? "

due for release in June 2021

  Michael speaks to Australian TV legend - George Donikian about all things dadding including Family Court perceptions and outcomes, the importance of reaching out for help, wonderful support networks that Mum's have and dads need to cultivate.

We discuss the gift of clarity through crisis and some of the opportunities that may be present in these challenging COVID times.  

 At 51, Michael Ray was thrust into solo dad life. A ‘wild ride’, he says, navigating the challenges, wonder and fun of parenting a young child. The experience opened his eyes to outdated gender expectations and led him to become a vocal advocate for equality and change. Michael’s passion is infectious, and his enlightened approach to parenting and advice to dads is true inspiration. 

 OVERCOMING THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF NORMATIVE GENDER STEREOTYPES TO ATTAIN GENDER  

 Michael Ray – a single father who overturned a policy that denied fathers the right to access their daughter’s dressing rooms at Parkwood Dance Academy 

 Do we really need a special day to profess our love with some grand gesture complete with jewelry, flowers, chocolates or even some specialty, purpose-designed, hardly practical but unusually interesting underwear? 

 SEE PAGE 29 FOR MICHAEL'S ARTICLE 

Love simply is ‘The Quality of Attention We Give to Others'

I was asked to write an article for the Back to School edition as an ‘expert’ in my field. I did have a cackle at this as I am the furthest thing from an ‘expert’, in any field (except maybe pie eating?), but what I will gladly do is share the experiences I’ve had with Charlie and how it has changed and shaped my version of the world as I see it today and how I want to guide Charlie to be a strong, resilient and self- assured human. 

   Dads - how do you talk to your daughters about their period?

In this third interview in the series, we catch up with Cath from Sex Ed Rescue and solo Dad, Michael Ray about Dads and talking to daughters about their periods. From single Dads to two Dad families. If you have daughters this is a must-listen interview for you..

   From $152 to $863: 11 parents share exactly how much they spend on their kids each week.

According to a 2018 study conducted by the Australian Institute of Family Studies, it costs Australian families (at least) $140 to $170 a week to raise a child. However, for most families, this will be a gross underestimation.

 My dad was a dad, his dad’s dad was a dad and his dad’s dad’s dad was also a dad.

I come from a long line of dad’s, however, with my looks, awkward personality and complete lack of any understanding of women, it wasn’t even certain the opportunity to be a dad would eventuate.

Women will achieve true equality when men are held equally responsible .....

 He has continued to challenge, speak up and advocate for equality, reducing stigmas and calling out injustice. 

Recently appearing on Channel 9 with Madonna King discussing 'The Rules For Dating my Daughter"

Melbourne dance school lifts ban on Dad backstage at concert

 This Australian single dad has been raising his 5-year-old daughter Charlie for the past three years alone. In that time, the personal trainer and powerlifter has shattered conventional stereotypes by publicly donning his little girl’s nail polish on his toes at a recent lifting contest.  

Becoming a parent at 50 was so unexpected! Charlie is the best thing that ever happened to me, and I have scheduled my life around making sure that she is my main priority. 

Talking about being a single dad, how fatherhood has changed Michael. He also discusses the importance of having a supportive network when being a single parent. 

Michael has made headlines in the media for years now, in the name of equality and equal rights for single parents, in particular single fathers   

It is up to us dads to model the respectful treatment of women (including not denigrating or disrespecting their mothers if you are separated) 

 Society’s wheels sometimes take an age to turn, but every so often we’re reminded that we’re heading in the right direction. One such example was last year when a Melbourne ballet school overturned an archaic ban to ensure dad – and sole carer – Michael Ray could be backstage with his four-year-old daughter, Charlie, prior to her November 20 concert 

 With an exceptionally big heart, his attitude and approach to fatherhood are remarkable. Through his stories, we look forward to seeing how Michael can inspire all of us to live from the heart and without reservation despite the challenges or obstacles life can throw us 

 Michael says sometimes other parents can be unconsciously biased against single dads, and even more so to single dads of little girls.

“Women are mostly supportive but some say patronising things, like 'how do you manage?' It’s just the same as any single parent,” he tells Kidspot.

 Little Charlie, 4, was going to be the only student without a parent backstage for her ballet concert until her dad came to the rescue. 

 EVERY Christmas, Michael and his daughter Charlie wake up to find Santa has left presents as well as a letter more precious than the gifts. 

 What does it mean to be a “father” in a time where the base identity of a “male” is being challenged, even called “toxic”?

What challenges or opportunities are present for me raising Charlie in a family where there is no mother, no significant female role model?

 l never know when Charlie won't want to climb in for snuggles... I hope it lasts for as long as possible". 

“Most nights she'll wander in about 1.30am with her teddies, which she'll arrange before she climbs in and drapes her legs and arms over me like a drunk octopus,” he says.

“I'm still at that beautiful, magical place of being a dad where I can just sit and stare forever in sheer wonderment watching her sleep, just thinking about it makes me all teary."

A single dad in Melbourne has found his five-year-old daughter's transition from home to kindergarten a bit of a challenge. 

So instead of crying over lost daddy-daughter time Michael Ray decided to motivate Charlie with heartfelt messages in her lunch box.

They are thoughtfully cut out by hand and say thing like 'You are a star!' and 'I wooly, wooly love you!' in the shape of a sheep.