Holidays are meant to be an enjoyable and relaxing way to recharge your batteries. Why then, after a week in the Canaries, do I feel like I need another week off work? Simple: Harry.

Before I go on, I should say that our holiday wasn’t a disaster by any means. Harry certainly enjoyed himself and it was nice to get in the sun for a few days.

Going abroad with a toddler is, however, a very different, and altogether more challenging experience. The main problem is the travelling itself – and it made both Melissa and I long for the simplicity of being able to throw everything into the back of our car.

We arrived at the airport two hours before our flight, which meant plenty of hanging around, trying to keep Harry entertained. It’s not as easy as it sounds. To complicate matters, Harry had woken up with a slight stomach upset – nothing serious, but it meant a couple of dirty nappies in the airport, which wasn’t the ideal way to kick off the holiday.

To make matters worse, when we got on the plane Harry filled his nappy again. Unfortunately, we were told by the cabin crew that we wouldn’t be able to change him until we were in the air and the seatbelt sign had been turned off.

Half an hour later, we were still stationary on the tarmac, with Harry on the brink of dropping off. Our pleas to change Harry again fell on deaf ears and we ended up having to wake him when we finally did get into the air an hour or so later.

The journey home was less eventful – or at least it was until Harry decided to start hitting the lady sat in front of us on the plane over the head with one of his books.

As I say, the holiday itself was good and Harry loved splashing around in the pool and being made a fuss of by the hotel staff. Nevertheless, Melissa has vowed it will be at least 10 years before we go abroad again. She might be exaggerating slightly, but she does have a point. As for Harry, he’ll just have to get used to the unpredictable British weather.

The learning curve

I’ve said repeatedly that being a parent has been a massive learning curve for me. But as well as learning all about being a dad, I’ve also learned quite a lot about Melissa.

There’s no doubt that having a baby puts plenty of pressure on a couple. First there’s the obvious factors like a lack of sleep that can cause one or two sharp words. Then there’s the stress involved in being responsible for a baby – and worrying constantly about their wellbeing.

And I will admit that we’ve had the odd sharp exchange when Harry’s fallen over or, worse, when one of us has given him food that’s a little bit too hot.

One thing that has surprised me, though, is that having Harry has brought out a previously unseen, slightly dishonest side to Melissa. Now before I find myself out on the street, we’re not talking about serious dishonesty here. What we’re talking about is pretending to be asleep when Harry cries in the middle of the night, even when it’s her turn to get up.

Having said all that – and without wishing to sound soppy – Melissa and I have definitely grown closer since Harry was born. For a start we’re spending more time together, and what could be a more important shared interest than Harry?

It’s also true to say that the stressful moments pale into insignificance against the moments of awe and pure happiness – the first time I held Harry, the first time he sneezed, the first time he smiled, his first steps… I could go on and on.

And anyway, Melissa and I have sort of reached an agreement whenever there’s cross words about Harry. It seems to be based on the Brian Clough technique of management; we sit down to discuss an issue involving Harry, talk about it for ten minutes, and then decide Melissa was right all along. Well at least it makes for a quiet life.

The toy battle

We’ve bought plenty of toys for Harry since he was born and he’s now got everything from trucks to trampolines cluttering our front room.

But however expensive, fancy or exciting the toy, Harry will drop it immediately if there’s even the most remote chance of getting his hands on the Sudocrem for a minute.

I’m not sure why he’s like this – but I’m sure he’s not unique in this regard. I suppose it’s because if he’s not supposed to get hold of something, it makes it all the more desirable.

And it’s not just Sudocrem. There’s the television remote control, food, and anything in the bathroom, particularly shampoo, which he enjoys squirting onto the carpet or, worse, into his mouth.

I find it surprising because his toys are pretty impressive. I’m especially fond of his ‘Whiz-Around Mountain’ car set, which keeps me entertained for hours. Unfortunately, Harry doesn’t share my enthusiasm.

In fact his favourite ‘toy’ is a tent, decorated in extremely bright colours with characters from the children’s television show Waybuloo. Harry likes to hide in the tent while we pretend we don’t know where he is. This usually leads to giggles galore from Harry – and I don’t think there’s a nicer sound on earth.

But Harry’s quest for forbidden objects mean we have to be constantly on our guard. Leaving a door open for just a few seconds prompts a mad dash to escape and, if you’re not quick enough, he’ll be heading for the stairs or kitchen within seconds.

It’s not so bad when you’re at home, but when we’re visiting friends and family – particularly those without small children – it’s a constant battle to stop Harry getting his hands on things he shouldn’t.

I’m sure every parent has been through the same and half an hour of this can leave you exhausted, not to mention embarrassed. Mind you, nobody said being a parent was going to be easy.