A hospital trip for Leo’s second ear infection reminded me how hard it is to see your child in pain. The lesson? Small habits, like hand washing can be powerful acts of protection.

Today is Monday, it’s also the first day of a new month. It feels like the seasons are on the turn, summer is hanging on but autumn is beginning to show up. Today you and I took a trip to central London, to the Portland Hospital. The last time I was there was with your mummy, where she had a procedure to help heal her womb. This time however, we were there to visit an ENT specialist because you have your second, in close succession of the other, ear infection. Other parents have told us that ear infections are particularly common, but that doesn't help nor does it reassure you when your child, in this case YOU, is in tremendous pain. I didn't know that this could happen, but the ear drum can actually perforate, and what comes next is a leak from the ear. Gunky, waxy infection oozes from the ear.

Just over a week ago I took you to the GP, who prescribed Co-amoxiclav, a blanket antibiotic used for all sorts of things. The specialist at Portland told us it wasn’t much use for your situation. What you really needed was something more targeted: Ciloxan ear drops, ten days straight into the belly of the beast. On his advice I also picked up olive oil ear spray for your other ear, to soften the wax and help things migrate out naturally. Parents, you may know this already, but don’t use Q-tips. They only push things further in. Keep the entrance clean and clear, but don’t go digging.

After the appointment we hopped in a black cab, then I dropped you at nursery before cycling on to work. On the ride I found myself reflecting on how much your health means to me. The only other times I’ve seen you really wail in pain were when you were tiny, struggling with reflux. In fact, I think I even brought you to Portland for that. (Am I keeping this place in business?) The other time being this ear infection. Parents will know this feeling: there’s nothing worse than watching your child suffer. I remember once, years ago, a client of mine, Sven came into training distraught because both his daughters were unwell. Back then I couldn’t fully grasp it. Now I do.

The lesson here is this: hygiene is key. Let’s take a page from Dave Brailsford’s book — one of the most respected performance coaches in the world. His success wasn’t just built on training harder, but on details. He kept his athletes free from illness and poor health, which meant more time on the bike, better recovery, and consistent progress. One of his big pushes was hand washing, simple, but transformative. He was a details man, always looking for the marginal gains, the 1%’s.

Now, I’m not saying the situation is the same for you, but I do take inspiration from it. I want to keep you as free as possible from bugs, pains, and unnecessary discomfort. So as your dad, I’ll be looking for those marginal gains that protect your health and, in turn, your happiness. And as I find them, I’ll share them here with you, and with the other parents who read these letters.

On that note, it’s almost time to pick you up from nursery. And guess what the first thing we’ll do when we get home is? Wash our hands, thoroughly.

Always,
Daddy

Subscriber spotlight

I had a really kind email come through this week from a subscriber, and I wanted to share a little snippet with you. It was a reminder of why I started Letters to Leo in the first place, to connect, to share, to hopefully leave something that resonates.

And I also want to extend my gratitude to you. Whether you’ve been reading since the first letter or only just joined, your support means the world. Thank you for being here.

Dear Ryan,

I don’t usually write to newsletters, but after reading Letters to Leo this morning I had to get this down.

I read it to my little boy Milo while he ate his porridge, the lines about ordinary mornings and small brave acts felt like someone had put my life into words.

Please keep doing this. You’re building something tender and important.

Tom (Dad to Milo)

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If this letter resonated with you, or you know someone who needs a polite reminder on personal hygiene, forward this newsletter on.

Until the next letter

Ryan Libbey