“Your Father never had to do that!” and “Your Father never have time for that!” are two of my mom’s favourite phrases whenever she sees me spending too much time with the kids. My parents are from a different generation and I always rebutted mom nicely with “Times are different now, Mom, and because of you and Father’s hard work, I can afford more time with the kids,” which will always put a smile on her face.
My Father, I remembered very well as someone with a strong voice but he had never beaten his children. He was a habitual man with punctuality. His daily routines were predictable and he worked everyday, 365 days a year. He has 6 children, 4 boys and 2 girls; therefore he did not have the time for holidays.
I remembered asking Father some money to buy toys and I will get an earful but I soon learned from my older siblings the art of asking money from Father. My Father did not have the opportunity to have proper education while he was growing up. Therefore, whenever we told him that we needed money for school, he will without hesitation dipped his hand into his pocket and generously let you take the cash.
Today, Fathers will still have to provide food on the table and are expected to change the baby’s nappy; make milk and feed the baby; and the list goes on. I cook for the kids on weekends sometimes. I will try to read with them every night before bed. I will take them to the park for cycling and I am enjoying it and relishing it.
HAPPY FATHER’s DAY to all great FATHERS!