This weeks blog post was supposed to be about recents events and what we got up to on Fathers Day this year. I’m a little tired of saying “due to lockdown we haven’t ….”so instead I’m going to change it up. I thought I would question Gavin (my husband) about being a father himself and all things connected. This year I managed to make two cards with Tobias and Hamish, buy a card from Seth and have three, no four presents to give Gavin on Sunday 21st June 2020. An eco-zero waste bamboo razor (Gavin was asking for blades so I went one better), sensitive body wash for him to try, a personalised tea towel for when he washes his hands downstairs in the kitchen sink after coming in from farm jobs and a book from the mister men series about daddy’s. So here goes, see what answers he gave for each.
How has fatherhood changed your outlook on life?
My main one is I don’t take risks as much as I used too because I know it wouldn’t just affect me anymore – there’s a whole side of parenting that makes you question every little thing, in the sense of if it’s safe or if it’s best for the family.
Would you admit to any mistakes/failures as a dad?
Every time I tell them off or have to say no I question if I’ve let them down in some way. They’re too young for me to have made any serious failures yet though, like missing a football game for example – that stuff sticks and they’ll remember that forever.
What didnt you have as a child that kids today do have?
Technology of today is superior to my little PlayStation in my families sitting room and I think (especially in the farming industry) it comes into its own and it’s a need now to know how it works – instead of me trying to stumble through manuals!
Which family member has been your greatest coach in life?
Tommy, my great grandfather. He was a farmer in every sense of the word – I was fortunate enough to spend a lot of time with him, watching the world go by in his vehicle whilst he checked on the land and stone walls. He taught me foremost how to slow down and learn from every opportunity that arises and I hope I can pass this on to my children too.
What do you enjoy most about being a father?
Playtime, when I come in from night jobs the boys will run up to me with beaming smiles, happy to see me and then I know it’s time to get on all fours and have some downtime with them. We play at horse back rides and then how many children can sit on daddy, all before I get to kiss my wife!!!
What do you least like about being a father?
That my job can get in the way sometimes, when problems occur and I can’t be there for them. When I miss meal times and bath times – I’m missing out on them growing up.
Do you think today’s fathers have things harder or easier than in the past?
I think we have it harder as it’s more equal right now! Controversial! Back in the past a mans work didn’t include tending to the children, everyone knew there place in society. Now me and women do both, work and bring up the children, which is definitely a juggling act. Luckily I have it easy as I only have to do a couple of nappies here and there as my wife does the majority.
What are the happiest moments in your life so far?
- Getting married
- Being there for each birth
- Winning my grandfathers cup (trophy) at our local show with one of his bloodlines (cows)
Is there something that you wish you had experienced that you haven’t yet?
Winning awards for farming
What world events have had the most impact on you?
COVID most definitely, as we’ve been locked away from everyone else, not knowing what’s going on apart from relying on social media and the news. It’s meant I’ve seen my family more and I’ve had that extra help (maybe I mean hinderance) around the farm.
How would you like to be remembered?
For being a caring person, who was always approachable and happy to lend a hand or give advice when needed.
If you could have one wish for your children what would it be?
Not to be dyslexic – it’s had a huge impact on my life, it runs in both myn and my wife’s families so I think it’s inevitable at least one of my children will be dyslexic but I hope I can help them through it as I know how damaging it can be.
I hope you enjoyed this weeks blog post. I wanted to switch it up from my normal style of blog writing, so let me know your thoughts.
Much love
Rebecca
Motherhood In Farming 