The Modern Man

Fatherhood. It’s a title that carries weight, responsibility, and profound significance. As a dad, I hold the experiences, memories, and lives of my children in my hands. It’s a big deal. And it should be. 

When you stop and really ponder it, being a father means you’re partly responsible, along with the other parent or perhaps solely responsible if they’re not in the picture, for shaping the life of another human being. You guide, teach, and influence them on their journey to adulthood. They rely on you to be there, to show up, and to provide for them. It’s a tremendous responsibility, and it can be overwhelming at times. 

I’ll be honest, when I first found out my partner was pregnant with my son, I freaked out. Sure, I was excited, but I was also nervous as hell. I started experiencing panic attacks, and it felt like my world was spinning out of control. Panic attacks? That wasn’t me. Why was I suddenly so anxious? 

Then it hit me. My lifestyle wasn’t conducive to being a father, at least not for me. I was living carelessly, indulging in recreational activities, and drifting from job to job without purpose. I had to make a change. So, I made the difficult decision to leave behind my old habits, take work seriously, and even enlist in the Royal Marines. 

However, An injury sustained during training got me a medical discharge. but What i figured whilst recovering was that what they needed most wasn’t a soldier off fighting battles elsewhere; they needed me, present in their lives, every day. 

Now, I may be biased, but I firmly believe that children need their fathers. When my children’s mother and I separated when my daughter was two and my son was five, it was tough on all of us, especially my son. He was old enough to understand that Daddy wasn’t living at home anymore, but too young to comprehend why. I saw the impact it had on him, and it broke my heart that I couldn’t shield him from the fallout of our separation. But what I could do—and what I did—was to be there for him, as much as humanly possible. I reassured him that it wasn’t his fault, and that Daddy would always love him, no matter what. 

Being there, showing up, matters more than we realize. It’s not just about providing material support; it’s about being emotionally present, offering guidance, and being a role model for our children. As fathers, we have a profound influence on shaping the lives of our children, and it’s a responsibility we must take seriously. 

Faithfully yours 

Jack