When we think of parenthood and raising children it seems to be ingrained in us that it is the mother that does all the hard work, that it’s the mum who knows the children best and it’s the relationship between mother and child that is so special but is this the only important relationship in a child’s life? Yes the bond between a mother and child is amazing, it is special but so is the relationship between father and child.  With Fathers day upon us I wanted to show some appreciation for the 2 wonderful fathers in my life.  One is my amazing dad or Papa as the kids call him, and the second is my amazing husband and father to our children.

Having 3 brothers I was always a bit of a daddy’s girl, my dad was very ‘hands on’.  My dad taught me to swim, taught me to drive, taught me to bake and encouraged me to be a strong, independent woman.  Not all children are lucky enough to have a dad in their lives, some children may be better off not having certain people in their lives.   I was lucky; I am lucky, my dad has always been a huge part of my life and continues to be now.  If I could sum my dad up in one sentence it would be that he is a very caring, supportive and loving dad who is actually a bit bonkers too!  As Harry used to call him “silly Papa”!  

There are many daft stories I could tell here but honestly it would take too long.  In summary, if you want someone to draw a pirate face on your 5 and 3 year old in your expensive eyeliner, then my dad’s the guy for you.  If you want someone to tell your kids dreadful jokes which leave them rolling around the floor belly laughing, then Papa is the guy for you.  If you want someone to put Oreo biscuits in their eyes and pretend they’re a monster, you guessed it; my dad is the guy for you.  

I’ve said it before but Ill say it again, I’m very lucky to have my dad in my life and even luckier that my kids have him in theirs too.  My dad brings a level of joy to all of our lives which make us smile and laugh, quite simply our life is a better place with him in it.

I always thought I would marry someone just like my dad but what I have realised is that ‘different’ can actually be a good thing, a positive thing.  My husband is very different to my dad and I’m glad he is.  My husband is our rock!  He is not a man that wears his heart on his sleeve but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have one!  His heart, his love, his affection, care and commitment is exactly where it should be, right in the middle of our family, binding us together and keeping us safe and happy.    

My husband was a dad long before I met him, my wonderful stepson is 25 years old this year and although my husband did not live in the same house as his eldest son for a lot of his lifetime, he was still a good dad, a father, a role model.  Looking at my stepson proves to me that the conventional family unit is not always possible but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing, in fact sometimes it’s the best thing.  

So this Sunday take some time to see your dad, tell them how they make you laugh, how they make a difference in your life and just enjoy their company.  My husband and I are on opposite shifts this Sunday, so I will briefly see him when we swop the kids at work and pass on the childcare baton!  I won’t get much time to tell my husband how much I appreciate him and how happy I am that he is in our lives.  I probably wont have time to tell him what a fantastic dad he is and how much I appreciate him just being there; but I hope he knows how the kids and I feel and I hope he realises what an important job he does and how well he does it.

Happy Fathers Day.