No one prepares you for the joy of fatherhood
We have loads of management books on various subjects but preparing one’s mindset to handle your child will always be a challenge. From the outset, I knew bringing up my baby girl will not be a science but most certainly art.
When my daughter was born, like all first-time fathers, I had zero experience. The very first day I carried her, I thought here is my bundle of joy. For her to remain joyful for the rest of her life, I had to be supportive as well as live the life of a role model.
I knew very well no book would help or teach the essence. From that day onwards and in the months and years to follow….. each year the experience kept changing.
Even though my wife is a qualified teacher and knowing she would nurture and guide our daughter, my thoughts went well beyond the boundaries. How well I could give her the reality of life in lighter vein and interact with her and observe her progress through each stage in her life.
Firstly I needed to understand what is success….. success is not to own a Rolls Royce or to wear a Rolex. Success is when you can wear a smile on doing little, little things greatly. She had to excel by herself, and never compare herself with others. Further, I knew what a daughter learns from her father is forever. I always managed to cultivate the submissive quality with the virtue of forgiveness and forgetting which was practised within the walls of our home.
I believe that in nurturing a child, parents may contribute 35%, the school 20% while friends/relations 20% and the balance 25% they learn with their own beliefs from what they experience. Moreover, a father needs to prove that he is his daughter’s long-term well-wisher and ardent fan.
In today’s context, the father and mother are co-heads in most homes. Discussing and talking things through with your children are crucial components and taking in their opinions and suggestions are vital in the balance of family life.
When I look back at the journey which I walked with my daughter from kindergarten to school to University, every step has been a memorable milestone. During this journey the greatest stride was when I walked her to the throne to give her in marriage to the love of her life while holding back my tears of joy!
A loving and affectionate relationship with your grown-up daughter as her buddy is to share experiences as equals. I do enjoy the company of my friends and my lovely wife but very much the company of my daughter who is so witty, loving and humorous. She is certainly my best buddy!