Opinion Articles

SOUL MATTERS: No keeping mum on the riches of fatherhood
By Scott Moore

Taking a twelve month career break to care for my beautiful eight month old son Thomas, I am treasuring the time getting to know him and reconnecting with his seven year old sister, Charlotte whom he utterly and unconditionally adores. The transition from a 50 hour working week crammed with meetings and deadlines to Thomas' enchanting world of discovery has been invigorating and fun. Each day grants me those classic, yet fleeting first-time moments, like feeding himself with face and hands caked in food, sitting unaided on a wobbly bottom, or his first words in that unique vocabulary reserved just for babies. As Father's Day approaches, I am relishing a renewed appreciation for fatherhood.

Like an addiction, I crave the fun times of the day, like our morning walks exploring the neighbourhood, where we are greeted with adoring smiles from passersby. He becomes a bundle of squirming excitement when we stop for our gentle swing, squeals of rapture breaking the silence of the park. I love his precious reactions on discovering the function of toys and anything that comes within reach. The slideshow of fear, concentration, awe and then acceptance on his face when reading his Big Animals book is captivating, as is his frenzied splashing and infectious laughter at bath time. Being a father at home affords me the time to see and help shape Thomas' emerging personality and be involved in his day, something I missed with his sister.

Since Thomas' mother is yet to return to work, I am a DHT - Dad at Home in Training. I have no delusions about how it will be once the L-plates come off and already stand in awe of the time management, multi-tasking, and emotional discipline that Thomas' mother employs in the daily drama of life with him. However, I eagerly anticipate the real game kick off and the unique experience it will give.

My time with Thomas has blessed me with renewed devotion to fatherhood and appreciation of my own father. In our busy and materialistic world today, we often get caught up in our houses, jobs and relentless consumerism that we may overlook the simple courtesy of saying thanks and expressing gratitude to the ‘old man'. My childhood memories portray my Dad being fun in the backyard, hardworking, and very firm. I recognise now the sacrifices he made and his instilling in me an understanding of right and wrong, a sense of responsibility, and a confidence in myself to pursue my goals. Now as a father myself, I feel dedicated to giving my children a sound foundation to make good choices and lead lives of purpose, with love.

Babies are clear miracles and proof of God's love in the world. On this approaching Father's Day, may all fathers embrace being Dad, a time of liberating fun, nurturing and guiding, particularly in those early childhood years, that can never be truly recaptured.

Scott Moore
Scott Moore is a member of the Catholic Parish of Charlestown .