FIRST-TIME FATHER

Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

What's your child's name?

Micah Ricardo Brown.

How old is he?

Nine months.

When did it hit you that "wow! I'm a father now?"

During the pregnancy, I kept having blurred vision of hang time at football games and track events with him but blurred because I didn't know what he looked like. The actual realisation was when I saw him firstswaddled in his cot after the nurse called me, "Daddy,come and see him."

How has your life changed since becoming a father?

More bills and more laughter to compensate (laughs). It requires you now to do a lot more planning, knowing you have an additional person to be responsible for. Planning for his future, keeping him in good health, and being his best dad and friend all requires time and lack of sleep at this stage. It gets better day by day and you smile more and more especially with his interactions.

We all imagine what it would be like to be a father. How does the real thing compare to the fantasies?

The fantasy just lacks the reality that he needs feeding, changing, protection, an education and dedicated time (love). It's not just telling someone "Ah my son dat." There is a lot more in the background than walking around proudly with a cute baby.

What's the best part about being a father?

Fun moments with him as he shapes his own personality, yet somewhat influenced by mybehaviour. The laughter of your child at your attempts to make him laugh. It's nice to feel there is another person who really connects with you well and is looking up to you.

What's the one lesson you MUST get across to your child?

Eventually when he grows up, to understand that as a potential future leader of the nation, he must first serve God and keep his commandments and this will aid in all his pursuits. He should be ambitious and realise that there is no failure in doing his best.

What is your advice to men who are reluctant to become fathers?

To ensure they have a supportive wife and family/friend network to help, as it gets easier day after day. As the common saying goes, "it takes a strongcommunityto build a strong child." At first, everything may seem new and you wonder about mistakes, but it gets fun as time goes by.

(Read more in tomorrow's Flair).