The best thing about being a father

In March, the Governor General of Jamaica Sir Patrick Allen launched Parenting Jamaica, an initiative to strengthen parenting in Jamaica. To date, the project has rolled out radio programmes which include parenting-related interviews, parenting tips, parenting calendars, etc.

The secondary phase of the project includes a blog (parentingjamaica.wordpress.com) which will be updated with parenting news, radio episodes, tips, and a lot more information.

Parenting Jamaica's core team is made up primarily of fathers, including Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, Dr Barry Davidson, psychologist and family therapist, Cecil Foster of Fosrich, Barry Gordon (Barry G), and Gerry McDaniel.

Today being Father's Day, the men of Parenting Jamaica share the best thing about being a father.

• Sir Patrick Allen, governor general of Jamaica

The best thing about being a father is seeing your children grow up living the values you have taught them, thinking for themselves just the way you always encouraged them to do, and loving their own children the way you loved them.

• Dr Barry Davidson, psychologist, marriage and family therapist, chief executive officer of Family Life Ministries, author of parental guide 'Answers to Questions Parents Ask'

There are many 'bests' about being a father. For me, the best thing about being a father is for my children to receive from me affirmations and demonstrations that they are lovable, valuable, and capable and forgiving. The best thing about being a father is also being in love with your children's mother and giving your children what they need in order for them to experience 'wholeness' and be emotionally and mentally healthy.

• Cecil Foster, managing director, Fosrich Electrical

The best thing about being a father is that I have now come to know what it means to love someone who looks up to me so much. So I have the opportunity to be a mentor through stories, life examples, and I get hugs and kisses along the way.