Welcome to Portraits of Fatherhood: We’re telling the story of today’s dads.
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There is no better place to witness the changing roles of men and women in the larger culture than through the lens of parenthood. But rather than speculate on what and how contemporary fathers do what they do, we’d like to bring you portraits of the dads themselves. In their own words. Would you like to be interviewed for this feature? See the end of the post for details.
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NAME Mark Rees
AGE 42
HOMETOWN / WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW? Pontypridd, Wales /Swindon, England
NUMBER OF CHILDREN Four
WORK Full time retail manager
RELATIONSHIP STATUS Separated, since September 2009
HOW DO YOU COMBINE WORK AND FAMILY?
I take my two youngest to school each day before work and see them every Sunday all day. They stay over Sundays and Wednesdays and my son stays over on Mondays. My children are “young carers” for their mum so I live close by to still give my children all the support they need.
HOW HAS PARENTING CHANGED YOU AS AN INDIVIDUAL?
I knew that being away from the relationship I was in with their mum would make me a better parent. Not everyone would agree with that but from my experience I didn’t want them becoming embroiled in the situation. I am more focused now.
WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS AS A PARENT AND WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES?
I am a much stronger and focused father now with more confidence. This makes me a better role model to my children.
WHAT IS YOUR WORST PARENTING MOMENT?
The worry that my children will ever think that I “left” them. Nothing could be further from the truth. The guilt of a seperation never leaves you when children are involved. However I know that my being a stronger person is better for them. I am here for them 24/7 and they know that.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST PARENTING MOMENT?
When my kids thank me for having a lovely day. I don’t need thanks but it shows they are happy.
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We’re looking for a few good dads.
IF you’d like to be interviewed for this feature, please write to Lisa Duggan at: [email protected]
Please write “Portraits of Fatherhood” in the subject line.