“Not Every Man with Children Deserves to be Called a Father” – Gbenga Adeyinka on Fatherhood
Popular Nigerian comedian and TV presenter Gbenga Adeyinka, has been married for over 2o years to his better half, Abiola Adeyinka. The union is blessed with three children.
Adeyinka, in an interview with Punch, shared some of his experiences from fatherhood. Read excerpts below:
How would you describe fatherhood?
“Fatherhood is one of the most amazing gifts from God. It comes with a lot of responsibilities though. But I always say that it is not every man who has the capacity to give birth to a son or daughter that is a father.
A father is that man who has children and lives up to his responsibilities; he deserves to be called a father. To be called a father is an honourable title.”
How did you feel when you found out that you were going to be a father?
“I felt good but the first time I saw my son in the delivery ward, I lost control of my emotions. I was overexcited and confused.The experience was humbling, crazy, joyful, a potpourri of emotions.”
What do you like about being a father?
“I like it when my children use words such as ‘I love you dad’, ‘You are the best dad in the world’. I love the credit that comes with fatherhood. I like it when people pass good comments about my children.”
How do you balance your responsibilities at work with your role as a father?
“Every human being must learn the act of balancing. I know sometimes work takes a lot of one’s time but as a father, one must not allow one area to suffer for the other.
Thank God for mobile phones and free time. When one is at home with one’s kids, one should make it worthwhile. There is no excuse for failing to fulfill one’s responsibilities as a father.”
How do you discipline your children?
“Whenever they misbehave, I withhold things they like. But my kids are well behaved, I guess it is because while they were growing up, I was their friend and at the same time, an old-school dad.
I did not tolerate naughty attitude. We understand ourselves; my children know when I am joking and when I’m serious about a thing.”
How do you appreciate your wife?
“I always let how know how thankful I am to have her in my life and she knows it. A good father needs the support of a good mother. If you are a busy professional, you won’t always be at home which is why you need a good wife to make your children grounded, firm and focused.
I know that my wife would always have prayers with my kids in the mornings and evenings. No one is perfect in the game of child upbringing, there would always be challenges.”
What areas in child upbringing do you think parents are missing out?
“A lot of times, it may not be their fault but they are missing a vital part which is in talking with their children and forming their habits in the proper way.
Many children firm their habits based on what they see on TV and outside influences. Some parents do not take time to access their children’s academic work. However, I am not a perfect father. I am still learning in the game.”
Photo Credit: Punch
Nice talk…Kudos
Very right. Too many sperm donors out there. Been a father is not a title, it is a responsibility.
There’s no perfect man anywhere, but when you are making efforts, it’s appreciative.
nice one
Cool