The gentlemanly father

In which G.M. Norton offers a glimpse into the life of being a gentlemanly father.

 

Not only am I an aspiring English gentleman, I also the very proud father to two beautiful girls.

With Father’s Day only a day away, it occurred to me how similar the roles of Gentleman and Father actually are.

Please allow me to explain a little. The way I see it, a good father should set a positive example, be respectful, show courtesy and kindness and live a life of integrity and honesty. I also consider these to be the true traits of a gentleman.

Pulling silly faces with my eldest

Becoming a father at the age of 24 had a profound effect on your favourite protagonist. To be completely honest, I was a little overwhelmed at first at the size of the responsibility bestowed upon me. Even more so when I found out that my beloved and I were going to have a daughter.

After all, every little girl deserves a father that they can look up to and depend on. 

I see it as my duty to teach my two girls about life, about love, about boys (or girls), about manners and money. As well as the serious side to parenting, I think it is important to be the playful dad too - to act the clown, to be loving and funny. 

I am a devoted dad – as is the tradition on Father’s Day, tomorrow I will be treated to breakfast in bed and presented with a well-chosen gift or two. The greatest gift I’ve ever received though is the chance to be a father. I believe that it has helped me become the aspiring gentleman I am today.

I cherish every single day with my little ones – every cuddle, every kiss, every laugh, even every tear. Before I know it, they will be young women and will leave my care. Well, that’s what they think. I’ll never stop keeping a watchful eye on them. 

P.S. It has struck me that this is quite a serious post this week. Fear not, normal service will be resumed next Saturday at 4 o'clock!

G.M. Norton
Protagonist of ‘Norton of Morton’