Jamaican fathers speak on pride, pressure and lessons learned from their children

Several Jamaican men spoke openly about fatherhood in a broadcast feature, outlining the pride they feel in their children, the uneven road of daily parenting, and the lessons sons and daughters have handed back to them.

Maurice Marshall is father to two biological children and has served as a surrogate father to many others. Dafford Alanda Soul has one son. Melvin Pennant is father to twin girls and godfather to several children. Lancy McLean has five children. Omar Owens has two. Courtney T. Johnson counts three biological children within a wider circle he treats as his own.

Those interviewed agreed that fatherhood is not a bed of roses. As Buju Banton once put it, many see glamour where the reality is closer to struggle — ups and downs that shift over time, though most said the good outweighs the bad.

Asked what they enjoy most, several highlighted schooling and teaching children, giving them room to enjoy childhood, and watching distinct personalities emerge. One father said he walks, cooks, parties and takes road trips with his kids. Another spoke of training young minds and seeing his son mirror his own traits, while his daughters say they hope to date someone like their dad. Evening homecomings remain a cherished ritual, with excited greetings and small gestures such as helping remove shoes or carrying bags inside.

The men also said children school adults. One recalled his daughter holding him accountable when he failed to follow through on promises, showing how closely they listen. Teenage twin girls have shifted family debates from requests to firm deadlines, which one father said keeps him humble. Others learned the value of family ties, the need to work harder to provide, and that broken promises linger in a child's memory.

Reflecting on their own fathers, one man recalled watching sport at the National Stadium and Sabina Park, and spending Independence Day with the whole family at the Grand Gala. Another said his father taught him to stand up for himself after a physical clash over chores, telling him afterward he was proud he had defended himself even when the father knew he was wrong. A third remembered a fifth-birthday party in 2006 where his father made everything run smoothly despite his dislike of the hired clown.

For men not yet fathers, or those still finding their footing, the group offered straightforward advice: invest time while children are young; love them and stay present rather than letting outside influences, including the internet, shape them; keep promises; choose a strong co-parenting partner; and remember that an absent father is not an excuse to repeat the pattern.

Writer Khalil Gibran's reflection on parenthood — that children come through parents but belong to tomorrow — framed a closing thought: fatherhood carries honour in helping shape independent lives, even without a manual for the job.