I became a father at the age of 28.

When my son was born I realised the weight of the responsibilty that was suddenly thrust on me. I was in the military at that time and I handled it with the same skill and tact that I handled new recruits.

I remember that one evening in the winter he was complaining about the cold and I told him to suck it up.

He became an inspiration to me after my divorce. He could have gone the route of the typical post divorce teenager becoming an utter rebel. Instead he went on and became provincial athlete in three field items and was selected to go and attend trial for national colours for three years in a row.

He became member of the student council two years running.

I remember telling him last year that as I first time father I made mistakes and I did not have a clue what I was doing. I told him that it does not make him less loved.

For the first time fathers out there or those that are about to be come fathers. Here is some advice.

1. When in doubt don’t ; if you are unsure about something do not do it.
2. As long as your child is alive, dressed, happy and fed you are doing a good job.
3. Give him/her all the love and support you can.
4. Remember there are a lot older guys who already raised children that you can go to for support and advice.
5. Know that you will make mistakes, nobody is perfect
6. When you are proud of them tell them.
7. If they are your inspiration tell them.