Fatherhood is an experience that can bring great joy but it can also be quite challenging, that’s according to Opposition Leader and People’s National Party (PNP) President, Mark Golding, who spoke to OBSERVER ONLINE ahead of Father’s Day.

Having recently become a grandfather, with a now seven-month old granddaughter, the father of three has had the opportunity to reflect on his experience as a parent.

Golding shared that during his children’s formative years he had to perform the very delicate act of balancing a demanding career with family life.

“I have always worked in a law firm and in business simultaneously. I was originally at Dunn Cox and in 1993 I was also busy with business at DB&G. Both law and business are very demanding,” explained Golding.

“It was a balancing act in those early days but my family has never complained of neglect,” added Golding.

The delicate balancing act is one, Golding believes he got right, noting his dedication to ensuring that family life was always prioritised, particularly in the early years.

“Those early years are very important for emotional and intellectual development. Having an appreciation of this we, my wife and I, had two annual vacation periods scheduled each year,” Golding said.

“Our vacations were in the summer and typically after Christmas, around the 27th or thereabouts into the new year. We’d usually go down by the country, usually by the sea,” added Golding

A lover of all genres of music, Golding shared that these journeys to the country areas were often filled with much singing, adding that he used these occasions to teach his children the usual kid friendly songs of yesteryear, as well as introduce them to various forms of music.

Occasionally, the Goldings vacationed with Mark’s only sibling, a sister who lives in Trinidad, with Golding noting that these vacations helped create deep bonds and deepen family ties.

Golding shared that even outside of the annual vacation road trips, he was able to bond with his children during the run of the mill trips to school, as he often had the pleasure of driving them around.

It is in these short car rides, Golding explained, that the magic of bonding really happened.

Like his father before him, who Golding recalls having taught him the bones of the body as he drove to school, he similarly used these car trips as a place to impart various lessons and values.

Describing his parenting style as similar to that of his father’s, Golding explained that he has tried to closely mirror his own childhood upbringing, imparting similar values to his own children.

“I drew a lot from my own father. He allowed us space to learn on our own – he was not excessively an interventionist. However he had strong moral values, he didn’t like selfishness or egotism,” Golding said.

While having employed a similar laissez-faire style of parenting, Golding shared there were a lot of moments that he also had to be stern, particularly when dealing with misbehaviour.

Admittedly, at times he could be what is considered firm, nonetheless he always maintained an empathetic and respectful approach.

Golding said that the value of respect for the family was one he prioritised when he was appointed to the Senate in 2007.

Despite his children being in their late teens and early adulthood when he entered politics, the transition was one that Golding says he treated with a great deal of care.

“While my family is supportive. I am mindful of the fact that politics is a lifestyle choice that I made and I am very conscious of that,” Golding explained.

“They’re adults now and are better able to understand but nonetheless, I am very mindful and respectful, I do my best to keep my political life and private life separate” he added.

Golding shared that having become a grandparent is a different type of parenting, adding that it is even more joyful, as he is getting the chance to truly treasure certain moments.

In offering advice to young fathers, Golding says it is important to keep connected, adding that helping children to feel loved and like you have their back are among the most important things a father can do.