Saturday 12 September 2015

The Importance of Time

A Guest Post by Phil


I always feel sad when I hear people say they didn't have a happy childhood. I had a fantastic childhood, with so many memories of the fun I had, I really could write a novel. Those memories have shaped the way I have become a person and brought my children up. I thought I would share some of my theories.  I have always firmly believed that people my age, I'm nearly 50, were the last generation to be brought up as Victorians. My grandparents were born in 1905 and my parents were brought up with those values, which passed down to me. I am extremely old fashioned. I was brought up with the values that you stood up to let a lady have your seat.
You didn't swear. You got up, made your bed and presented yourself downstairs, ready for breakfast. My mother grew up after the war, so you didn't quibble or ask what was on your plate, you just cleared it, because wasting food was wasting money. I was also taught by my Dad to make most of my own toys. I can remember making stilts with planks and blocks of wood. A go kart wasn't something you brought from the toy shop, it was a piece of board, pram wheels and a length of rope for a steering wheel. I can remember going in search of conkers with him too, then baking them in vinegar in the hope it really would turn into a stone, ready for fights in the playground.  When I grew up I realised the point of all these things. My Dad had a real childlike sense of humour, which he loved to share with me. I can remember playing hide and seek, then finding his hiding place was sitting in his chair, hiding under a tea towel. I truthfully can't remember many of the the things he ever bought me, because he made me realise that money wasn't important. He gave me something much more precious than that, he gave me his time and he gave me his love, which is why I've always been the same with our children.  

Father and Son Montage
Years of Fun!


 I'm not the perfect Dad, I know that but I will always try to have fun times with my children. Whether that be riding our bikes, playing on the beach or camping in our garden cooking sausages. Because I firmly believe that when I'm long gone, those are the things they will remember. I don't believe in doing things because of tradition or if an occasion demands it. I do things spontaneously, like cooking my wife a soppy breakfast, just to remind her what I think of her. 

I intend making many more memories, with my children, the world will be a happier place if we all do.

Man and Boy Sillhouetted Against Sunset
A rare quiet moment!

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5 comments

  1. What a lovely post, it brought tears to me eyes. Your dad sounds like an amazing person, and he's obviously helped to make you into a great dad too. You're absolutely right; memories are made of doing stuff, in my case it was baking and crafting with my mum, and "helping" my dad wash the car or do the garden. And these are also the things that we try and do with our girls. They won't remember the scooter, or the doll, they'll remember the time we spent with them. Thanks for a great post. Becky #busydoinglife

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    1. Thank you, I'm always worried I'm just going to bore someone to death. Today you are my favourite stranger! - Phil x

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  2. Lovely post Phil, you look like your dad :)

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  3. Such a beautiful post! I too have really fond memories of family time! It's so precious isn't it? Thankyou so much for linking up your post to #busydoinglife this week, this really is what the linky is all about!

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  4. So true. Time is the most important thing we can give our children. Enjoy making those memories x

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