What I Hope to Teach My Children [Father's Day Special]

In honor of Father’s Day we asked 6 South African fathers the lessons they hope to teach their children, this is what they said…

He’ll teach you how to ride a bike, drive or change a tire; but without you realizing it he’ll teach you so much more. Some lessons are obvious and repeated whilst others are taught by action. In honor of Father’s Day we asked some local dads what lessons they hope to teach their children. Their answers went deeper than riding a bike…

Mark Pilgrim, radio DJ, TV presenter and author

I hope to teach my children to be polite. Yet at the same time to be very aware of stranger danger and not being afraid to say NO to an adult. We live in difficult times, and whilst PLEASE and THANK YOU are always in order, their safety comes first and they need to know when something is not okay.

Tyron Barnard, CA and editor of sports24seven.co.za

Lessons I hope to Teach My Children — Tyron and Cathy Barnard

As my wife and I are expecting our first child to arrive in August, this is what I would love to teach my son. Who you are is not defined by what you have but rather by what you do. I believe in sharing a life of happiness and making it my purpose to make everyone’s day better through their interaction with me. I hope to teach my son the importance of being better than he was the day before and to always put people before the prize.

Craig Kolesky, adventure and lifestyle photographer

I hope to teach Koby to find the magic in every moment and every person. To keep alive his sense of wonder and experience with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in. I find freedom outdoors, and have been lucky enough to experience many amazing countries and cultures through my adventures. I believe a father teaches more through actions. Hopefully my love of adventure rubs off and he becomes an active, healthy, strong, confident and independent child.

Dr Michael Mol, medical doctor, executive producer, TV presenter and a founding member of Hello Doctor.

Aside from all the intricacies and challenges of parenthood, my father dumbed down his role as a parent to just two goals. “I want my kids to leave home one day with a great self image” and secondly, “I want them to have a relationship with God that is core to who they are and what they do”. I’ve tried to improve on that for my own kids, but quite frankly if I could “achieve” the same for Joshua, Rachael and Naethan that would be more than enough. Especially the grounding and centeredness of a faith that gives them meaning and purpose.

Sbonelo Khwele, professional river paddler and Dusi Canoe Marathon winner

What I teach my children, is to respect other people and to learn to be patient. At all times they must be honest and focused to reach their dreams.

Thabang Madiba, trail runner, 2013 & 2014 SA Trail Champ, 2015 Skyrunning African Champ

I hope to teach my children to love themselves wholeheartedly and to love others. To learn that whatever you want in life you need to work hard for it. My Grandmother taught me to look after myself at a very young age. I also learned to be responsible. She taught me that freedom goes with responsibility.