This Father’s Day, we’re shining a light on four local dads whoopened up about the joys,challenges,and lessons that have shapedtheir journeys through fatherhood.
CRAIG BURDEN
The manager for the Fidelity Services Group for the North Coast, and a proud father to two beautiful girls, Daisy (4) and Millie (16 months).
Funniest Moment
Daisy is my little princess, and an amazing big sister to Millie. We took Father Steven from the All Saints Catholic Church out for dinner to La Piazza one evening, the following day Daisy told all her friends she “had pizza with God last night for dinner”.
Parenting Hack
As parents, you need to put your phones away when it is family time. Not just silent or upside down, but out of reach. You need to show your kids that they are your priority at that moment. Do not parent on autopilot; give them your full, undivided attention. You can return any calls, unanswered WhatsApps can wait, and social media scrolling in the presence of your kids is the worst message you can send to them. Also, never just hand them your phone to keep them busy, show them how precious your time with them is and how much it means to you. This is a time you need to cherish and will never get back.
Unexpected Skill
Daisy and Millie have taught me so much, especially patience and mindfulness, to live in the moment and to embrace the simplicity of life. To let go of any worries and to love and enjoy the journey rather than focus on a destination has been an invaluable lesson. The man who loves walking will walk further than the man who loves the destination.
Best Part Of The Day
Our evening walks before dinner time. We take our dog Mowgli for a walk to wrap up the day. Millie shouts and waves at any barking dogs while Daisy tells me all about her day at school and even tries to teach me any new songs she has learned. This is a special time for us every day.
Advice
The battles you refuse to fight, your kids will have to fight. Ensure to model the behaviour and values you want them to grow into. They are like sponges and absorb so much through observing. Be consistent when teaching them these values.
What I Hope My Kids Always Remember
They were my inspiration and motivation in everything I did. I always strived to be the best version of myself for them. I always did my best to prioritise them and to make them proud, because their happiness and well-being meant everything to me.
J SBU
A Drive Show Host on ECR and proud father to Zanda (8). His journey into fatherhood began with his firstborn, Smanga, who heartbreakingly passed away in the womb at seven months. Smanga’s memory remains a cherished part of his life, honoured by speaking his name.
Funniest Moment
Zanda is such a little talker – no idea where he gets that from… I mean, his dad’s just a radio presenter, right? One of the funniest things he does is act out his favourite cartoon characters – Peppa Pig, Power Rangers – you name it. The cutest thing ever is when he tries to pull off the Power Ranger stunts. He’ll come at me with a serious face, ready to strike, like I’m the villain in his imaginary battle.
Parenting Hack
Listen to your child – even when what they say seems unnecessary. Kids need to feel heard, and when they do, they learn the value of both speaking and listening. It builds trust and teaches them how to communicate with respect.
Best Part Of The Day
Waking up together as a family feels like such a blessing – I get to start the day with the people I love most. There’s something special about those little moments, like brushing our teeth side by side or helping him get ready for school. Another highlight is our drive to school. Once, he casually said that he has a girlfriend, so now I always tease him, telling him to look sharp and do his best so his crush can notice him.
Advice
I wish someone had told me this earlier: your child will learn more from who you are than from what you say. It’s easy to get caught up in what we’re teaching them with our words, but the real lessons come from how we show up in their lives.
Most Rewarding “Dad Moment”
Receiving last year’s report card. He did incredibly well, above average in all his subjects, and that meant so much to me. I’ve made it a mission to give him a better primary education than I had, so seeing that reflected in his progress was a proud moment. Any parent will tell you, when your child does well at school, it’s not just a win for them – it feels like a win for you too.
What I Hope My Kids Always Remember
I hope my son will always remember how deeply he was supported and that his dad always tried to lead by example. I want him to look back and see the hard work I put in – not for recognition, but so that he could have a life filled with opportunities, stability, and joy. More than anything, I want him to feel how much he was loved and how I tried to be present in every moment.
JODY THAVER
Dr Jody A. Thaver is a proud single father, entrepreneur, and international business advisor. His journey has been shaped by deep love, painful loss, and unwavering faith. He is a dad of two incredible kids; late daughter Andrea Michaela, a talented ballerina and singer; and son Josiah Eathen (21), a driven young entrepreneur and gifted musician now living in Oslo. Life hasn’t been easy, but raising Josiah and honouring Andrea’s memory has given him purpose and strength to keep going.
Parenting Hack
“Parenthood is not a democracy.” That mantra has guided me through the ups and downs. I believe our role as parents is to lead, teach, and love with strength and clarity. Children need parents, not peers. Another truth I hold onto: our ceilings must become our children’s floors – not their flaws. It’s about creating a strong foundation they can build upon.
Life Lessons
My children have been my greatest teachers. Andrea, my late daughter, used to say, “Stand up.Show up. Stand out.” She inspired me to live boldly and with purpose. Josiah reminds me, “When people show you who they are…believe them.” From them, I’ve learned to forgive, to live as a human being and not a human doing, and to appreciate the little things. Their wisdom lives in everything I do – from mentoring young entrepreneurs and running businesses to serving on global platforms.
Advice
I wish someone had reminded me of the importance of balance. In the pursuit of providing and pushing forward, we must never forget tocapture the moments. The magic is in those small, fleeting, yet precious memories with your children.
Most Rewarding “Dad Moment”
There’s one video I hold especially close – of Andrea dancing before God around a campfire, rededicating her life to Jesus the night before her tragic passing. It brings me peace to know she left this world with joy in her heart. And with Josiah, it’s witnessing the fire within him, watching him become his own man, with strength, integrity, and vision. He truly lives up to his name. My proudest reward is simply being his father.
My Children Inspired My Work
Andrea wanted to teach children with special needs. Though she’s no longer with us, I feel I’m continuing her legacy through theAndream Foundation, created in her honour to help young girls reach for their dreams. My late daughter and my late mum inspired the humanitarian work I now dedicate my time to. Their compassion and dreams live on in me.
Legacy
Our name means warrior, and we come from a lineage of strength and courage – my grandfather was a decorated WWII soldier, and my father met the royal family as a result of that service. I want my legacy to be more than material success; I want it to be a legacy of purpose fulfilled. My greatest hope is that the seeds I’ve planted – values of integrity, compassion, and determination – echo through time in my son’s life and beyond.
LUYANDA MOTHIBA
Luyanda is fortunate enough to work a hybrid model and is only required to be in the office three times a week. He is also in a sales role, therefore knows what’s expected of him, which allows him to plan his time and schedule. Their newest addition, Amayah, is only five-months-old, daddy’s little princess. His eldest, Aexel, is two-years-old and is only now learning to talk. At this age, Luyanda says they are absolute sponges, absorbing every word you say, so he is guilty of teaching him a foul word here and there.
Parenting Hack
Keep it moving. Don’t dwell on things you can’t change; it’s tough at first, but it gets better over time.
Unexpected Skill
Running at 100% on limited sleep has become the norm. The hardest part of parenting is sleep deprivation, so I now enjoy power naps whenever I can get them.
Best Part Of The Day
The happiness on his face when he sees me at the end of the school day!
Advice
Accept the fact that parents and family may not help, and that’s okay. Do the best you can every day. Protect your marriage and always set an example for your kids and family.
What I Hope My Kids Always Remember
Nothing is more important in this world to me than being their father. It’s easy to be a parent and provider, a father leads his family with intention. I see so much of me in my son; he’s an absolute animal. I want him to be the most authentic version of himself and not compromise or conform to others.
