Prioritising Parenthood: Two Fathers Share How Family Time Transformed Their Lives On L-Għaliex
In the latest episode of L-Għaliex, hosted by Matthew Bartolo and Joseph Agius, guests Luke and Ashley shared their heartfelt journeys of making family their top priority.
The conversation offered a deep dive into the challenges and rewards of fatherhood, with both dads reflecting on life-altering choices they made to be more present in their children’s lives.
Luke, a former hospitality professional, made the life-changing decision to leave his career and focus on raising his children. Having lost his own father early in life, Luke was committed to ensuring his kids would never feel his absence.
“The first six years are crucial,” he said, explaining how he chose to sacrifice career growth and financial stability for family time, a choice he described as “transformative.”
Ashley, a social worker, shared a similar sentiment, also inspired by the early loss of his father. His professional background gave him insight into how early attachment to a caring adult is essential for children’s emotional well-being.
Ashley underscored that the emotional security provided in these formative years is essential for children’s resilience and independence.
The episode offered a glimpse into both men’s parenting philosophies, which centre on empowering their kids to be self-reliant.
For example, they discussed teaching young children practical skills like cooking simple meals or doing small chores, fostering confidence and independence.
“Seeing them master tasks like making an omelette or tidying up is fulfilling,” Luke shared.
The conversation also touched on the impact of social trends, with Luke and Ashley pushing back against the pressures to over schedule kids’ lives with extracurriculars or rely heavily on childcare. They championed unstructured time spent with parents, believing it nurtures creativity and independence.
Financial considerations in parenting were also highlighted, with both dads advocating for mindful spending, such as buying used clothing or foregoing pricey activities. Their experiences resonated as a reminder to other parents that it’s okay to embrace simplicity for the sake of presence.
The episode offered an emotional look at fatherhood’s balancing act, revealing the incredible influence parents have on their children’s development.
For both Luke and Ashley, putting family before career proved to be a choice that enriched their lives in ways they hadn’t expected.
Their stories resonate with many modern parents striving to find harmony between family time and career ambitions. The episode closed with a powerful reminder: when parents prioritise relationships with their children, the whole family reaps the rewards of happier, healthier, and more resilient bonds.
Watch the full episode of L-Għaliex below:
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