On Raising 4 Sons - Interview With An Expert

Richard Papworth is a bit of a legend at raising boys. He has had 4 and successfully rasied them all into young men, all of which now are decent contributors to society in their own right. Having raised his 4 in such a fine manner, we decided to ask him a few questions about his methods, regrets and lessons learnt. Here is the interview:

Everyone tells me you are a bit of a guru at raising sons, what experience do you have to justify this claim

With my wife, we have raised five children, four of whom are boys.

 

What is the biggest challenge you have faced over this time?

Difficult to say really.  I suppose the balancing of time between earning money to support the family and being there with them

 

What did you do to overcome the challenge?

You do not really overcome it.  With my wife, I just applied myself to doing the best that I could.

Think outside the house. Shop Outdoor at The Land

 

What was the result?

I look back and see many things which I should/could have done differently/better.  That annoys me.

  

What is your proudest moment as a father of boys?

That is very difficult to allocate.  I suppose the first wedding among our children. It was the daughter's wedding. The 4 sons all filled active roles in the ceremony. I still have great trouble describing the feeling.

 

What has bringing up boys taught you about yourself?

Not to give up - or even consider it.  You inherit huge hurdles in your life but you must continue to face and address them.

 

If there is 1 piece of wisdom you could share with a father of a just born boy, what would it be?

Yes. Your baby will not remain tiny and delicate for very long.  Spend as much time as you can with the kids. They grow up very quickly and it is then all passed.

 

I hear you have a daughter, who caused you less grief, the boys or the girl?

That question is difficult to answer. The daughter brought different challenges into the family.  Grief in our family was never a factor of gender. It was more a personality issue.

 

In hindsight, with the bringing up of you sons, is there anything you would have done differently?

Yes.  I would revisit some of our decisions and try to spend more time with the children especially when they were babies.

 

Now all your sons are grown up and starting families of their own, what do you see your role evolving into, as far as being a father is concerned?  (Ie. As opposed to being a grandfather)

My role has not really changed.  My children continue to seek advice, direction, support, counselling, and so on.  Not a lot but it does still occur.  It is just on a more adult level.  And I enjoy the challenge.

 

Seating for Kids at The Land of Nod

 

 

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