Being a father means much more than seeding a child. It’s a gigantic, God-given responsibility that at the same time comes with immense joy, immeasurable rewards, and unimaginable satisfaction.
Too many youths today are caught up in crime and juvenile delinquency because of the lack of an adequate father or father figure in their lives. Too many children suffer in silence because fathers refuse to fulfill their God-given responsibility.
For our Father of the Year 2024, we’d like to feature two heart warming stories from Guyanese author, businessman, and psychologist, Dr. Telford Layne.
These stories, adapted by the Guyana, South America Publication, were written by Dr. Telford Layne himself. They highlight some key elements of fatherhood that we’d like to encourage all fathers and aspiring fathers to pay special attention to.
Story 1: Mr. Telford Layne Congratulates His Son
My champion, my only son. He is more technical and thoughtful; knows exactly what he wants and formulates a mental plan before heading out.
He wanted to go with his sister at Bishops but got Saint Joseph.
He wrote 10 subjects and acheived100% passes. English A -1 English B -1 Principles of business -1 Geography 3 Physics- 2 Electrical technology -3 Social studies -2 Mathematics -2 Building technology -1 Information technology -2
He has decided not to waste the next two years going to 6th form. Instead, he chooses to start his university life next month doing Environmental and Civil Engineering. Congratulations Tafari. So proud of you. Now go with my blessings son. Recreate Guyana’s skyline . Your mom and I believe in your natural abilities in creating something out of nothing.
Important Qualities of Parenting Highlighted by this Story:
Look for Your Child’s Talent:
He is more technical and thoughtful. Knows exactly what he wants and formulates a mental plan before heading out.
As parents, we need to search for our children’s abilities and help to guide and equip them for a profession or career that suits such abilities.
Pay Attention to Your Child.
He wanted to go with his sister at Bishops, but got Saint Joseph
In this article, you will notice that Mr. Layne knew exactly which school his child wanted to attend even since in Primary school.
Sow Words of Encouragement into Your Child’s Mind.
Now go with my blessings son, recreate Guyana’s skyline. Your mom and I believe in your natural abilities in creating something out of nothing.
These words are like seeds which grow into trees of success and bear fruits in later years. Prophesy success and greatness into your child.
Congratulate Your Child
Finally, the piece highlights a crucial aspect of parenting: congratulate your child for what he or she has achieved thus far.
Story 2: Tafari Layne Turns 19
The champ turns 19 today. It’s my only son’s birthday. 19 years of blessings. I’m beyond thankful for him even though he is mommy’s boy. The four girls are all for me.
His life and journey have been exceptional. He always knew what he wants and what it takes to get there. Streets’ smarts, protective instinct, thoughtfulness, kindness, consideration, support, and leadership offers to those he comes into contact with are amazing. He is the best and close friend to many. He is an independent thinker, charter his course and is yourself-motivated.
Got a 100% pass at CSEC, 9 ones and 2 two’s. He is now a third-year civil and environmental engineering student. Early this year, he births a business idea. I help him acquire the equipment needed. 3 months ago I took him for his first government contract and position him in private and public sector business engagement.
I don’t even know how I allowed him to plait his hair. Still fighting with this acceptance thingy.
His name is Terrific, Ambitious, Financially Prudent, Analytical, Recillent, Industrious, Tafari Layne.
Happy 19th Tafari. Dad is so overjoyed and proud of having you.
Team Tafari
Important Qualities of Parenting Highlighted by this Story:
It’s my only son’s birthday.
We live in a world where sadly, many men boast about how many children they have with different women, but don’t play much of a role in those children’s lives. Dr. Telford Layne has only one son, and he plays an active role in his life.
Beyond thankful for him even though he is mommy’s boy. The four girls are all for me.
Some men tend to develop a stronger bond with their daughters. And that’s OK. As long as it doesn’t cause you to treat your son any lesser. And Dr. Telford Layne is a shining example of this.
Early this year, he births a business idea. I help him acquire the equipment needed. 3 months ago, I took him for his first government contract and positioned him in private and public sector business engagement.
Note that “he” births a business idea. Dr. Layne doesn’t push his own agenda on his son, or force him to do what he would like to see him do. Rather, he lets him do the productive thing that he is passionate about and supports him along that path.
I don’t even know how I allowed him to plait his hair. Still fighting with this acceptance thingy.
Stern, yet loving and understanding. Few fathers exercise this delicate balance. Dr. Telford Layne might have strongly urged his son not to plait his hair, but in the end, he doesn’t hate or spite him for going against his wishes.
I could go on and on about these amazing pieces of writing which illustrates some of the qualities of good fatherhood. It is something strongly lacking in today’s society, especially Guyanese society, and all fathers should strive to do as well as Dr. Telford Layne.
I’d like to encourage all men in Guyana and around the world to strive to be great fathers.
With that being said, Happy Father’s Day to all the Wonderful Dads in Guyana and around the world, and especially our Father of the Year 2024, Dr. Telford Layne.
