Dad's role challenging

STEPHEN FORBES

Mark Leggett says fatherhood in the 21st century isn't an easy task.

But despite the challenges he wouldn't have it any other way.

Mark is hoping to take part in this year's Waitakere Focus on Fathering Week which runs until September 5.

The seven-day festival features various events celebrating fatherhood.

Mark lives in New Lynn with his partner Anne and their two children and works as an adviser to the Environment Ministry.

He says when he first became a father nine years ago it came as a total shock.

Mark and his ex-partner had just set off on an overseas back-packing holiday and were in Malaysia when they found out she was pregnant.

"We weren't planning it," he says.

Mark says when his son Joe was born it made him look at what he was doing with his life.

He says becoming a father has been a real blessing.

"It's added a whole new dimension to my life and given me a sense of purpose."

Mark has since split with Joe's mother and these days lives with his partner Anne.

He says becoming a stepfather to Anne's son Sam has come with its challenges.

"We both have our own views on parenting," he says. "And the boys have had to find a way to get on.

"They are both different and they've got their own interests."

Mark says the role of being a dad has changed a lot from when he was a child.

"Nowadays both parents work and I think because of that both parents are expected to contribute more to bringing up the children.

"The other thing that is different from my parents' generation is the make-up of families."

He says for a lot of people the family unit just keeps expanding, with stepmothers, stepfathers and other relatives. Mark says for him that makes birthdays and Christmas interesting.

But despite the challenges, Mark enjoys being a father.

"I love it."

Mark and his partner are planning to get married next month.

He says they don't have any plans for more children.

"I think we're done there."

Go to www.dad4life.co.nz for information on Waitakere's Focus on Fathering Week.

- © Fairfax NZ News