Our 874th Dad in the Limelight is James Fouche. I want to thank James Fouche for being a part of this series. It has been great getting connected with him and now sharing James Fouche with all of you.
1) Tell me about yourself, (as well as how you are in the limelight for my readers knowledge)
I’m an author, freelance writer/blogger and public speaker. I just returned to writing to finish my third novel. This after a four-year babymaking hiatus. We had three nuggets in three years, which will bring your world to halt. I write about wine, travel and parenting, for multiple media formats across all social media platforms, from Australia to South Africa. I write 24 hours a day, which makes being a silly daddy a very challenging, yet rewarding, exercise.
2) Tell me about your family
For seven years we struggled to conceive. After a short and tense operation, we were able to do the deed. Then baby number one arrived. Since we were on the older side of parenting, we decided to have number two the following year. However, baby number three was an unplanned, fantastic five minutes on the couch while the other two were asleep. Now we have two girls, the first and the last, and a boy in the middle.
3) What has been the largest challenge you have had in being a father?
Three kids in three years, means two tantrum toddlers and a baby with separation anxiety. The biggest problem we face is not having face-time as a couple. At times I really miss my wife – and she is standing right in front of me. But there is a baby at her feet screaming for milk, a girl throwing a tantrum in the living room and a boy tugging at my pants to show me something outside. We film and post little YouTube clips to remind ourselves of the good times hidden inside the chaos.
4) What advice would you give to other fathers?
Appreciate the struggle. Soon it is all over. Remember all the firsts, because they soon become the lasts. The first nappy, the first step, the first giggle, the first time they fall asleep in your arms. Which becomes the last pack of nappies you bought, the last time you were able to pick up your child, the last time they rode horsey on your back, or the last time you gave your little girl butterfly kissies all over. It seems like a blur, but in the blur is the joy.
5) How have you come to balance parenthood and outside life?
I still haven’t been able to balance parenthood and work. I’m sure this is impossible. Or maybe I’m doing something wrong. You learn to juggle both. I’m of the radical thought that men can multitask, too. Especially during those first four foundation years. You don’t have a choice.
6) What have you learned from the fathers that you have interacted with?
– Someone always has it worse than you, so stop moaning.
– Divorce is a killer; avoid it like the plague.
– You have a soul, and without selfcare your soul becomes a beastly thing.
– Take care of yourself and don’t allow people to steal your family time.
7) What else would you share regarding your experiences as a father thus far?
Don’t be too hard on yourself. There is nothing wrong with you. You are doing a good job.
James’ social links are below:
Website: http://jamesfouche.
Facebook: @JamesFoucheWrites
Instagram: @jamesfouchewrites
Twitter: @james_fouche
If you have any questions for James Fouche, please leave a comment here and I will make sure that he gets them so that he may be able to respond!
Also, do you know a Dad in the Limelight? If so, please email me their contact information so that they too can be a part of this series!
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