Clyde Puli: 2 children: Gabriel (14) and Jacques (7)

What does it mean to you to be a father?

It is a challenge, a joy and a way of life. It gives you a scope and purpose in life. It is truly is bit of everything.

What does Father’s Day mean to you and how will you celebrate it?

Father’s Day is usually a family-orientated day. We go out with my brother’s family and so it’s a family event. The kids normally make me cards and, in fact, I’ve kept every single gift and card they have given me. They even once gave me a packet of M&Ms, and I still haven’t eaten them because although it’s just a packet of sweets, it still holds certain sentimental value in that it’s from my children.

How would you describe the experience of being a father and how has it changed your life?

The whole experience changes your life for the better and there really is a sense of fulfilment in being a father. Of course, you then need to find time for your family, you have much more responsibility, you’re no longer alone. It’s a beautiful moment, to spend time with them. You learn something new from every moment of being parent and it’s part of the experience. Overall, having children has been one of the most beautiful experiences I could ever have. From when they say their first words, to when they call you ‘papa’. Of course, there are the moments when they go to school, play sports. My kids are very different, so I appreciate the things they do; one is very active and sporty whilst the other is very intellectually active and has begun to discuss more complex topics. He’s begun to watch films I like and has become more interested in the arts, history and many different subjects so we are able to discuss many different subjects. My other son is still very young and a more hands-on, active sort of child; for example, if I’m gardening he’ll come along and join in.

How have things changed from when your children were younger to now that they’ve started growing up? Do you feel that you have more responsibilities as a father, now they’re getting older? Are you looking forward to them growing up?

Teenage years are, of course, a different challenge and you see a dramatic change from when they were children to when they begin to grow up and think and speak for themselves. And, of course, the children of today are growing up in a different world to the one in which I grew up, being that there is the internet where they can read and see many different things that help them growing up pretty quickly. It isn’t exactly ideal that now most kids are only on the internet and, as parents, its one of the things we don’t particularly like. It’s become the first and last thing they do but it is a good challenge.

Was fatherhood more challenging than you thought?

With my job in politics, which can be very spontaneous, it makes being a father a little more challenging. Of course, the world today has changed and you do feel a responsibility to protect them and guide from the terrible things in the world.

What is your role like as a father? What sort of father are you?

It depends on the moment. There are moments when I need to be strict, some moments need to be taken seriously and you need to be a parent. But of course, a lot of the time we joke around. A bit of everything is needed: you need to be both and it depends on the moment. Of course, the way I am as a parent with the youngest and oldest is now different; whilst the younger one still needs guidance, the older is growing up now and I need to let him think for himself. Plus, all children will make mistakes as they grow up and its part of learning, so sometimes you must let them make those mistakes so the learning can commence. Balance is needed.

Have you made any major changes in your outlook or approach to life in general as the result of becoming a parent?

As soon as children enter your life, you stop thinking just about yourself due to the added responsibility. You feel as if you can’t take the same risks: becoming a parent even adds a sense of extra maturity. Fatherhood is another level of maturity. It starts to dawn on you that every decision you make can possibly affect not just you but also your children and your family as a whole. You’re no longer alone and the decisions you make will have consequences.

What is the most important value you want to pass down to your children?

There are no rights without responsibilities. That is one of the sayings and values I reiterate to my own children. I want them to understand that you need to work hard for what you want and if you manage, and you have an amount of influence and authority, it is your duty to then help others.

What did you learn from your father and do you pass on those lessons now that you are parent?

Motivation. Motivation to work for what you want in life, is something I learnt from my father. He has always pushed for a “Yes, you can!” attitude. If you really like something, want it and you are capable, then don’t stop until you achieve it. It is something I have tried – and will keep trying – to instil in my own children. They’re both different and they want different things, but I keep on insisting that if it’s something you really want, go get it. So yes, that is something I carried with me from my own father.

How do you deal with time management between your work as an MP and being a father?

It is always difficult. Politics is a spontaneous affair and the problem is not the amount of time it takes away from you but when that time calls you. But of course, I try to find time; for example, if my job takes a Sunday, a weekend, I’ll make sure I have Wednesday off to spend with the family. Election time is obviously an example of when my job in politics takes up a lot of time; I have to leave everything and dedicate myself to politics. It’s a realistic challenge.

What do you most enjoy doing with your children?

Being together is enough, but of course we like to do things together. Going for picnics and different activities or going abroad. Going abroad is a memorable time for our family, a time when we can be together completely. But even just spending time at home, discussing different subjects and just being with each other, is one my favourite moments. As someone who also teaches, it is a wonderful moment when my older son considers what I teach and begins asking me questions and discussing sociology. With the younger son, it’s obviously different; he’s more sporty and does sports like karate and, I’ll be honest, there have been times when I’ve pretended to be Bruce Lee and he gives me a little hit and of course I forfeit!

What has been the most memorable moment for you up to now, as a father?

The single most unforgettable moment was watching my wife give birth to each of my two kids, Gabriel and Jacques. But then it is those little moments that make it all memorable and worth living. The first word, the first step, the first day at school, the first Holy Communion, the occasional picnic or holiday together, opening presents by the Christmas tree and watching that priceless expression. And of course, the Star Wars weekend, which basically means binging on the first six episodes of the epic series – first with Gabriel and then a few years later with Jacques, just prior to the release of episode 7.

What do you hope or wish for your children in the future?

I hope that they are good citizens who are happy with their lives, do everything that they want to do and give everything they can in return.