A Father’s Reflection

From the outside looking in, parenting can sometimes look like a breeze (I can assure you that’s definitely not the case). So what has changed for me since becoming a caregiver?

I was 25 when my eldest son was born – this changed my life forever. From being a “careless and no care to the world” guy who spends his days getting drunk and skateboarding with friends, to a father needing to work as hard as he can to provide for his family.

If I can be fully honest, it was a tough transition and the changes were sudden for me. However, I needed to be a man and had to accept the responsibilities ahead of me. I had to let go of the life I was comfortable and familiar with, and start a new one with a family of my own. 

As a father of 3 beautiful boys, I had to learn basic house chores (especially cooking – my wife isn’t the best cook out there. Now let’s hope she doesn’t read this), how to manage my time to now help my kids with their school work, play with them as much as I can, and to keep my patience as high as possible so as to endure their behaviour.

Being a father comes not only with many responsibilities, but also challenging and tough times. When the pandemic first started, I lost my job. I battled with anxiety and feared for my kids – their wellbeing and whether I could provide for them. I was constantly down, struggled with overthinking, avoided talking to people and kept the problems to myself. But at some point, I realised that I no longer live for myself anymore. I now have 3 kids and a wife who depend on me, my strength, and look up to me. There were days where I would cry upon looking at my kids because there were just things that I could not give them, and hated seeing my wife come home from work exhausted.

As the man of the family, I always think I need to show that I am strong, that I am not tired, that I can always take care of them. But sometimes, it is hard. And especially so when you do not have someone to talk to. Proud to say, I did not let those challenges take over me – I stood up and stayed strong. I landed a job with Conversation Co, slowly gained my self-confidence, and started saving for my family’s future.

I would say being a parent is never a walk in the park. But you will find strength in embracing it as it comes and staying positive. Despite the struggles, I have never felt more fulfilled than when seeing my kids and their genuine smiles on their faces. It is a long journey ahead, but I am confident we can make it. Together.

About Juan Borre

Juan is our brilliant Digital Support based in the Phillipines. He comes with over 4 years of experience in social media engagement and marketing for an e-commerce company in the US. Passionate in the ever-evolving nature of digital marketing, he believes that there is always something to learn and something new to discover.

At Conversation Co, he is our digital guru turned all-rounder. Not only does he builds and maintains our digital spaces, he is always ready for a challenge and to step in when needed. Outside of work, he loves travelling, exploring nature, going to the beach, eating seafood and spending time with his family.