Father hood in later life needn’t be hair-raising for celeb stylist Nicky
CELEBRITY hairdresser Nicky Clarke is going to become a dad again at the age of 58.
Now, when you’re close to your sixth decade the thought of having of a new baby is bound to be challenging.
But Nicky and his 35-year-old girlfriend, Kelly Simpkin, are delighted. He has two children aged 28 and 30 – so some experience of changing nappies and walking the floor at midnight.
“It was a long time ago that I was a new dad,” he said last week. “So this will be a bonus this time around.”
Which is, of course, the positive attitude to take.
Babies can bring their stresses late in life when your body is longing for a bit of downtime in front of the telly. But the upside is that you have that much undervalued quality – experience.
There are a few feisty pensioners who live in my street and they babysit regularly.
A long day of childminding can sap your energy, but the exhilarating thing about being retired is that you finally have time to enjoy watching the little people grow up.
Many dads worked long hours of overtime to eke out the family budget so missed out on some of the ever-changing routines of bringing up a family.
Walks to the park, flying a kite, fishing with nets by the river and bringing home tadpoles in a jam jar. Everyday memories of childhood.
It’s only now when I see my husband pushing his little granddaughters, Elizabeth and Grace, on the roundabout or helping them up the chute, that I understand the importance of being there to get to know your children and to enjoy them. And how dads often missed out on that.
The books he wants to read to them, or watching the TV shows they love, the little moments that matter. The chance to see our older grandson Adam win a gold medal running for Scotland.
Moments to treasure for any grandparent.
So for Nicky Clarke the fun of getting another chance at fatherhood is something he values.
Second time around you have more patience. You take time to listen and learn. You look at this small new person and marvel at the miracle of a brand new life which has come into your family.
Yes, you might struggle to tie your shoelaces. Yes, your back might ache. But when a small person puts his or her hand in yours and you feel the warmth and the trust – you know you blessed you are.
Nicky worked hard setting up his business as a hairdresser to the stars. Now his priorities have changed.
He will have time to revisit fatherhood and appreciate the joy of hearing a little voice say two of the sweetest words in the world: “my daddy”.