Daddy Johnson jovially holds the family together
HAVING BEEN raised in a home that required consistent showing of sound moral principles and, more important, equality, Courtney Johnson is committed to ensuring that his daughter and son are not only taught the ways of life, but enjoy every day they are blessed with.
“A father should be ever-present in the child’s life. Being involved in his personal, social, spiritual, and most definitely, his educational life. It is also important that the father knows how, when, and where to discipline the child and ensures that the child understands and knows the reason for the disciplining.”
He added, “Above all, I think the most important element for a good father/daughter relationship is that the father displays traits and a character that his daughter will seek in her life partner when she grows older; and that his son will seek to emulate and replicate in life. It’s key that they know life is not a stereotype – men can cook, wash, and do the housework just as well as a lady can do things around the yard that you would expect a man to do.”
PRICELESS MOMENTS
A videographer by profession, Johnson is most times overwhelmed with work requirements and the constant travelling, but finds the sound of ‘Dada’ and the smiles of his children priceless.
“The most rewarding part of fatherhood is knowing that after a long day at work, I can look forward to two little innocent souls greeting me at home with the exciting sound of ‘Daddy’ and ‘Dada’ and the look of anticipation and happiness on their precious faces,” he beamed.
With his ultimate wish being that his children grow to be happy, well-rounded individuals, Johnson prides himself as the responsible, protective, and loving father who will do all he can to ensure their success.
“I have no regrets since becoming a father. I sincerely hope that they will gain access to privileges that we (their parents) may not have got when we were growing up and ultimately enjoy life to the fullest for as long as they live. I will continue to do all I need to do to make that happen.”
They say a parent is most proud when a child is at his or her best, but Johnson’s pride increases each day by his children’s mere existence.
“There are quite a few special moments. I will just close my eyes and go through my memory bank and pick the one(s) that make me smile ear to ear. For my daughter, Xalaya, who is now five years old, I am wavering between the moment she sat her mother and I down and explained to us that she doesn’t want to get married because she doesn’t want to have children. This was memorable to me because, at the tender age of four, she seemed to understand the Christian value of how a family should begin, (marriage first, then children after). The other is her reciting a well-worded introduction of a guest speaker at her school’s School Leaving Ceremony, word for word and with such clarity and expression. Also, on that same day, she was presented with her personal award for her participation in the 2015 JCDC (Jamaica Cultural Development Commission) Speech Competitions.”
With a 100-megawatt smile, he continued, “For my son, Xalon, who is one year old, the most memorable moment is an ongoing daily event. For each morning he wakes up, I can listen out for a tender call out of ‘Dada’.”
But how does Johnson handle them when they are at their worst?
“As long as the child is disciplined in love and explained to (about) why he or she is being disciplined, then there should be no need for the ‘rod’, but if there comes a time when the child becomes ‘immune’ to being spoken to, punished or given time out, then the parent may have to resort to using the ‘rod’. BUT parents must ensure that this is done in a manner that will not hurt or scar the child.”
His days are still young. Johnson has not yet reached the prime of fatherhood, but he is very much looking forward to many years with his ‘mini-mes’.