What’s the biggest difference you notice between how you were raised in Ireland and how your kids are being raised now?

I was a mid-80s baby, raised in rural Ireland, and I can’t help but notice how different childhood looks for my own kids compared to when I was growing up.

One of the biggest differences for me is the level of parental involvement and the amount of extra curricular activities. These days, we're all running here, there and everywhere training, music, swimming, clubs and actually sitting down with their kids for chats about life, feelings, and all the rest.

Back in the late 80s/early 90s where I grew up, it was very different. My parents would drop me at the field, or I’d head off down to the farm with the neighbours. You weren’t to come back home unless it was mealtime, and when you did you’d be handed a job or two to help out, then packed off outside again. There was very little sitting down for a chat or your parents getting to know you, in my house anyway, you were just expected to figure things out yourself.

My partner said it was the same for her. When she started her period, her mother handed her a packet of pads and said something along the lines of “you’ll need these soon.” That was it. No big conversation, no guidance. She was the eldest so she had to figure it all out herself. Same for me as a lad ..there was never a sit down about safe sex, respecting women, or how to protect myself. The message was simple: “wait until marriage.” Beyond that, you were on your own.

I suppose I’m just struck by how much things have changed in one generation. We’re far more open, involved, and hands on with our kids now. Sometimes I wonder if we’ve maybe gone too far the other way? but I’d still rather they can come to me about anything, instead of having to muddle through it on their own like we did.

I love that I give my sons hugs and tell them I love them. They're so free with expressing their love for me and their mother as a result. I love that. If I tried to give my father a hug as a young lad, he wouldn't have known what to do. I always knew I was loved. You just didnt say it.