Welcome to the first of a new series of ‘Q&A with…’ giving a glimpse at what some of the fathers out there have got to say about their personal experience of fatherhood.
I’m delighted to introduce James Manning to you. I’ve been lucky to know James for quite a few years from the days of working in a gym together (as you can tell from the picture he was the PT and I was the reception guy!) to someone I regularly confide in during my early experiences of being a Father.
James has shown me that despite being a beast on the rugby field (he’d probably flatten me in one tackle), lifting heavy weights and a personality that’ll fill any room with laughter he has turned into the most gentle and loving new father with his gorgeous son Jasper alongside partner Katie.
So James took some time to answer a few questions to give a little insight to his life a Father in the first few months. Here’s what he had to say…
Who are you and where do you come from?
Hi! My names James Manning, living in Holmer Green, Bucks. I work in Sales and live with my girlfriend Katie, my son Jasper and my girlfriends two girls.
What was your experience of your own father?
My dad was really strict, I remember getting hit with the slipper a few times.
But I always remember the time he spent with me though and as a kid that’s all you want.
How did this influence how you wanted to be a father?
It influenced me in a way that I wanted to make sure I am there as much as I can be around my work schedule and not be selfish with my time.
When did you know that you wanted to have children?
A year down the line with Katie we spoke about it and we started trying, luckily enough she got pregnant easily!
How did you feel when you found out you were going to have a child?
Shocked! We were in the car home from a long day and then Katie told me. Although we spoke about having children before and we were currently trying and to be honest it hit me hard, in a good way thought and I felt so emotional.
What do you wish you’d known before Jasper your son were born?
How bad babies actually sleep!
What’s been the hardest part of fatherhood so far?
I’ve got to say the lack of sleep is the toughest also trying to spend time with Katie’s girls so they don’t feel left out.
The best bits?
Seeing him smile for the first time, he was 3 weeks old at the time.
How has being a father changed your relationship with Katie?
It has made it tougher for sure, but we’re a real team I think.
The biggest surprise of fatherhood so far?
How many nappies and wipes you get through in a short space of time!
Any top tips or father hacks that might help others?
Work as a team. Put your social life on hold for a bit and don’t have too many visitors round the first two weeks.
If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before Jasper was born what would you tell yourself knowing what it’s like now?
That first smile will make you feel amazing.
Summarise in one sentence what it means to be a father?
It’s so rewarding, seeing him grow so quickly. It’s the best thing that we’ve ever done together.
If you’ve got a question you’d like to ask James then please leave a comment in the Instagram post at @fearlessfathers and I’ll get James to answer them this week. Don’t be shy, he really doesn’t bite!
Have a great start to the week and we will return next Monday with a new Father in our series of ‘Q&A with…’.
Big love,
Matthew 
Fearless Fathers 