We know him as a chef and TV personality, but here Manu Feildel tells CareforKids.com.au what he’s like as a regular dad to son, Jonti,10.MF: Obviously I don’t see myself as a famous dad, just a dad to Jonti. As he’s getting older though, he’s noticing more and more that I get recognised when we’re out. He’s very good about it, but it can be frustrating when you just want some father and son time.
C4K: You can control a kitchen full of chefs and staff – could you control a room full of children?
MF: No way. Most of the chefs don’t cry if I shout at them, but I’m pretty sure if I shouted at a room full of kids they would all be in tears… closely followed by me.
C4K: How did you spend Fathers’ Day this year?
MF: We didn’t do anything special really, Sunday is our day anyway, so we just made sure we had some quality time together as usual.
C4K: What’s your ideal day with Jonti?
MF: A trip to the cinema (he’ll watch the movie while I have a snooze!), brunch somewhere, a kick around the park, depending on the weather maybe a trip to the beach and a swim and then dinner at home.
C4K: How would you rate yourself as a dad?
MF: I hope I’m not too bad; you’d have to ask Jonti for my score out of 10 though!
C4K: What are your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to parenting?
MF: I think I am firm and fair. I love to have fun and a laugh with Jonti, but he realises I’m the one in charge and when it’s time for discipline 9 time out of 10 he listens first time.
C4K: What are your hopes for Jonti?
MF: That he is happy and healthy and follows his dreams.
C4K: If he came home one day and announced he was going to join the circus, like you did, what would your reaction be?
MF: I’d be happy for him, as I said I’d love him to follow his dreams and I hope that I would support him in whatever these dreams may be.
C4K: Top 3 things you couldn’t do without as a parent?
MF: Bribes! After school club and a sense of humour!
Written by Sophie Cross for CareforKids.com.au Published 24/9/14. http://www.careforkids.com.au/newsletter/2014/september/24/interview.html
