The importance of parental presence as a support for children’s achievements should not be underestimated. It is a clear sign that the parents care when they take the time to come to see their children perform, particularly when the children know that the parents are not there for their own pleasure or enjoyment. This awareness of parental presence is even true among preschool children although in a somewhat muted form. I remember visiting my middle son’s nursery school, at the request of his teacher, so I could observe a “problem child” in the class.

It just so happened that I was sitting observing a group of boys, including my son, who sat in a circle nearby.

Their conversation went like this: Child A: My daddy is a doctor and he makes a lot of money and we have a swimming pool.” Child B: My daddy is a lawyer and he flies to Washington and talks to the President.” Child C: My daddy owns his own company and we have our own airplane.”

Then my son (with aplomb of course): “My daddy is here!” with a proud look in my direction. Children regard the public presence of their parents as a visible sign of caring and connectedness that is far more significant than any material support could ever be.

‘As a Christian I view my relationship with my Heavenly Father in this way. His presence in my life is more important than any material gain.’ Ian Straughan