Trevor Heaven hangs out with his daughter Kai and son Nathan. - Contributed

Trevor Heaven

Businessman Trevor Heaven is enjoying fatherhood with his young children.

"This time around it's a rebirth," Heaven said, of having two young children, Nathan, 10, and Kai, 8. Heaven is also the father of three adult children, Muna Heaven-Hill, Timber-Lee and Chad.

"They bring out the child in me," said Heaven about his youngest children. His son is athletic and his daughter loves being around her father.

Outdoor activities

The entire family does a number of activities together. He and his wife, Claudine, encourage outdoor activities like nature hunts and riding bicycles. They also play together in their big backyard.

The children's television time is scheduled, he said, so they are not just stuck in front of a video game.

Children have not changed now, as opposed to when he was raising his first set.

"Children aren't necessarily different, they are just more exposed," he said.

One difference which stands out this time around when it comes to raising children is the family's commitment to spirituality.

Unlike with his older children, the family attends church every Sunday.

"That in itself is a good thing," said Heaven, of his God-fearing family.

Edward Seaga

Former Prime Minister Edward Seaga, and wife Carla, with daughter Gabrielle. - file

For former Prime Minister Edward Seaga, being a father to his youngest child, six-year-old Gabrielle, has allowed him the opportunity to enjoy all aspects of parenthood.

"Gabrielle's birth, six years ago, gave me a second chance to enjoy fatherhood in its fullness because these years of early development of the child are the ones you don't want to miss. I am enjoying this to the fullest," Seaga said.

He has had two distinct periods of parenthood.

"Becoming a parent in two periods, 36 years apart, has given me two separate opportunities to become a father," said Seaga.

At present, he and his wife Carla spend as much time as possible with their daughter.

"Wherever we go she accompanies us, learning from different experiences," he said.

Luxury of time

With his older children, he did not always have the luxury of time.

"The first period with my three elder children, Christopher, Anabella and Andrew, did not allow me the time I wished to have spent with them, because of the intensity of my public life. But it made me cherish the times we spent together and I am now trying to recover some of that time I lost with them," he said.

Seaga pointed out that both his wives have played an integral role in raising his children.

"Fortunately, my children have had wonderful mothers who have made up for my deficiencies," he said.