Photo: Kenny Joseph

There is a new breed of fathers who deserve our praise. Like the one in the photo, they show tender, loving care, not afraid to hold their babies in public or to change diapers when needed.

At this time of year, they become substitute Father Christmas, providing the security and support for the home and doing things my father never had to do!

I’ve learnt so much from my brothers and brothers-in-law of what the modern father has to face.

Like Joseph, many fathers feel excluded, left out from most postcards, like Joseph their role seems to be only to save embarrassment and stay in the background.

But if the truth be known, they are vitally important to making the Father’s love real to children and not forgetting a kiss for Mummy under the Christmas tree.