Is there an ideal time to become a dad? Jo Caruana doesn’t think so, as she meets two men who prove that age is completely inconsequential when it comes to being a brilliant father.

Jes, Amira and Sam.

Jes Camilleri, 49, is a well-known local actor and is very involved in the local music scene. Two years ago, he and his wife Sam became parents to little Amira.

I feel very lucky to be Amira’s father and am really happy she came into my life – even at this stage, when most of my friends are watching their children graduate from university!

I married my wife three years ago after following her to the UK a few months after we met in Malta. Although we had spoken about wanting kids, we did not expect to become parents so soon after we got married.

In fact, we were married at the end of July and we found out Sam was pregnant in November. I must admit that our first reaction was one of panic, as we had just finished planning and booking our month-long honeymoon in South America, and it was due to start in a week’s time. Of course, we had planned a very adventurous trip, including trekking in Machu Picchu, driving though the deserts of Bolivia and snorkelling in the Galapagos!

We knew our itinerary might not be compatible with the first trimester and didn’t want to be in the middle of nowhere in case something went wrong, so we quickly sought medical advice and tried to move our itinerary around. Luckily, we still managed to keep the Galapagos Islands in the trip, but Bolivia and Peru had to make way for Florida and New York.

Thinking about it now, and even though I left it quite late in life to really try for kids, I must admit that I always felt I would someday become a dad. Having said that, nothing prepares you for the actual experience; it is one of the best things to ever happen to me and has changed me for the better.

Although I was rooting for a boy, I am really happy we had a girl. Girls are so special to dads and, as my wife will easily attest, I am completely besotted by my little Amira. The birth of my daughter will always be a very special day to me, even though I wish I could have made the whole experience a little easier for my wife!

Amira was born while we were living in London, so she’s a Chelsea girl. But, after a couple of years, Sam and I agreed that she would benefit far more if she were raised in Malta, so we decided to return to ‘the rock’ last year and, thankfully, have no regrets. Amira just loves it here!

I feel very lucky to be Amira’s father and am really happy she came into my life – even at this stage, when most of my friends are watching their children graduate from university! I can’t think it could have happened any other way for me, as it was so natural and the result of my decision to commit my life to my partner. I guess the fact that I’m older (and hopefully wiser) means that I have a different perspective on fatherhood but, had I met my wife earlier on in life, I don’t think I would have waited to reach middle age to try for children.

I try to spend as much time as I can with Amira and work from home when I can. I love waking up to find she’s crept into our bed halfway through the night and she just loves it when I invent some game we can play together. Story time before bed is a must and I enjoy it just as much as she does!

When I start to get all mushy inside I think it must have been the way my own dad felt when I was her age and that really starts to pull on my heart strings. So Father’s Day will be a day when I remember how lucky I am to have had a doting father and to finally be one myself.

Nicky, Beckie and Jack.

Nicky Mifsud Bonnici, who is studying to become a mechanical engineer, and his girlfriend Beckie Darmanin, had Jack when they were 17. They both learnt to balance their studies and the demands of teenage life while caring for their little boy, but have loved every single moment of being parents.

I became a dad when I was studying for my A levels, and life has certainly changed since then.

When Beckie and I found out we were expecting, we were obviously shocked. The thought of having to fend for someone other than myself at such a young age, and during such an important stage of my academic life, worried me. I was still so dependant on my parents back then and couldn’t grasp how someone else’s life and upbringing was going to be in my hands.

Telling our parents was both emotional and scary. Although I have always been loved and respected by my parents, I had no idea what their reaction would be. Beckie and I knew we both faced a tough road ahead of us, but we are so grateful for the support we have had from our families. It has enabled us to manage our studies while still creating a fantastic life for Jack – both of which are our main priorities.

I may be missing out on other things that people my age enjoy but I cannot and do not want to do anything other than this

After a few weeks of living in a dream, reality hit home and Beckie and I were both ready to be there for each other, and for our little son. We started preparing for his arrival and were soon so eager for the big day to arrive. We went to talks on pregnancy and the birth procedure, and soon monthly gynaecologist appointments became weekly ones. Then, finally, the due date came around.

Jack was born on February 24, 2011, and watching his birth was like a miracle. I was overcome by tears at the first sight of him and all my previous worries immediately washed away. It is incredible how your life changes in that instant, and you become determined to do your best for your son in every way. The experience made me mature so fast and I was quickly discussing decisions I would never have dreamed about taking when I was 17! But, although it was a challenge, I knew I could do it.

Today, I can look back on the past couple of years and see how my initial fears faded away as everything fell into place. Our parents have always been there to lend a helping hand and are so happy that Jack is part of our lives. There really hasn’t been a moment when I’ve regretted past actions or wished that things could be different. Knowing Jack’s life depends on Beckie and I gives me the strength to work harder; I want to give him the best future possible.

My favourite part of all this is watching my own flesh and blood grow before my eyes. He learns new things every day and it’s fascinating. And being called ‘Dada’ and greeted with a kiss after a day of lectures is certainly the best remedy for academic stress!

We do spend a lot of time together – watching Fireman Sam, playing with his never-ending number of cars and kicking a ball around. The pros of being a young dad definitely outweigh the cons; I may be missing out on other things that people my age enjoy but I cannot and do not want to do anything other than this. The joy of hearing his first words and watching him as he kicked a ball for the first time wasindescribable.

Of course, the financial burdens are tough, and I work part-time as a football coach, promotions co-ordinator and bartender to alleviate some of the strain on our parents, who have always supported us. Nevertheless, being so young means the age gap between Jack and I is smaller, so we’re more likely to be friends than father and son as he gets older.

As for Father’s Day – well, this year, it falls right in the middle of my exams, but I’m sure I’ll be able to spare a couple of hours to take Jack to his favourite ‘shwings’. I am so grateful to Beckie and our families for making me the father I am today, and of course to my biggest bundle of joy, Jack!