Ernest Prunera: "When I separated, I noticed that my children suddenly matured."

BarcelonaUntil contemporary times, children were considered miniature adults. And when they reached a certain age, they were ready to do what was required of the family they were born into. In Guifré's case, he was to be a count and, therefore, a warrior. When the storm passes, is a stubborn, playful boy who doesn't like studying at all. He likes playing wooden swords with his little brother.

Surely you have found inspiration in your children.

— Having been the father of children Guifré's age has helped me understand and describe children this age. They go from being carefree and playful to taking on responsibilities, on the verge of adulthood. When I separated, I noticed that my children suddenly matured.

And you, how have you matured as a father?

— I've come to realize that every child is different. Children don't have to look like you, or like each other. Each one has their own personality, with their own concerns and quirks. I've learned to give them the freedom to choose the path they want. As they've gotten older, I've gradually abandoned a more controlling attitude. Now, my attitude is more one of supervision and advice.

What have you wanted to do differently than what your parents did?

— As a child, I missed the affection in my relationship with my parents, and I knew I didn't want to pass on the same feeling to them when I had children. Therefore, I've always told my children I love them and hugged them as much as I could or as much as they would allow.

What is it like to live with five children?

— Now, some of them are grown up and aren't always home. But when they were little, we had experienced stressful times, but we also laughed a lot. We learned to understand that we were part of the same family and, therefore, we all had a responsibility to make sure everything went well.

From a certain age, you learn more from your siblings than from your parents.

— Neither my partner nor I were only children, and therefore we greatly value siblings as a source of support both in the present and future. Circumstances have meant that our children have siblings and step-siblings, and this enriches them because they end up having commonalities.

And when there is tension?

— It's also true that arguments between siblings can be incredibly harsh. In our case, the most intense fights have often been between brothers, rather than between stepsisters. However, I must admit that, in the event of a conflict, the presence of other siblings tends to lessen the fights because alliances are formed. After all, it's all part of living together.

What do you find most difficult about parenthood?

— Perhaps what I find most difficult is accepting some of the decisions my children make. I have to make a great effort to tell myself that they're at an age where they should be the masters of their own lives. I can advise them, but I shouldn't make decisions for them. I simply have to be there for them when they need them.

You're a social media expert. What are your thoughts on this for your children?

— Young people tend to get their information through social media, and as a journalist, I try to explain to my children that there are other, much more reliable ways to get information, and that by using diverse sources, it's possible to compare information and know what's true and what isn't.

Do you maintain any kind of control?

— I don't have any control over my children's online presence. But I do have access to what they post. I often advise them on what they post. Fortunately, none of them have shown any dependence on social media.

With such a large group, he must have a ton of anecdotes.

— Between my partner and I, we have four boys and one girl, who is also the youngest of them all. On a trip to Ireland, we heard two Spanish women comment: "They didn't stop until they had a girl."