The relationship between a father and son can shape the course of a young man’s life. It is often where values are first taught, confidence is nurtured and identity begins to take form.

Chevonne Armstrong and his son, Nile, share a relationship built on communication, trust, discipline and love – one that continues to evolve as Nile grows into adulthood.

For Chevonne, being a father has always meant being present. He describes his relationship with Nile as open and deeply communicative.

“My son and I have a good relationship,” he said.

“We’re constantly talking about his life’s journey, and I’m helping guide where he is at any given point.”

That guidance has centred around core values that Chevonne believes every young man needs: respect, love, patience and perseverance.

Those principles, he says, are essential in today’s world, especially as young men face pressures and challenges that previous generations did not experience in the same way.

“We grew up differently,” Chevonne, 53, said, pointing to the experience of his generation compared with his son’s.

“Back then, if you had a disagreement, you worked it out and moved on. Nowadays, things can escalate. So, I try to teach him that if you respect people wherever you go, they have no choice but to give that respect back.”

Nile, 16, listening beside his father, clearly understood those lessons. Asked how his father has shaped him, he paused before answering.

“He’s guided me in ways,” Nile said. “He’s shown me that some things aren’t always going to work out – relationships, school, football, whatever it is. But he’s always had my back, while still correcting me when I’m wrong. He tells me to stay focused on my path.”

Hands-on approach

It is a maturity that reflects the influence of a father who believes parenting is not about control, but preparation. Chevonne often allowed Nile to try things for himself, even at a young age, believing that confidence comes from experience.

One of his favourite memories perfectly captures that philosophy.

“When he was about five or six, I let him cut my hair,” Chevonne laughed.

“At the time, I had cut off my locks, so there wasn’t much there anyway. But he was curious and I wanted him to try.

“I didn’t exactly throw him into the fire,” Chevonne said with a smirk. “But I let him do things. That’s part of how he’s grown into the young man he is today.”

That hands-on approach extended beyond playful moments. Chevonne introduced Nile to mechanics and motorcycles, a passion the two now share. One story still amazes him: at age 7 or 8, Nile helped take apart a Triumph motorcycle piece by piece under his father’s supervision.

“I had him organise all the parts into containers so he’d know how to put it back together,” Chevonne recalled. “That was his first time dealing with a bike.”

Today, Nile works on motorcycles of his own and enjoys learning how machines function. The hobby has become more than just entertainment; it has given him purpose and focus.

“It keeps me distracted in a good way,” Nile explained. “Before I had my bike, I stayed inside a lot and didn’t really want to do much. But once I got it, I had something to work on and deal with.”

Of course, like many fathers and sons, they also share football loyalties – although Nile’s support for Liverpool did not come immediately.

Chevonne joked that, like many young boys, Nile initially admired Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United. Eventually, however, he “understood the best of the best” and joined his father in supporting Liverpool.

Honest communication

Beneath the humour and shared interests lies something deeper: a relationship grounded in consistency. Nile acknowledged that his father’s presence has made a lasting difference in his life.

“Most people don’t always have that type of father figure with them,” he said. “But he’s stayed behind me and done everything he needed to do. He hasn’t given up on me.”

Chevonne immediately responded with the instinctive certainty of a father.

“Can’t give up on him,” he avowed. “Not over yet.”

The exchange was brief, but powerful. It reflected the kind of unconditional support many children long for – the assurance that even through mistakes, setbacks or growing pains, someone remains firmly in their corner.

That does not mean their relationship has been without challenges. Nile admitted that, like many teenagers, he sometimes struggled with listening or procrastinated when asked to do things around the house.

“I was a big kid sometimes,” he said with a grin. “Sometimes I wouldn’t listen right away, or I’d wait until the last minute.”

Chevonne chuckled knowingly, understanding that growth comes with patience. Rather than allowing those moments to divide them, the pair work through issues with honesty and communication.

Their bond is also strengthened by a wider sense of community and responsibility. Chevonne spoke passionately about wanting his son to navigate Bermuda safely and wisely, particularly in a world where social tensions and violence can affect young people’s choices and freedom.

Despite those concerns, he remains optimistic because of the man Nile is becoming.

“Watching him grow has been inspirational as a father,” Chevonne said. “Yes, there are hiccups and speed bumps, but his focus and discipline are guiding him. A lot of decisions he’s making now are on his own, and I’m proud of that.”

When asked why he is proud of his father, Nile’s answer revealed just how deeply that guidance has impacted him.

“I’m proud because of how he guided me,” he said. “He stayed with me and kept helping me. I’ve still got more years to learn, and he’s still here teaching me.”

Finally, both father and son are asked the simplest – and perhaps most important – question of all: why do they love each other?

Chevonne answered first, without hesitation.

“Because he is who he is.”

Nile simply nodded in agreement, indicating that his response to the question is the same. It is the kind of answer that says more than any long explanation ever could.