Testament to his stellar career, he was also named an All-Australian half-back during his 2019 premiership winning season.
Bachar Houli of the Tigers runs with the ball during a Richmond Tigers AFL training session at Swinburne Centre in Melbourne, Tuesday, June 9, 2020. (AAP Image/Michael Dodge) NO ARCHIVING Source: AAP / MICHAEL DODGE/AAPIMAGE
‘My Baba is the Best’ celebrates the special relationship between fathers and their daughters and the fun times they spend together.
With “baba” meaning “father” in Arabic, the picture book has been described as a “feel good” insight into a happy and healthy father-child bond.
“We all understand the many challenges children face in society today. The more we can do with our children, the more I think we will win their hearts and be able to be by their side and grow together,” he said.
I remember when I was growing up, that relationship didn’t exist with my father because there was a big age gap between us.
Bachar Houli
“It’s all about building connections. I got a lot of encouragement and positive feedback and that’s great. It’s worth it and something we’ll cherish for a long time.”
Richmond Tigers player Bachar Houli (right) is seen with his family after arriving on a flight from Melbourne at the Gold Coast Airport on Thursday, July 30, 2020. The flight was one of three transporting AFL players’ family members to be with them in their Queensland hub. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt) Source: AAP / DAVE HUNT/AAPIMAGE
Returning to the book’s other aims, Mr Houli says it serves as a reminder to him and all parents, especially the busiest of them, of the importance of spending time with their children.
“We really need to get away from the ‘busy-ness’ of life and devote time to our children,” Mr Houli said.
It only takes a little something to put a smile on the faces of the little ones.
Bachar Houli
“These simple activities can build a strong relationship with your loved ones.”
Bachar Houli of the Richmond Tigers is seen during a pre-season training session at Southport on the Gold Coast, Monday, January 27, 2020. (AAP Image/Glenn Hunt) Source: AAP / GLENN HUNT/AAPIMAGE
Mr Houli adds: “The more time we invest in our young, loved ones, I think the more likely we will see a brighter future, and I think to some extent we can have some control in their lives, so that we can help guide them along the right path when they grow up.”
The beloved former football player concluded that he is enjoying a balanced life now that he has retired from the game and that he was able to spend more quality time with his family, something he appreciates very much today.
