Today’s a double play day for the #40Days40Dads project, as I make up for some lost weekend days. Today’s second featured father is Josh, the dad of a 16-year-old son. You can read more of his musings on fatherhood, writing, technology and other things1 on his blog. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Josh!
#26: Josh
What was the moment when you first felt like a father?
For me it really hit home when he was born.
What’s your favorite part about being a father?
The ability to share and guide him as he goes through life.
What’s the hardest part about being a father?
Not being able to protect him from everything. Although failure and challenges are a part of life, it doesn’t make it any easier. Don’t remember who said it, but I’ve heard it from a number of other fathers through the years, including my own, and it’s true. Little kids, little problems. Big kids, big problems. While that may not always be exact, I would submit that it’s certainly true with the things you worry about.
What’s the dumbest/funniest thing that your kid has cried about or fought with you over?
I wouldn’t say the dumbest, because we haven’t had dumb disagreements. However, I would say that we strongly disagree about our two favorite soccer teams, which are different, and at least from a historical standpoint his has been a bit more successful. He doesn’t let me forget that either.
What are you most proud of having taught/shared with your kids or what are you most looking forward to teaching/sharing with them?
There’s a lot–not that I’m full of worldly advice–but you tell your kids so much as they grow up. I suppose what stands out for me though is that you can’t control what others say or do, but you can control how you react.
What’s your favorite thing about your kids?
That he’s so him. He’s uniquely his own person–and he’s comfortable with who is. That makes me happy because I think so much of life is being happy with who you are.
If you could go back in time and give yourself a piece of advice when you first became a father, what would you say?
Relax.
Any other comments to share on fatherhood?
It’s probably been said a thousand times, but I can’t stress it enough. Time goes fast. REAL fast. Enjoy that time and don’t be in a hurry to move on to the next phase because before you know it that phase ends in them leaving the house.
If you’re a father or you know a father who would like to share his story, send him to this link to answer the questions. Stay tuned for another dad’s crib notes tomorrow!
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