Dads in the Limelight ( #limelightdads ) – Joe Rawlinson ( @twindadjoe ) #dadchat #dadstalking

Our 314th Dad in the Limelight is Joe Rawlinson. I want to thank Joe for being a part of this series. It has been great getting connected with him and now sharing him with all of you.

 

1) Tell me about yourself, (as well as how you are in the limelight for my readers knowledge)

Hi, I’m Joe Rawlinson and I wear many hats. By day, I’m a SenioreCommerce Product Manager and help my company’s customers buy more through our online store. In my spare time I run several websites on various topics. I’m the author of the “Dad’s Guide to Twins” and run both the www.dadsguidetotwins.com blog and podcast that help parents expecting twins survive and thrive as they prepare for and raise their twins.
2) Tell me about your family

I’m married to a wonderful wife and we’ve got 4 amazing kids: 2 boys and identical twin girls. If our kids could spend all day playing
outside, they would do just that. We love working in our backyard garden together.

3) What has been the largest challenge you have had in being a father?

The first year with twins was a physically and mentally exhausting time. All of our attention, time, and sleep deprivation was dedicated to taking care of our little children. However, as our kids have grown more self-sufficient, I see our challenges changing. Our biggest challenge now is how to effectively parent and discipline our kids. The foundation we are trying to establish now will set the tone for
the rest of their lives. That is a big responsibility and a huge challenge.

4) What advice would you give to other fathers?

Make time for your family. When you are home from work, focus your attention on your wife and kids. If you’ve got a long list of things to do around the house, have your kids help you. They will learn how to work and you’ll get some time together.

5) Seeing that you (or your position) are in the limelight, how have you come to balance parenthood and outside life? If you are currently not in the limelight per se, please still answer this in regards to how you balance parenthood and outside life.

I wake up early each day before the kids are awake to work on my projects. This allows me to get what I need done while also reserving
other times of the day for being with my family.

6) What have you learned from the fathers that you have interacted with?

Choose your career and commute carefully. I’ve got many friends who have very demanding work schedules and live far from their employer. This deprives them of many hours they could be at home with their family.

I’ve learned that doing things together as a family can help create wonderful memories and a strong family bond. In our busy lives we have to plan for these family activities and not let other things bump them off the schedule.

7) What else would you share regarding your experiences as a father thus far?

Be flexible. As a father, you’ve got to roll with the punches and not get hung up on what you want to do. Think of your long term goals as a family. You need to be working on those each day as you teach and interact with your children. Kids respond wonderfully to positive reinforcement. Focus on the good things your kids are doing and they will seek more of that praise and attention.
8) What have been the most memorable experiences that you have had thus far as a parent?

I loved being present when each of my children were born. Watching our twins being born was an amazing experience.

If you have any questions for Joe, please leave a comment here and I will make sure that he gets them so that he may be able to respond!

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