Our 300th Dad in the Limelight is Just Plane Dad. I want to thank Just Plane Dad 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)I am a man of very few words. I am the Just Plane Dad portion of our site Helicopter Mom and Just Plane Dad, not usually in the limelight but always hovering around. My wife usually says that I speak only when necessary. I grew up the youngest of four children and the only boy. My childhood years were interesting to say the least; when you would play outside for hours on end and you came home when you heard your parents whistle or when it was getting dark. After high school I joined the military where I was taught that life usually does not have any gray, only black and white. I think this is where I picked up a lot of my parenting ideas.
2) Tell me about your family
I am married to a wonderful, loving wife, 20 years this month [November] to be exact! We have only one daughter in the mid teen years but going on mid twenties. She keeps me feeling young with her love of life and what new things there are to explore, but very tired at times with her ever busy social agendas. We are the typical family; both working parents, homeowners, pet owners, productive members of society.
3) What has been the largest challenge you have had in being a father?The largest challenge I have had while being a father has been trying to realize that my daughter’s life is way different then when Helicopter Mom and I grew up. Society is way different now with Ipads, cell phones, Facebook, etc. I remember life seemed so much simpler when I was a kid; not a lot of things to worry about. Mom and I are always worrying about Beloved’s whereabouts, who she is talking with, how late she may be staying up at nighttime.
4) What advice would you give to other fathers?
The main advice I would give to other fathers would be to just show your child’s mother respect. You may not be married, you may not even like each other, but your children should never see you be disrespectful to their mother. I love my spouse; always have. My daughter knows that I am respectful and loving towards her mother; and that is what she should be wanting later in life when she is looking for a husband.
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.
Parenthood and outside life. Is there really a difference between them? Helicopter Mom and I always talk about what we did before Beloved was born. Her life is our life; school, friends, music, everything. We are always chauffeuring the girl here, there, everywhere. She seems to have more of a social life than what we do. Not sure that we’ve achieved balance.
6) What have you learned from the fathers that you have interacted with?
I listen to and watch often what other fathers act like around their own children. How they talk with them, how they show affection to them. I know I am not the perfect father, but I do try. I always keep my eyes and ears open in case there is something out there that I can learn and use with raising my Beloved.
7) What else would you share regarding your experiences as a father thus far?
The main thing I would say to other fathers would be to try. Try to talk with your children, try to make them understand that you care about them. Try to be a part of their lives. You only get one chance at this.
8) What have been the most memorable experiences that you have had thus far as a parent?
My most memorable experience that I have had thus far as a parent has been seeing my daughter grow over the years into a young woman. Everyday she comes to Helicopter Mom and I showing us something new that she has learned. It is gratifying seeing her everyday knowing that I helped bring her into this world and that I am her father.
If you have any questions for Just Plane Dad, please leave a comment here and I will make sure that he gets them so that he may be able to respond!
Also, do you know a Dad in the Limelight? If so, please email me their contact information so that they too can be a part of this series!
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