Dads in the Limelight ( #limelightdads )-Vaughn McKoy ( @VaughnMcKoy ) #dadchat

Our 388th Dad in the Limelight is Vaughn McKoy . I want to thank Vaughn for being a part of the Dads in the Limelight 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).

My name is Vaughn L. McKoy and I am author, attorney, businessman and father who recently published a memoir, Playing Up: One Man’s Rise From Public Housing To Public Service Through Mentorship, that reveals insights of how ‘playing up’ in sports and in life helped me to earn multiple degrees, prestigious awards, coveted jobs and valuable relationships despite several challenges, including becoming a teen father. Please visit www.vaughnmckoy.com to learn more and purchase the book.

2) Tell me about your family

We have a blended family. My wife and I have two children together, and I have one child from a prior relationship from the teenage years. All of them are girls ages, 27, 20 and 15.

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

Making the blended family work. I often found myself in the middle of family situations that created some tension, anger or frustration. Because I loved them all and wanted to see it work, I may have forced some things instead of letting them develop naturally.

4) What advice would you give to other fathers?

How and when you became a father is not as important as being a father to your children.

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 try to include them, to the extent possible, in everything that I do at home, work or play. It creates more opportunities and common experiences for us to share, and it leverages time. I explain to them what I do and why I do it, and that sometimes I may not be available to do certain things but will undoubted do my best to make sure I am a part of every significant milestone in their lives. It’s not always practical, but I strive to build my work and other commitments around my kids’ schedules. I have great kids and they give me the flexibility to pursue life without feeling guilty for missing time with them. They know I love them, not because I say it all the time, but because they see it everyday. Additionally, my wife and I work together to ensure that the kids get the support, guidance and time they need.

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

Fatherhood humanizes us all through the challenges and triumphs of our children.
7) What else would you share regarding your experiences as a father thus far?

I am still learning how to parent fairly and differently for each child because of their distinct personalities and stages in life.

8) What have been the most memorable experiences that you have had thus far as a parent?

The daddy/daughter times with my kids. One-on-One with each of them separately to hear about what’s on their minds. They can say anything, and it is safe. Family vacations, graduations and other special events also come to mind. There’s such a blessing in just being together.

If you have any questions for Vaughn, 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!

——————————————————————————————-
New to the Divadom?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions?Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com