Our 394th Dad in the Limelight is Kegan Haakonsen. I want to thank Kegan 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 an ordinary guy trying to be an extraordinary dad to my kids and husband to my wife. I love my sports and the outdoors and conquered Kilimanjaro in 2010. I love adventure and raising kids has been the biggest adventure to date. I am a light hearted guy who loves to share funny stories and although I take my parenting “job” seriously I share the funnier side of parenting from a dad’s perspective. I only want what’s best for my kids and try lead by example.
2) Tell me about your family
I have an amazing wife! I love her dearly. We met when I was 12 and she was 10. We obviously had no idea then that we would end up married 15 odd years later! I have 3 children. They each have some amazing qualities and brilliant individual personalities. Both boys love their sports and playing games (generally the rougher the better) and my daughter is a smart, caring child who loves gymnastics. Our family did not start out the “conventional” way, but you will have to read about that on my blog as there is not enough space in this feature J
3) What has been the largest challenge you have had in being a father?
For me the biggest challenge is always setting the right example for my children. Often we do or say things based on our emotional feelings at the time and I often have to remind myself that our children see and hear everything. That has its challenges. Also, balancing the amount of time spent with the kids when I am busy.
4) What advice would you give to other fathers?
Love love love your children. My kids thrive on my love and attention. And never ever be the person to talk down their dreams and ambitions! When a child sees how much their father loves them, it builds them from the inside and that creates positive, confident 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 am currently in a position where I work from home so that is a blessing in itself. I try get as much done as possible while the kids are at school so when they do come home I try (and I don’t always get it right) and give them the attention they want. I also enjoy a good game of tennis or golf, so that gives me some away time from the kids and I can connect with the guys. I try my best to make sure weekends are family time.
6) What have you learned from the fathers that you have interacted with?
Patience! I used to be (sometimes still am) very impatient with my kids. I have leant that parents with kids understand that children are not always going to act like we expect them to and we mustn’t think it’s a bad reflection on our parenting.
7) What else would you share regarding your experiences as a father thus far?
I have learnt that one of the greatest gifts you can give your children as a father is to show love towards their mother!
8) What have been the most memorable experiences that you have had thus far as a parent?
Wow, there are so many! But I think when people compliment you on your children, that is always a feel good moment, because you must be doing something right. Also, my 7 year old asked me to marry her when she is big! That is a serious compliment. Watching them achieve millstones like starting school and doing things without having to ask is also great for a parent.
If you have any questions for Kegan, 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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