#limelightdads Archives

Dads in the Limelight – Father, Professional Editor & Podcaster, Jamie Greene

February 28, 2016 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Our 623rd Dad in the Limelight is father, professional editor & podcaster, Jamie Greene. I want to thank Jamie Greene for being a part of this series. It has been great getting connected with him and now sharing Jamie Greene with all of you.

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

Hey, howdy, hey. My name is Jamie Greene. I’m a professional editor in the publishing industry. Words, punctuation, and syntax are my bread and butter. If I’m in the “limelight” at all, though, it’s most likely due to my kids. I started blogging (at theroarbots.com) with the original intent to just share some of the cool stuff we were doing as a family. That’s pretty much what I’m still doing – kid-friendly geekiness – at both The Roarbots and GeekDad.com. My daughter has since become semi-Internet kid famous for her interview videos (originally 5 Questions with a 5-Year-Old….now Questions From a Kid). Oh yeah, and I cohost a “Disney Geek Dads” podcast, The Great Big Beautiful Podcast.

2) Tell me about your family

I’m the father of two ragamuffins (currently 4 and 6). If you read the blog or follow me on Twitter, you probably know more about them than you care to know. My wife (she of vast and endless patience) and I recently celebrated our 10th anniversary, and it seems like just last year that we met in China (while I was living there).

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

Honestly, my biggest challenge is overcoming a feeling of guilt for not spending more time with my kids. I’m lucky enough to have a job that allows me to work from home most days, but those days are still “work days,” even though I happen to be in the house. It’s hard to say no or close the door of my office when they’re tearing around the house, having a blast, and asking me to join in.

4) What advice would you give to other fathers?

Slow down, take it easy, and take advice with a grain of salt the size of Gibraltar. Everyone has their own ideas for how to be a good parent or how to raise a child properly. Do it your own way (keeping safety in mind, of course), and you’re doing it the right way. Also: cherish every goddamned minute. It’s unbelievably scary how fast time flies by.

5) How have you come to balance parenthood and outside life?

What’s that mean? What is this “outside life” of which you speak? My outside life (such as it is) is inextricably tied to my kids, and I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m a father; that doesn’t end at the front door or at certain time. Yes, we all deserve and get “alone time,” but kids grow up too darn fast. For me, there’s nothing to balance. It’s just life.

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

See #4 above. We all do it differently. And (most of the time), everything works out fine in the end. Kids are remarkably adaptable and open-minded. I’ve learned it’s totally possible to share your interests, whatever they might be, with your kids. There’s no reason for us to suffer through Barney or The Wiggles (unless you want to, of course). Kids are just as happy climbing a mountain, learning about robotics, listening to Radiohead, or traveling through a foreign country where they don’t speak a word of the native language. For kids, those are adventures…and we need more of them. Don’t ignore the things you enjoy; encourage your kids to enjoy them too. Life is better that way.

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

It’s a messy job (literally), but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

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

My answer to this one changes with the day. The best memories, though, take place at bedtime. I have read to both of my kids every single night since they were born – picture books, comic books, chapter books, and novels. Feeding their imaginations is far and away the highlight of each day. Coming in a close second, though, is the one and only voice of Batman (Kevin Conroy) using his Batman voice to tell my daughter that he needs her help to catch the Joker

If you have any questions for Jamie Greene, 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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Dads in the Limelight – Bruce Leffler: Father, Sales & Artist Manager, Entrepreneur & More

February 25, 2016 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Our 622nd Dad in the Limelight is Father, Sales & Artist Manager, Entrepreneur & more, Bruce Leffler. I want to thank Bruce Leffler for being a part of this series. It has been great getting connected with him and now sharing Bruce Leffler with all of you.

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

Well, I am Bruce Leffler of Tampa, FL and I pride myself on being sort of a multi-tasker. I am currently multi-tasking as I write this interview response. I have 3 careers (Sales Manager) at a publicly traded digital advertising conglomerate, (President) of Exclusive Artist Management and Exclusive Artist Booking Agency, which is a Christian Music Management company and Booking Agency: ExclusiveArtistBooking.com and Top Promoter of the #Thrive product by Le-Vel in the health and wellness arena: Father, Sales Manager, Entrepreneur & Artist Manager, Bruce Lefflerwww.TampaThrives.Le-Vel.com. Furthermore, I volunteer as a Youth Leader, Marketing Director and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at our church, South Shore United Methodist in Riverview, FL.

2) Tell me about your family

I have the distinct privilege of playing husband to my gorgeous wife Sara (stay at home mom) of 5 years and father to the 3 most beautiful kids in the world, Nathaniel 15, Isabella 13 and Hailey 3. There is never a dull moment in our home, from the occasional “I drove today at school” to screams from upstairs over the banister “When is dinner going to be ready?”. Team Leffler, as I like to refer to our family is involved in everything from soccer, dance and swimming to youth group activities and also serving at our local church through various ministires, trying to instill the importance of “paying it forward” and “giving back” in all 3 of our children early in their lives.

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

Patience and multi-tasking have been the biggest hurdles to overcome. By nature, I’m an impatient person… Don’t judge, it’s better to know your weaknesses than not I guess. Having the privilege of being a father, because it is a privilege in my opinion, definitely requires a lot of patience. Additionally, multi-tasking has been an area that I continue to work and improve upon daily. Three children (maybe a 4^th one day, Lord wiling) requires a lot of things to go in your favor and financially speaking, it’s expensive. I have found the secret to “work” is, find things you love and time flies when you’re earning a living. The problem is, having multiple revenue streams can eat up a lot of hours in the day, so I try to make every free moment count by spending quality time with Sara and the kids. Luckily, I’ve been blessed by having Sara able to stay at home and keep schedules and the house in order.
4) What advice would you give to other fathers?

Focus on the things you can control and deal with the things outside of your control as they arise. If you focus on having a positive attitude and always put serving your family first, in everything you do, my experience has been that the rest of life will figure itself out and fall into place around you.

5) How have you come to balance parenthood and outside life?

I was very reluctant to leave our little ones with a babysitter for the longest time but now that she is older and a little more independent, I am comfortable enough with certain sitters that Sara & I can sneak away for an adult only date at least once a month or so.
6) What have you learned from the fathers that you have interacted with?

I truly believe you learn something everyday, if you’re open-minded enough to see the lesson that each day brings. Being plugged into my local church has afforded me a ton of great friendships with other fathers in my community and I extract nuggets of advice all the time.
7) What else would you share regarding your experiences as a father thus far?

As a single man, when my friends would settle down and start having a family, you begin hearing the same things over and over. “They grow up way too fast” or “You don’t know what true love is, until you have your first child”… I would agree with both of these statements, it’s crazy how having kids will change your life for the better. It taught me that it’s not about what I accomplish while I’m hear on earth, but the lessons I teach my children and the type of people I raise because that is what you’ll leave behind. Your kids are your legacy and you only get one shot to raise them right so cherish the time you have with them and focus on sharing the wisdom and knowledge your parents once shared with you.

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

From the time Sara and I were rushed into the operating room for an emergency cesarean section and the Lord blessed us with a healthy, beautiful little girl together to today, three and a half years later, every day is a memorable experience. It’s like we have a new story or adventure to talk about every, single day. I can’t wait to see what we’ll be talking about tomorrow, that I’m sure is going to amaze or impress us later today.

If you have any questions for Bruce Leffler, 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!

Dads in the Limelight – Author & Dad, Rich Bishop

February 21, 2016 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Our 621st Dad in the Limelight is Author & Dad, Rich Bishop. I want to thank Rich Bishop for being a part of this series. It has been great getting connected with him and now sharing Rich Bishop 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 Rich Bishop and when I’m not wearing my “Daddy” hat, I’m a leadership coach, writer, and speaker. I am passionate about helping others to get better at what they do. My mission is to people stop accepting mediocre from life and start living the lives that they were called to lead, and doing that with my family is my greatest responsibility as a father and husband. I write a blog called Advance Leadership, which focuses on helping leaders go further in their careers, faith, and relationships.

Over the time that I’ve been a dad, I’ve noticed a lot of leadership lessons that can be learned from the stages that our kids go through. They are determined to learn, don’t accept ‘no’ for an answer, and they are eager to help others – all the things that we need to be doing more of as adults. I’ve wrapped some of those lessons up in a self-published book called .

2) Tell me about your family
I have an amazing wife named Carey and two beautiful daughters – Ava (7) and Alyssa (4).
Carey and I are a lot like yin and yang; we balance each other out so well. I couldn’t be the man that I am today without her constant love and support. Our girls are smart and they both love to dance. Our favorite things to do together are to read fun books and dance around the living room.

3) What has been the largest challenge you have had in being a father?
The toughest part of being a father is balancing my professional life with being a good father for my kids. There have been many times that I’ve chosen to step away from the office during a busy time in order to be there for our girls. At the end of the day, being a good father is the most important job that I will ever have. The pressures of the office can be hard to manage, but it’s always worth it.

4) What advice would you give to other fathers?
Plug in! Be involved in your children’s lives. Have fun and play with them – even if it means wearing a princess dress or a tiara. Life isn’t about us anymore from the moment our children are born. I’ve seen too many dads that remove themselves from their kids lives when they are little, only to find that they’re still on the outside when they’re teens. They can learn so much from us at every stage in their lives and we are robbing them of important life lessons if we don’t plug in.

5) How have you come to balance parenthood and outside life?
I try to include our girls in my ‘outside life’ as much as I can. They’re just now getting to an age when they can go to sporting events or to nice restaurants with us. It’s great being able to share those parts of my life with them. They get to see all of who I am and how I am in different situations. I think it helps them to be equipped to be in those situations as they get older.

There are times where I’ve brought them into the office with me for a little while and allowed them to sit in while I’ve had short meetings. They may not understand it all now, but they’re learning what I’m doing when I have to go to work for 9 hours a day… it’s not a mystery.

6) What have you learned from the fathers that you have interacted with?
The biggest thing that I’ve learned is that I’m not alone. Sometimes you can feel like you’re the only one that experiences the emotions that you feel or the things that your kids do. We’re not alone in those tough times because there are so many others that have been there before.

7) What else would you share regarding your experiences as a father thus far?
Being a father has helped me grow as a person in so many ways. You can’t truly learn to be patient until you’ve had a colic baby screaming for days on end. You can’t learn selflessness until your stomach is grumbling from hunger but you give your food to your child because she’s just as hungry as you are. You can’t learn unconditional love until your child royally messes up. I am a better man because of my children.

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

The most memorable experiences have been the ones when our girls have shown their character. We spend so much time trying to teach them the right way to live, yet they act a certain way toward us that makes us unsure if they get it or not. We’ll catch them every once in a while doing something that makes us go, “Wow, they really get it.” Those are the proud parent moments.

A few months ago, our oldest daughter, Ava, was at a dance competition. She had forgotten her costume at home and there was no way for us to get it in time. She was going to miss out on her dance and was devastated. One of her friends came up to her and offered to give Ava her costume because this was Ava’s only dance. Ava politely thanked her, but said, “No, I can’t do that to you because I made the mistake. Here, I will teach you my part so you can do it.” Both girls showed an unbelievable maturity. Those girls truly get what we’re trying to teach them. There’s no better feeling in the world as a parent.

If you have any questions for Rich Bishop, 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!

Dads in the Limelight – Strategic Communication Strategist Jarvis Stewart of IR Media

February 18, 2016 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Our 620th Dad in the Limelight is strategic communication strategist Jarvis Stewart of IR Media. I want to thank Jarvis Stewart for being a part of this series. It has been great getting connected with him and now sharing Jarvis Stewart with all of you.

Maddi hanging out with Dad on Capitol Hill, 2014

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

A native of Houston, I am the youngest of five children – one brother, three sisters. My parents were hardworking, God-fearing people who taught us to value faith, family, education and friends…in that order. During my senior year in college, I moved to Washington for a short time to work in national politics. This experience afforded me the opportunity to travel the country, and to learn more about who I was and wanted to become.

I lived in Los Angeles for five years, but later moved back to DC to work in the Clinton Administration. I also spent time on Capitol Hill as a chief of staff to a member of Congress. Both of these experiences led me to create a government and corporate affairs consulting firm. Ever the entrepreneur, I recently launched IR Media a media and strategic communications firm to assist clients with message development, brand management and crisis mitigation.

Family enjoying Spring Break in the Bay Area, 2015

2) Tell me about your family

My wife, Stacey, and I have been married for nearly 13 years. She’s the president of one of the largest non-profits in the world and remains on the go. We have two daughters, Madeleine Reid, age 12, a superstar athlete, equestrian and world-class student; and Savannah Francies, age 10, a budding young artist, vocalist and champion for social justice.

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

Largest challenge? Being patient. I’m very ambitious and personally strive to be better than I was yesterday. I’ve had to learn that my daughters are “wired” differently, and that they live in a totally different world than me. While I want the very best for them and for them to learn life’s most difficult lessons now, fact is – that ain’t happening. I’m getting better…hopefully.

4) What advice would you give to other fathers?

Live, laugh and love WITH your kids
Prepare them for, don’t protect them from life
Resist the urge to pass your fears and anxieties on to them
Let them see you love and be kind to their mother
Be frank and honest with them – make sure they know you didn’t and don’t always get it right either.

Jarvis and Savannah, age 3, napping on daddy.

5) How have you come to balance parenthood and outside life?

Communicate – with my team in the office, my wife and most of all my daughters. We also have rules in the family, which I believe help with balance. For example: no smart-phones or ipads at the dinner table. That time, which is very precious, is meant for telling goofy stories, laughing and bonding. Saying bedtime prayers together is also very important, and has helped with balancing my world.

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

That I’m not alone, and if fatherhood (parenting) was easy – we’d all be much better at it. The world, I’m sure, would also be a much better place.

Jarvis in his Savannah picked Halloween costume, 2014

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

The relationship between fathers and their kids (especially daughters) is obviously very special. The bond and trust I create now with my girls, I believe, will dictate how they’ll engage with men for the rest of their lives. The experiences we share now, I hope, will dwell in their hearts and minds forever.

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

My most memorable experiences as a parent have not necessarily come from my interaction with my daughters, but rather from standing off to the side, watching and listening to them when they think I’m not around. I get a great sense of joy and reassurance when I see and hear them replay problem solving and judgment lessons drilled into them by my wife and me. For that quick moment, I’m convinced – they get it!

If you have any questions for Jarvis Stewart, 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!

Dads in the Limelight – Gregg Zegras of Pitney Bowes

February 14, 2016 by dadofdivas 3 Comments

Our 619th Dad in the Limelight is Gregg Zegras of Pitney Bowes. I want to thank Gregg Zegras for being a part of this series. It has been great getting connected with him and now sharing Gregg Zegras with all of you.

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

For the longest time I found it difficult to describe myself professionally but recently have landed on “intra-preneur” as in I’m better helping bigger companies innovate or transform businesses through technology, digital, mobile etc. That’s what I’m doing in my current role at Pitney Bowes which is a 95-year old company in the midst of an important transformation on a global scale. When I’m not working or traveling for work which is often I’m usually found with one or more of my boys in a hockey rink, almost year round, which I love!

2) Tell me about your family

I am a father to five boys, yes count them, five boys aged 15,14, 12 and 9 twice. It s a very active house as they all play multiple sports with ice hockey at the top of the list. My wife Karen has the hardest and most important of the jobs in our family and she’s frankly the best. We swear that we spend more money on milk than gasoline – I’m talking like 7-8 gallons a week!!

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

I thought about this one a lot – for me the work/life balance is the #1 challenge. I’m normally gone during the week so I cherish my weekends with the boys more than anything and with five, making sure that they all get their fair share is not easy. With the sports in particular its not possible to be at every event so we divide and conquer the best we can. I’m still in reasonably good shape to keep up with them so we will play wiffle ball, street hockey, whatever. They all love to compete and believe or not I’m not normally the #1 pick.

4) What advice would you give to other fathers?

In some ways having 5 boys at the ages we have allows us to see the different stages at the same time- because it goes fast, so one in high school, one in middle school, three in elementary — we get a wide range of ages and stages to enjoy. But do everything you can to enjoy it.

5) How have you come to balance parenthood and outside life?

Not very well, I could use some help here. Not a lot of time left in the day for much else but if I’m pushed to make a decision on enjoying a weekend hobby or dinner with friends versus the boys game, I’m taking the boys game every time. And most of the Dads I hang with actually share that view so we tend to socialize around the sporting events and other kids events. I’m not sure if that’s sad or the best thing ever, but for now I’ll take it.

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

From my Dad who is true only one that really matters I learned the art of patience which gets tested daily both personally and professionally. He’s living through the ultimate test right now – having suffered a debilitating stroke 5 years ago that left him parlayed on his left side with no use of his left arm and limited use of his left leg. But the man is unelenting, he’s not once in five years given up hope that he will regain the use of his arm and leg. That is the level of of character I can only hope to achieve in my lifetime and going back to my earlier points the best reminder to cherish what you have.

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

Being witness to four births and five babies…..

If you have any questions for Gregg Zegras, 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!

Dads in the Limelight – Rob Nomura of DaddyEd.com

February 11, 2016 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Our 618th Dad in the Limelight is Rob Nomura of DaddyEd.com. I want to thank Rob Nomura for being a part of this series. It has been great getting connected with him and now sharing Rob Nomura with all of you.

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

I’m a homeschooling father and editor of DaddyEd.com. A website about a father’s (me) point of view on home schooling, education, and liberty. I’m also the founder of WingChunLife.com, one of the world’s most well-known websites about Wing Chun kung fu. During the day I work as direct response copywriting and marketing consultant, RobertNomura.com, where I help business generate leads and drive new clients to their front door.

On my spare time I practice martial arts and recently got into Crossfit – a workout and physical training method. The result is that I’m stronger now than I’ve ever been. I can do pull-ups and handstand push-ups! I couldn’t do pull-ups as a kid. My cardio is better too, but I don’t enjoy running. Although, I don’t mind sprints or jumping over things.

2) Tell me about your family

There’re four of us and we like to travel and spend a lot of time together. I think this is easier while our kids are still young. Who knows what will happen when they enter their teenage years.

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

The largest challenges happened while my kids were babies and toddlers. I didn’t know how to be a father, I was nervous and unsure about the future, and was under a lot of stress. Now, I’m more experienced and my kids are older and more selfeliant. So, if they burn their hand on the stove I just say, “I told you so.” My current challenge, though, is hitting my financial stride. This is a personal issue because I really thought I’d be a multi-millionaire by now.

4) What advice would you give to other fathers?

If you’re new to it, enjoy your child while young. After the first 2 or 3 years, you feel a whole lifetime passed by. But then your first kid hits 10 and you’re caught by surprise, “where did all the time go?”

Then you think, “Shoot, he’ll be driving in 5 years; when we finish paying off the car!” If you’ve been at it a while and your kids are older and self-sufficient (but not adults), well, I don’t know what to do because that’s not where I’m at.

Currently, I find myself in a rush to transfer as much knowledge and experience to my kids before they grow up and fly the coop. I want to make sure their heads are on straight and don’t make needless mistakes. They’re old enough to absorb most of it, but there’s only so many hours in a day.

5) How have you come to balance parenthood and outside life?

Poorly, I’m afraid. And I’ve recently made this discovery.

We had kids before most of our close friends did. And when you have young kids, your social life as a single person or as a young couple quickly takes a nosedive. We were practically off the radar for a number of years.

On top of that, we both (mommy and daddy) work hard and relatively long hours; luckily we enjoy what we do.

So what happens is that we spend a ton of time together and going out together. It’s broken up with a few family visits, especially du
wring holidays or some long weekends, and even fewer visits with friends. Most of our friends live far away, or now have very young kids — so it’s their turn to drop off the radar.

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

Spend more belly-to-belly time with my kids.

Most of the “older” fathers I’ve met spent a lot of their time away from their kids, usually at work, or sitting in traffic to and from work. And the kids are at school all day, and usually longer if they’re in after-school programs.

By design we’re together often. We homeschool, I work from home, and mommy works about 15 minutes away and has somewhat flexible hours. I think it’s been great, and healthy for us (mommy and daddy), to experience our kids grow up firsthand. For instance, we don’t have to learn who our kids are, or learn about their personalities through a written evaluation from school. I think it’s wrong when a schoolteacher knows your kids better than you do.

Also, I think it’s healthy for kids to have a close and personal relationship with their fathers. Dads are just different from moms. But this is something that may not be possible, or optimal, if dad leaves home at 6am and gets home at 6pm, 5 days a week. And then has client dinners where he comes home after 10pm, and of course business trips where he’s gone 2 to 5 days in a row, plus weekend work at the office.

Not all dads (or moms) have that kind of schedule, but I’ve met many who do.

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

There’s no right way to be a good father. The good news is there are many ways to do it right.

Do the best you can, stay open to being better at it, and if you make a mistake say so and try to correct it or take steps to avoid making it again. You’ll save your kids from unneeded trauma later in life.

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

It’s the small things, really.

Watching my kids learn to walk and talk.
Teaching them to ride a bike and swim.
Listening to them laugh.
Seeing how their personalities change as they get older.
Seeing them do something on their own and thinking, “They’ll be okay even if I get hit by a bus tomorrow.”

If you have any questions for Rob Nomura, 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!

Dads in the Limelight – Kidney and Celiac Disease Survivor, Jason Magee

February 7, 2016 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Our 617th Dad in the Limelight is Chronic Kidney and Celiac Disease Survivor, Jason Magee. I want to thank Jason Magee for being a part of this series. It has been great getting connected with him and now sharing Jason Magee with all of you.

1) Tell me about yourself, (as well as how you are in the limelight for my readers knowledge)
I’m a father of 2 boys who is currently trying to spend as much time as I can being a dad while battling Chronic Kidney Disease and Celiac disease.

2) Tell me about your family
Our family tries to be frugal and re-purpose things. We like to save money by couponing and being frugal as well as doing a lot of things ourselves rather than buying them. We love being outdoors and going on adventures.

3) What has been the largest challenge you have had in being a father?
Hmm…I would have to say that the hardest part that I’ve been through as a father is being patient and seeing things from a kids point of view. Oh, and learning to pick my battles.

4) What advice would you give to other fathers?
Patience! The more patience that you have the easier it is for you. Kids will listen, learn and act better if you’re patient with them. This includes when they’re misbehaving.

5) How have you come to balance parenthood and outside life?
We don’t have an outside life to be honest. Being parents is our life. We don’t go out and when we do the kids are with us. Occasionally we’ll ship them over to their grandparents but in the end we just go home to relax.

6) What have you learned from the fathers that you have interacted with?
That I’m not the only one with head strong kids and that other fathers have the same struggles at being a parent as I do.

7) What else would you share regarding your experiences as a father thus far?
Kids will be kids. Let them enjoy their childhood and don’t stress over the simple things. Everyone has their struggles when it comes to parenting because not all kids are the same. Enjoy it while you can because they eventually grow up.

8) What have been the most memorable experiences that you have had thus far as a parent?
Graduating from daddy to dad was a pretty memorable moment but I’m going to say everything. I cherish everything being a father. I love seeing the new things that my kids learn, watching them grow, have fun, make mistakes and learn from them. The list goes on and on.

Website: http://frugalcanadiancouponmom.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrugalCanadianCouponMom

If you have any questions for Jason Magee, 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!

Dads in the Limelight – Husband and Father John Wahl

February 4, 2016 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Our 616th Dad in the Limelight is husband and father, John Wahl. I want to thank John Wahl for being a part of this series. It has been great getting connected with him and now sharing John Wahl with all of you.

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

I’m John Wahl, a husband and father living in Crystal, MN. Last year my brother Adam and I created MegaDads.org. It’s a website for geeks and gamers adjusting to the whirlwind life as a parent. It features a weekly blog on video games and family as well as a comic strip and podcast (Mega Dads Live) and has been some of the most fun I’ve ever had.

2) Tell me about your family

I’ve been married to my awesome wife Cristina for nearly 10 years. We met through a mutual acquaintance at the hospital where we both work and got engaged in Paris, France. We have 2 amazingly weird young daughters, Chloe (7) and Samantha (3).

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

The biggest challenge other than financial (daycare is $$$!) would have to be finding time for my wife and I to get away and spend some time together alone. We love going to new restaurants around town but time, money and babysitters are sometimes hard to come by. It’s also tough finding time to get a little “me” time. For me that’s usually playing video games and involves waiting until late at night after the girls have gone to bed.

4) What advice would you give to other fathers?

It’s pretty cliché to say that childhood goes by quickly, but it’s seriously true. Take the time to enjoy every second of it, especially the little moments like helping them with their homework or playing make believe. Before you know it, they’ll be all grown up and Daddy won’t be the center of the universe anymore.

5) How have you come to balance parenthood and outside life?

That’s tough. For me being a dad is the most important thing in the world and everything I do is for them. But you still need to take the time to do your own thing as well. Get a babysitter and go do what it is that makes you happy. Whether it’s going to a restaurant or a concert or whatever. Even though you’ll still probably be thinking of your kids the whole time!

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

I’ve learned that as tough as it may sometimes be, there are thousands of other dads going through the exact same thing. Many of them in even more challenging situations than we are. And if they can get through all of the tantrums and diaper explosions and sleepless nights than so can I.

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

Patience is incredibly important. It can be really easy to lose your cool when you’re tired, stressed and overworked. But you have to remember that they’re just kids and they’re not trying to be difficult, they just don’t know any better. Take a deep breath, step away from the situation for a moment and then come back at it with a clear head.

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

Besides watching the actual births, I’d say watching them learn. My oldest daughter just finished the 1st grade and seeing her learn so much in a short amount of time has been amazing. From learning to read to seeing her develop a love of science, it’s so much fun to watch her begin to transform from that small helpless child into an intelligent young girl.

If you have any questions for John Wahl, 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!

Dads in the Limelight – Entrepreneur, Dad & Blogger, Corey Haugen

January 31, 2016 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Our 615th Dad in the Limelight is . I want to thank Entrepreneur, Dad & Blogger, Corey Haugen for being a part of this series. It has been great getting connected with him and now sharing Corey Haugen with all of you.

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

A little over a year ago I became a Dad for the first time. I’m also 27, which I feel is still considered pretty young this day and age. Most of the people I know my age haven’t even gotten married yet and are just focusing on their careers. I would have to say I’m in the limelight because around the same time having my daughter I lost my job, started a hard cider company (Grizzly Cider), and now have another full time job along with that business. I also just recently started OhCrapImADad which, my hope is, to provide a unique perspective on being a younger dad in the digital age.

2) Tell me about your family

I have an incredible wife who puts up with all of my insane ideas and together we had our daughter who’s my soul motivation for everything I do.

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

So far the largest challenge has been trying to manage all the things I want/need to do from a day to day basis. Regardless I always know when to put the phone down or walk away from the computer to pay attention to my daughter.

4) What advice would you give to other fathers?

To be honest, I probably need advice rather then to be the one giving it. But I can tell new fathers that no matter how prepared you think you are, you aren’t. Be a problem solver and adapt to life’s little changes. Enjoy it.

5) How have you come to balance parenthood and outside life?

As mentioned before I think the key is to know when to put the phone down or let that email wait until tomorrow. Priorities are key for me and my family always comes first above everything. Even my business and career. The balance comes when you realize that both (work and family) have to work within each other.

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

Most of the other Dads I know are around my age and the one thing that stands out is that we all seem to experience the same stuff with our kids. It’s comforting to know I’m not the only one who’s kid wakes up almost every time in the middle of the night.

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

Baby poop isn’t that bad. Put your shirt over your nose and change that diaper.

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

Seeing my daughter become her own little person is indescribable. Watching her mannerisms, how she plays with toys or responds to our actions is hands down amazing.

If you have any questions for Corey Haugen, 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!

Dads in the Limelight – Professional Journalist & Columnist David Anderson

January 28, 2016 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Our 614th Dad in the Limelight is Professional Journalist & Columnist David Anderson. I want to thank David Anderson for being a part of this series. It has been great getting connected with him and now sharing David Anderson with all of you.

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

I am David Anderson, a professional journalist and columnist for The Richfield Reaper, a weekly newspaper in south central Utah. As a newspaper reporter, I have covered everything from crime to high school sports in my 16-year career. Two and a half years ago, we launched a weekly humor column, Cruise Control. The column is also available in blog form at www.richfieldreaper.com/opinion/columnists/columnist_one/.

The column has earned awards from the Utah Press Associations each year since its inception.

2) Tell me about your family

My wife and I will be celebrating our 17th year of marriage in 2015. We have three children, ages 15, 12 and 9. The two oldest children are boys and the youngest is a girl, who predictably thinks she runs the show.

We also have a cat and a chihuahua, but they’re not important.

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

The thing with fatherhood is that you have to be willing to learn new things. The most significant thing I’ve learned is that each of my children was born with his or own personality, and there is nothing you can do to change that. Not water torture, not electroshock, not even bribing with expensive prizes will not change who they are. Sure, you can teach them right and wrong, encourage good behavior and discourage bad. However, at the end of the day, your children are going to be who they are, and sometimes it’s hard to embrace that.

Sometimes this means sitting at a skate park watching them practice a “tail-whip” rather than going to a movie. Or it means playing with Barbie building blocks instead of going for a hike.

I thought I’d be the coolest dad ever because I like kid stuff such as comic books and Star Wars. However, I quickly learned my boys would rather play baseball and watch YouTube videos of guys crashing their skateboards.

4) What advice would you give to other fathers?

I don’t think I’m qualified to give advice. My children have survived so far, so I guess feeding them at least once a day is a good practice. Also, always tell you children that you love them.

But mostly, make sure they’re eating.

5) How have you come to balance parenthood and outside life?

By relying on my wife. As fathers, we tend to focus on important things like waxing the truck, how long the grass is and what kind of motorcycle are we going to buy when we finally get some money. By having a partner who actually pays attention to things like are the children wearing clothes, are they in school, did they eat dinner, parenthood becomes a lot easier. If not for my wife, the children may have wandered into the woods years ago.

All joking aside, it’s important to be try and be an equal partner with your children’s mother. You will always come up short, but do your best anyway.

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

The most important thing I’ve learned is to spend time with your children and keep them involved with something. It can be sports, piano or whatever, but keep them busy. Preferably with stuff that’s not related to firecrackers, burning things or spray painting items not intended to be spray painted. Kids who are on the tennis team has less time to hang out with the kinds of delinquents I hung out with when I was their age. By keeping them involved, they have something to look forward to and something they can feel good about.

Or just hire a full-time probation officer.

Either way, it gets them out of your hair for a few hours a week. Sometimes you forget how much you enjoy someone’s company when they’re constantly fighting with their siblings all day. Getting them out of the house and doing their own thing reminds you that they are good kids who don’t always have to be arguing about who gets which seat in the van.

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

Being a parent is like being on the coaching staff for the Denver Broncos. It’s real easy for people to say “they should have done this, they should have done that,” but no one actually knows what’s going on until they are out there on the sidelines calling plays. Young people tend to think they know everything.

When I was younger and knew everything, I remember mingling with other sanctimonious young people who didn’t have children, yet were full of parenting answers. I can’t say I was any different prior to experiencing parenthood for myself. I still remember nodding my head in agreement when people said things like —

“I can’t believe they let their children act like that in the store. My kids will treat me with respect because I won’t tolerate behavior like that in public.”

Oh, please shut up.

Not only are statements like that ignorant to the challenges of being a parent, they’re also cold, callous and cruel. That mom or dad is already mortified that they’re child has thrown himself on the ground in a stomping, screaming fit because he wants a King Sized Snicker’s bar. They don’t need your condemnation on top of it.

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

There was that time my wife didn’t get a full night’s sleep for five years. We also had the experience of having a child who, for years, threw up in public every time we went out to eat. Or there was the time my little girl started riding a bike, and I was so busy shouting her praises I neglected to warn her not to ride directly into a telephone pole. Which she did.

Everyday is a memory that should be treasured …

Actually, I’m just glad they’re eating.

It’s important.

If you have any questions for David Anderson, 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!