Name: Leonard Stephens | City: Birmingham , AL | Instagram: @Stepbystep_sportstraining
What does being a father mean to you?
Being a Father to me means, leading by being a positive example to my children through my actions and way I live my life.
Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.
Growing up my father wasn’t as present as I would have liked, due to streets. Learning that my grandfather wasn’t present for him has helped allow me as an adult to forgive him and Have more understanding. I have greatly been impacted in many ways with our relationship growing up, but it has fueled me to give my kids every bit of what I wished for as a child, and not just financially.
What things did you take from your experience growing up into your own fatherhood journey?
My experiences negatively and positively have allowed me to carry into being a father Discipline and to express love to my three. Teaching my kids how to be leaders in positive ways by feeling comfortable with who they are. Loving them for who they are to help them feel confident in their own skin. Also being discipline enough to do what’s right regardless of how anyone else thinks or feel
Have you had any obstacles on your fatherhood journey? If so, explain.
I think we will always have obstacles due to the world revolving around us, but it’s how our kids see us respond to challenging situations that will, properly, mold them into great parents themselves one day.
What advice would you give others new on their fatherhood journey?
As a father of three I’m not an expert “yet”, but Fathers show your kids love and affection no matter the gender. Also don’t allow how we were raised to sway us from making adjustments to our teaching or leading because these days kids are different!
If you could write a quick letter to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would it be?
Dear Father, I would like to thank you for showing me how it looks to see a man trying to raise a boy when you have a little boy wishing for his own down inside. I have forgiven you for things that you may not even understand. Now that I’m a father I will break this chain and raise your grand boys & daughter to see what it’s like to have a father that gives them all they need to Succeed as a person and in life. Love Lil L.
Name 5 fathers you cosign.
| 1 | @_mack_g |
|---|---|
| 2 | @Planning__22 |
| 3 | @Mjrobinson_ |
| 4 | @Mrynot06 |
| 5 | @Mr.imworkingonsomething |
