Name: Andre Norman | City: San Fransisco CA | Instagram: @I_am_dre2k

What does being a father mean to you?

I haven’t thought much about what it means to be a father. But at 4 years old my dad said that all he wanted for me was to be a better man than he was. So I spent my life trying to level up to my full potential. I take that approach to fatherhood.

Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.

My dad was a good man loved by everyone, but he struggled to be a good father. He dealt with trauma from his father not being there for him and he didn’t quite know how to be a father (his words).

What things did you take from your experience growing up into your own fatherhood journey?

The biggest takeaway from my youth into fatherhood was not allowing myself to be a victim. I I live by the motto when you know better you do better. I realize the faults of my father and yes they hurt, but I wouldn’t allow his faults to define my journey.

Have you had any obstacles on your fatherhood journey? If so, explain.

I grew tremendously more patient when I became a father. I found patience I didn’t realize I had. I’m sure I’ve had obstacles but nothing more than the average parent, less sleep, empty wallet, less me time.

What advice would you give others new on their fatherhood journey?

Continuously work on being more present. Put the phone down, don’t work in front of your family if you can. When your daughter wants to play tea party, put the damn phone down and lift your pinky and sip like a champ. Level up, don’t resist it, make the good decisions you know you should.

If you wanted to write a quick note to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would it be?

Dear pops, I’m doing what you asked me to do 29 years ago. I know you can see me making fatherhood look fun. Keep an eye on your grandkids for me when they’re not with me and I’ll make sure they know who their granddad was.

Name some fathers you cosign.

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