Name: Avery Hawthorne | City: Atlanta GA | IG: @Geulden_eye

What does being a father mean to you?

Fatherhood to me is being here not only physically but mentally and emotionally. It’s nothing more important to me than being a father to my children. Showing them that I make mistakes and that I’m not perfect helps in the process. I try to be an open book with them. If you don’t have any “remember when’s” with your children you need to re-evaluate your life.

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

I was fortunate enough to have my dad in my life every single day of my life. My grandfather set a great example for my father. My father set a great example for me. I can only hope that I do the same for my daughter and son. My dad would actually risk his job when we played tee ball just so he could not only be present at our games but coach us. I love my dad for the simple things he taught me indirectly.

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

I learned that my grandfather taught my father but all my grandfathers methods weren’t for my father in teaching me. All my fathers methods aren’t for me teaching and raising my children. We are all different, so I took what I’ve learned, and tweak it to fit my relationship with my children.

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

Just show up everyday ready to learn. I tell my children everyday “this is my first time raising a 13yr old daughter” “This is my first time raising a 9yr old son” I don’t have all the answers but we can figure it out together. I’d have to physically not be here to not be here. Children are a living message we send to a time we may not see, what will your message say?

If you could write a quick letter to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would you say?

Dear Father, thanks for teaching me how to be a man first so that i could actually be a father to my children. When you teach your son, you teach your son’s son. I love you!

Name some other fathers you cosign.