Name: Siied Brown | City: Queens, New York | IG: @Idontwannalink_
What does being a father mean to you?
To me, being a father means laying down your life forever for your children. Putting yourself second. Everything that I want for myself, I want even more for my children. Being a father means being loyal, honest and strong no matter if times are good or bad. It’s setting an example and also being everything your child needs you to be, whenever they need it. It’s the most important duty a man can hold. Greatest gift from God.
Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.
My experience as I remember it with my own father was complicated. I was very young and I only knew what I saw. He was a young man, living his dream. He did the best he could, for the times and his maturity level at that time. I never experienced love, nor what it feels like to live in a home with the best examples of what parenting or a home is supposed to be like, and that turned me away from family and away from home at very young age. When my parents divorced, I felt abandoned. Like he forgot about us. I was too young to understand the situation, the situation didn’t matter, I needed my dad and he was not there. I was 12, living in a new state, now the man of the house, with 2 little sisters. I didn’t know what else to do, so I jumped in the street. For years, I had no contact with my father. I grew angry and cold.
What things did you take from your experience growing up into your own fatherhood journey?
It’s important to do more than just survive the times. Live your life; travel, love, take chances, work hard, spend time with family and friends, do things that bring you joy.
Have you had any obstacles on your fatherhood journey? If so, explain.
One of the main obstacles I’d say I had early on was expressing my feelings. Growing up I never did. I always thought I had to be tough and strong all the time, never showing emotions. I had to relearn that feelings are okay and at times very necessary.
What advice would you give others new on their fatherhood journey?
I would say, do not let the world we live in dictate what kind of man, father, and husband you will be. Understand what it means to be those things, be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses, and work on being better every day. Educate YOURSELF about everything.
If you could write a quick letter to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would you say?
Dear Father, I may not be ready to accept some things, I too am not perfect, but I understand. I have no malice in my heart, and I hope you are well.
Purchase our exclusive “I Dad Different” shirt today. USE CODE: DIFFERENT at check out. Click 
