Name: Christian McClure | City: Van Nuys, CA | IG: @OfficialChristianMcClure
What does being a father mean to you?
Being a father to me means, being there. Being there for those moments that only a father can experience, being there to not put your kids at a disadvantage by them not having the parental stability and overall becoming an unstable human in this world. Being a father to me means leading by example because my father wasn’t there and still isn’t really there today. Being a father is more than just a title, it’s a responsibility of the highest quality also needed for building your legacy.
Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.
My father wasn’t around growing up so it made my life that much harder. He split when I was 4, so my mom had to do the single mom thing. Thankfully I had my grandparents to fill the void, as well as positive male role models from the few friends I grew up with but that didn’t mean I wouldn’t have issues going forward. I dealt with bullying, low self confidence, girl problems, and a bunch of other insecurities that I’ve had to work through to get to be the man that I am today. Thankful and grateful for the process but my father just never seemed to think he needed to reach out, or fight harder for me while only being 6 hours away taking care of another family.
What things did you take from your experience growing up into your own fatherhood journey?
The biggest take away from my experience growing up into my own fatherhood journey, is being there. I know what it feels like to not have your father there, and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. So with my two kids, no matter what I just wanna be there for every minute and every moment with them. With being there I’ll never have to worry about them not being equipped for whatever it is they want to do, but you can’t do that if your never present.
Have you had any obstacles on your fatherhood journey?
The obstacles I’ve had the most difficulties with would just have to be patience and just remembering that my kids are also humans with their own personalities. Breaking generational curses by doing the conscious parenting thing along with my wife, shying away from the typical “discipline” or whoopin that ass and not effectively communicating to your human child. It’s hard, it’s different, it requires lots of love and patience but it will be worth it in the long run.
What advice would you give others new on their fatherhood journey?
The advice I would give is to just BE THERE. Be present, be proud, be grateful that you even have the opportunity to have kids and be a father. Trust the process, trust yourself, trust your partner, and just trust God and everything will work out. It’s a long game.
If you could write a quick letter to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would you say?
Dear Father, you should’ve been there
Dear Father, that shows me you didn’t care
Dear Father, I’m a man and it shows
Dear Father, that time is coming and you know
Dear Father, i forgive you but won’t forget
Dear Father, there’s much for you to learn
Dear Father, my love you’ll have to earn
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