John Ruelas says yes we made these kids but they are their own individuals with their own agendas

Name: John Ruelas | City: Aurora, Colorado | IG: @The13eatnik

What does being a father mean to you?

To me fatherhood means being a loving protector and a facilitator. It means being there for support and encouragement and being non judgemental. Providing discipline, guidance, and understanding while letting kids be kids.

BC0FDE68 4D62 4653 95F2 372549555003

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

I am the oldest of three sons. My father was around until I was about 14. During that time he provided for us financially and we would go out on occasion and do family things. He worked a bunch so he wasn’t home but when he was it was miserable. I then had to take over his part of my family’s financial responsibilities at 14 when he and my mother separated. I had no choice but to work hard and provide for us until we all moved out as adults.

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

I was resentful for many years for being thrust into adulthood without warning and guidance. I took that energy and manifested it into an incredible work life balance and a loving attitude and ethic that has enabled me to lift myself from the chains of poverty and to provide for my family that wasn’t possible when I was a child.

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

I would say remember what it was like when you came up. Not really for comparisons sake, but for understanding. Yes we made these kids but they are their own individuals with their own agendas haha.

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

Dear Father,

You tried your best, or maybe you didn’t. What you did succeed in doing is producing a young man that is living and thriving beyond his wildest material and spiritual dreams!

Thanks for that!

dear fathers-i dad differentInterested in joining our Fearless Father campaign? Click here.

Purchase our exclusive “I Dad Different” shirt today. USE CODE: DIFFERENT at check out. Click here to buy now.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

for content updates, resources, access to virtual sessions, and more.

LISTEN TO THE DEAR FATHERS PODCAST

WATCH OUR PODCAST EPISODE WITH SHAQ

SHARE YOUR FATHERHOOD STORY WITH US

Dear Fathers
Dear Fathershttps://dearfathers.com
Dear Fathers is The Premiere Media Platform dedicated to telling stories of black fathers from all angles.

Related Articles