Name: Ed Olu Yusuf City: Los Angeles, California | @ed.olu
What does being a father mean to you?
Everything!
Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.
What things did you take from your experience growing up into your own fatherhood journey?
Tough love. Not abusive. Just tough. Then flip that into a more balanced “loving tough love” through effective communication. Explaining boundaries and stuff help kids learn theirs and protect it. Seriously, the first line of action – TALK! Just talk to your kids, check in with them and make them understand actions and consequences. Cause and effects. The good, the bad, and even the ugly. Kids are more perceptive than you think.
Wear many hats, befriend your kids, experience moments together. Yet maintain the primary parental objective of raising them right. Whatever that means to you and yours
Have you had any obstacles on your fatherhood journey?
A fatherhood journey without obstacles is near impossible. Where do I even start!? Expect the obstacles, there will be many. Learn how to grow through these obstacles to keep getting better.
What advice would you give others new on their fatherhood journey?
I don’t care how prepared you think you are. Your core self or instincts will kick in. Good, bad, or ugly. Check yourself. Prepare to learn and grow through the experiences. Expand the good habits, tweak the questionable ones and ditch the crappy ones. The challenges will evolve over time so relish every moment. You may never get that same experience again.
Count your blessings, not problems
If you could write a quick letter to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would you say?
Dear Dad,
First, thank you!
Also, let’s kick it formt time to time… as buddies
Thanks again!
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