Ed Olu Yusuf Says as a father, you’ll love like you never loved before.

Name: Ed Olu Yusuf City: Los Angeles, California | @ed.olu

What does being a father mean to you?

Everything!

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

The first few years, you will be perpetually tired LOL. And it seems parenthood in general, there’s just no way you can be absolutely prepared. You think you are, then reality hits, and you gotta unlearn and re-learn quite a lot actually. Fatherhood for me has made me grow in ways I couldn’t even imagine. It will come with some stress. No, a lot of stress, then you have to learn ways to show up and be present for your little ones and help them grow and develop. It is a never-ending story. All worth every moment. As a father, you’ll love like you never loved before. Exercise patience like you never have before. And continuously grow to be able to lead by example and maintain a healthy balance

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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