Name: Jalen Wade City: Houston TX | Instagram: @CallMeKidFlash
What does being a father mean to you?
Being a father means setting an example. Be the role model you want your kids to aspire to be and even surpass. Making sure that the end of the day, your kids know they are loved and supported.
Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.
My father was definitely a tough love kind of guy. He made everything a lesson. Growing up with nothing but boys, feelings isn’t a topic of conversation. But having a daughter myself, I have to look at things differently. I have to be able to open myself up to meet her needs.
What things did you take from your experience growing up into your own fatherhood journey?
Being emotionally available. Growing up, I shut out my feelings because the environment I grew up in did not have a need for them. With my own kids, I want them to be able to express themselves without fear of persecution.
Have you had any obstacles on your fatherhood journey?
The major obstacle for me is being a military parent. My daughter lives half way across the country, but I don’t let that dictate how I parent. I make sure she knows she’s loved and talk to her daily.
What advice would you give others new on their fatherhood journey?
Make sure you have a good registry. Load up on diapers, and be sure to show unconditional love. Kids feed off their parents energy.
If you could write a quick letter to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would you say?
Dear Pops,
I appreciate everything you’ve done and continue to do for me. I’ve taken the lessons you’ve handed to me and added them to my bag of parenting tools, both the good and the unnecessary lol. But I appreciate it all nonetheless.
Love you,
Jalen
List 5 fathers you cosign. (Add their IG names)
Derwin Graham @primetimegraham
Terrell Stafford @calamazo
Tarence McElroy @uncle_elroy4
Desmond Roberts @headcace
Cliff McBean @ogcliffmack
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