Name: Tyrus Watson City: St. Louis, MO | Instagram: @smalltalk247_djluvrboi
What does being a father mean to you?
It allows me to breathe. After being a dad for 15 years, I’ve recently had several proud moments. When my kids were younger, I used to reflect on how I had assisted their development. Knowing that you are contributing to the personal development of another person is a powerful experience. I will need to stay a part of my children’s lives until the air in my lungs stops, through the good days and the terrible and depressing days they have endured and will continue to face.
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?
Have you had any obstacles on your fatherhood journey? If so, explain.
Yes. The fact that I have a son makes it a little challenging to comprehend his 7-year-old way of doing things. I started to stop yelling at him when he does something incorrectly or that he shouldn’t have done. I started to comprehend what should be done to punish him so that he might learn from his faults after realizing that I had committed some of the same errors.
What advice would you give others new on their fatherhood journey?
To remain active in your children’s lives throughout all stages. Never assume that something is their fault because they are adults. Have you figured everything out yet? No, so act as the enduring mentor they also require.
If you could write a quick letter to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would you say?
I want to express my gratitude to Pop for creating a better version of himself. I like his manner, and I intend to uphold the tradition for as long as I can to ensure that our last name continues to be used for decades to come.
