Name: Leo Petal | City: Medina | Instagram: @leo_petal
What does being a father mean to you?
Privilege, Commitment, Obligation, Favor and a promise of joy every time I see them. I have been a father for 11 years and I delivered both of my daughters, read to them before they were born and shared every emotion and spiritual experience with them. That’s what their gift means to me.
Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.
Unfortunate. So to reverse that trend, I am vulnerable with my children, honest with them and a friend and confidant, in addition I don’t judge them I care for them and love them for who they are and will become, it’s a beautiful thing!
What things did you take from your experience growing up into your own fatherhood journey?
That raising children is like cooking meaning only add to the recipe the spices and ingredients that will be good for your taste or home structure. My point – I don’t make assumptions about my daughters wearing makeup, or wearing their moms high heels or being in dance competitions wearing clothing that is not appropriate in public or talking down to them. In my home we are cooking successful, strong, beautiful and immensely intelligent children!
Have you had any obstacles on your fatherhood journey? If so, explain.
I had to learn what I was good at and what I wasn’t good at with my daughters. For example, I am a horrible teacher to my daughters but my wife is an excellent teacher. Fathers MUST learn what not to do and say as much as what to do and say.
What advice would you give others new on their fatherhood journey?
Be present in the moment, not in your past. Becoming a father is the continuation of a family if you are married or not. So be present, be a present to the moment and present the best of you in that moment.
If you wanted to write a quick note to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would it be?
Dear Father, it’s been almost ten years since we last spoke and it wasn’t pleasant but I hope you are well. God Bless You Bro!
