Name: Kenneth Barnes Jr. | Instagram: @kbmakeitdouble

What does being a father mean to you?

It means everything, when I see my kids happy I feel like nothing else matters and as long as I see those smiles the world and all the b.s. in it means nothing because they are my world and what I live for.

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

My parents are married and father was in my life so I had an up close look at the example of what a man does when he has responsibilities. With that being said he was still young when he became a parent and husband so he wasn’t perfect but he still made me the man, husband that I am today because I learned from the skills lacked which is common for men who became father’s early which is they don’t balance of work family and hangout with friends well. So I make sure dedicate more time for family even though I work 2 jobs I work ass off to provide for my family and soon as I’m done I’m done and I’m home as soon as I can get there my kids care less about extra money the rather me home and as long as my bills is paid family fed i rather the same thing. And they are my life so socializing even lower on my list than extra money. The time and I share with them is what’s going to develop the love that’s only felt between a father and a child. I know that because I have an older daughter from a previous relationship that stays far away so I don’t get to see her often and know money or even phone calls is not even close to what we feel when she’s here with me.

What advice would you give others new on their fatherhood journey?

Being there physically is just as important as being there financially, both is needed.

If you wanted to write a quick note to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would it be?

Dear father thanks for being there for me and teaching me how to provide for my family.

Name 5 fathers you cosign.

@kene_wayne, @mr_defis, @theadventuresofeskimododgers, @demetrius2775, @rico_raymond81