Our 686th Dad in the Limelight is Tobin Walsh of Good Bad Dad. I want to thank Tobin Walsh for being a part of this series. It has been great getting connected with him and now sharing Tobin Walsh with all of you.
1) Tell me about yourself, (as well as how you are in the limelight for my readers knowledge)
I am an Iowa Hawkeye turned Florida transplant, a product of a middle-grade teacher and a high school principal. I have three brothers and grew up trying to beat all of them in any sports that was available to us. When we get together for holidays today, we re-live those spirited games – albeit at a much slower pace and with a cold beverage as refreshment.
In February, I was introduced to the limelight when reading one of my stories at the Dad 2.0 Summit’s “Bloggers Showcase”. After I shared the piece, Charles “Peanut” Tillman, formerly of my favorite N.F.L. team, the Chicago Bears, acknowledged the work and its message – that moment was something that I’ll never forget.
More: http://goodbaddad.com/?page_id=7
2) Tell me about your family
My wife, Aimee, and I have five children: Yosef (11), Lynden (9), Viviana (8), Everett (4) and Emersyn (16 months). As you can imagine, our kids keep us on the go – whether it be soccer, dance, gymnastics, school functions or birthday parties. Our lives are as crazy as they are joyful.
Although I’ll admit my bias, we are very fortunate to have great children that are passion-filled, sweet and friendly. Of course, they have their moments of being little terrors – especially Everett (the best story is captured here) – but, for the most part, we love this wild ride we’re on together.
Link: http://goodbaddad.com/?p=1666
The Good-Bad Dad’s foundation lies in the stories that enter our home on a weekly basis by virtue of this frantic, on-the-go, diverse, passion-chasing existence we lead.
3) What has been the largest challenge you have had in being a father?
The single biggest challenge for me is devoting 1-on-1 time to each of my kids.
Every day I carry a backpack of regret for not being able to allocate time to satisfy the needs of each of my little ones. My 11 year-old wants me to listen to his favorite song, my 9 year-old wants to kick the ball around, my 1 year-old needs a new diaper – it is impossible to do it all with five kids. That does not mean, however, I won’t try.
4) What advice would you give to other fathers?
Be you, be honest, be silly and say when you can’t.
When we started our family, I had a vision of who we’d become. Slowly, the vision faded because it either (a) become unrealistic or (b) we just got too busy. Either way, I realized that over-planning and over-analyzing kills spontaneity, silliness and fun – the things that kids love about Dad.
I simply aim to try my best at being my kids’ father – and that best is different for each of us.
No dad can do it all. So, be honest with yourself. Pick out what you do well, and do more of it – leaving the not-so-great stuff to another day (or until your partner demands).
5) How have you come to balance parenthood and outside life?
Achieving balance, for me, means finding time for my marriage – shedding the “Dad hat” for the husband one more often. I must admit, I’m probably a better dad than husband, but I’m trying to improve.
Having balance requires discipline to enforce the need for non-kid activities. My wife and I aim to get away at least a few times a month – and we are mostly successful. We go to dinner, to Target, for coffee, to lunch – but never to a movie (we like to chat).
When that is not possible, though, we try to take the moments when the kids are asleep as a time to catch up, have a drink and chill – a date night (or early morning) without spending a dime or worrying about the house being a disaster when we return.
6) What have you learned from the fathers that you have interacted with?
Dads are all fumbling through and driven to get better.
We have our own style, our own way of working – with our kids, partners and jobs. For that reason, I try very hard not to judge.
I’ve learned that most fathers are trying their best to raise great kids while not losing what makes us tick as an individual.
7) What else would you share regarding your experiences as a father thus far?
I’m asked a lot about juggling my family, job and writing.
How do I do it without succumbing to exhaustion?
The answer is: I DON’T.
Like every dad, I’m tired, I’m over-worked and, at times, I’d like nothing more than a book and the solitude of an empty beach. But, I’ve created this reality and, most days, that life is pretty marvelous.
8) What have been the most memorable experiences that you have had thus far as a parent?
My blog, honestly, is a good way for me to make mental notes about times I don’t want to forget.
Some memories are unforgettable – like the adoption of our oldest son, Yosef, from Ethiopia.
Others are smaller but as etched in my mind:
- my daughter learning to walk by pushing this annoying music toy
- my son’s first soccer goal
- my 4 year-old learning to ride a bike on the first try
- each of our little infants saying “Da-Da” for the first time
The list could go on and on, but it’s likely that a quick tour of The Good-Bad Dad will get you familiarized (and laughing).
If you have any questions for Tobin Walsh, please leave a comment here and I will make sure that he gets them so that he may be able to respond!
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The post Dads in the Limelight – Tobin Walsh of Good Bad Dad appeared first on Dad of Divas.