Dads in the Limelight – Chad Venters of Chaddy Daddy is Home

I am married to the most wonderful woman in the world, Jessica. I thank God everyday for her. I honestly don’t know where I’d be without her. She helps keep me grounded and sane when I happen to veer off the rails at times. Jess and I have been married for almost 5 years. We have been blessed beyond belief with a very smart, sassy and beautiful 4 year old named Finley.  It seems like just yesterday she was born and will now be starting Kindergarten this fall. Where does the time go?

Remembering to be patient. I tend to see myself as a pretty laid back dude and my wife would tend to agree with that. However as a father its become imperative to grow in this area. I believe we all can agree that our kids are mini-me’s that don’t like to listen at times. I swear their goal is to see just how far they can stretch us before we lose our minds. The flip side of that is they are also the best teachers of patience. No matter how loud they might scream at chick-fil-a or throwing a fit when they don’t like the clothes we dressed them in, as fathers being able to remain calm and patient with them is an essential asset to have tucked away in our arsenal.

5) How have you come to balance parenthood and outside life? 

It’s a fine line. My wife and I are full-time employees, so it’s become important to leave work at work.  One night a week we have our church home team group. It allows us to be kid free for an hour and a half-ish, recharge the spiritual batteries outside of Sunday and spend time with other parents just like us. We also make sure we have date nights from time to time as husband and wife. Not only for some time alone but gives us some space to just relax and take a deep breath from everything. Funny story, most date nights usually end with us back at the house well before the night is over. Not only missing our little girl but because we are tired and can’t hang like we used too!!

Strive to become a better person, husband and father than you were the day before. The dad life can be a struggle at times and can make a person tired. Make sure to laugh once in a while and use the sarcastic gene we as dad’s have been blessed with.

Looking back on these four short years so far of being a father I can honestly say it’s been the best thing that has ever happened to me. Seriously. I can’t imagine my life any other way. One key aspect I find very important to remember is to understand that your kids are a sponge. I say this because even at a young age they are listening and watching your every move. As much as you might think otherwise. They are watching how you treat their mother, how you react in times of stress and frustrations and how you react to them as your child each day. Make sure you are making a positive lasting impression on them every moment of every day. They deserve noting less from their father.