Our 817th Dad in the Limelight is motivational speaker, Shawn Ousley. I want to thank Shawn Ousley for being a part of this series. It has been great getting connected with him and now sharing Shawn Ousley with all of you.
1) Tell me about yourself, (as well as how you are in the limelight for my readers knowledge)
My name is Shawn Ousley and I am a motivational speaker with a message that inspires both young and old to find their passions and succeed. Along with speaking I also have written a few books. However, the joy of my days is being outside on our mini-farm. Whether I am playing basketball with the boys or building something is my work area, outside is where I love. You can read more about me at iamShawnOusley.com. I was suggested to the Limelight by a college teammate Chris Sands.
2) Tell me about your family
I am married to LaKeesha and together we have 2 boys (Nathan & Xavier). We stay on a minifarm in NW Louisiana. On our minifarm we have numerous fruit trees, chickens, a pet pig (Charlotte), 4 cats (Ollie, Biscuit, Zee, and Leo) and 1 dog (Gypsy).
We have lived in Alabama, North Carolina, and now Louisiana. As a family we love riding bikes and taking road trips.
3) What has been the largest challenge you have had in being a father?
The largest challenge I believe I have had is making sure my boys grow up to be gentlemen. Saying “Yes Sir”, “No sir”. Opening the doors for people. Proper table manners. I want them to achieve all their dream and accomplish whatever goals they have. In doing so, I also want for them to do it in a proper and respectable manner.
4) What advice would you give to other fathers?
When it comes to raising kids, nothing will happen overnight. Time, patience, and persistence are the key. Moreover, be yourself and have fun.
5) How have you come to balance parenthood and outside life?
I am fortunate enough that I have had the same work schedule my sons’ entire lives. I have worked 8-5 Monday through Friday, off every weekend, and every holiday. Thus, I am able to be with them every day for dinner and to help with homework. They are there at the majority of my speaking events. Unless it’s a private event, they are there.
6) What have you learned from the fathers that you have interacted with?
I have learned from other father to make sure you set a good example. Kids will not always do what you say, but they will do what they see. If they see a good role model in a father then they will copy that father. I work to teach them some of the principles my grandpa taught me.
A) If a man asked you for money to get food, then go buy him food, even if it takes your last dollar, you get him some food, but not the money.
B) Treat everyone with respect no matter what.
C) Take care of your family.
D) Make sure every guest in your house is offered something to eat and something to drink.
E) Don’t just cut your yard; cut what make your house look nice, even if it means cutting your neighbor’s yard for free.
7) What else would you share regarding your experiences as a father thus far?
It’s been one heck of a ride. Seeing the boys grow from needing me to do everything for them to actually cooking for themselves is amazing. From me lifting them up to be able to shoot a basketball to them now draining three-pointers with no effort.
I can remember when my wife and I wrote out all the words our son knew about 2 months after his first word. Now he loves reading books and is a walking dictionary.
8) What have been the most memorable experiences that you have had thus far as a parent?
Christmas vacations have been the most memorable experiences thus far. We told our boys in 2015 that there would be no more Christmas gift because toys and electronics break and they outgrow clothes. So now they get one gift each (that they pick) and we go on a trip. 2015 we went diamond digging in Arkansas. 2016 we drove to Vegas, stayed 4 days, and drove back. 2017 we are booked for Gulf Shores, AL for 4 days.
If you have any questions for Shawn Ousley, 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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