Our 829th Dad in the Limelight is Damien Riley of Riley On Film. I want to thank Damien Riley for being a part of this series. It has been great getting connected with him and now sharing Damien Riley with all of you.
1) Tell me about yourself, (as well as how you are in the limelight for my readers knowledge)
I’m a blogger and podcaster and for the time being, teaching pays the bills. I cover movies in my side-job and have built up a small to medium following of people who read and listen. https://rileyonfilm.com (writing) and https://thedamienrileypodcast.com (podcast w 5 minute reviews) . I believe in having a passion, even if I don’t make a living at it, because it keeps me happy and in turn hopefully inspires those around me to find and follow theirs. I’m 48 with a BA, MA, and a teaching credential. I graduated from California State University, Fullerton in 1998. I play guitar and my itunes playlist is usually playing in my background.
2) Tell me about your family
I’m married to Sarah who is a model therapist at a high school. She’s worked with kids and adults in her career and currently is enjoying the challenges of helping kids at her high school where she graduated from. It’s been fun watching her achieve her dreams. We have 3 children: Brandon 19, Isabella 13, and Julianna 10. When Sarah and I decided to have children, we never knew they would turn out as respectful, kind, and creative as these three. WE have certain parenting styles but one thing we agree on is that kids look at you to see if you can back up what you say.
3) What has been the largest challenge you have had in being a father?
Probably thinking I could save them the trial and error of getting hurt in love or heartbreak from life in general. There’s nothing wrong with stating the goal but demanding they understand and follow every one of them causes tension, and sometimes lying. You can’t expect a kid to “get” what your years of experience have taught you. Just tell them once and then be around to pick up the pieces.
4) What advice would you give to other fathers?
Practice taking in a peaceful, laughing non-serious voice. Kids listen better when they don’t have to filter through yelling or stress. Be the perfect father you would like to have.
5) How have you come to balance parenthood and outside life?
Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm Passes, planned vacations, meditation to shut work out. Check out their music and movies. It may be the hardest thing you do but you might be surprised you put some of their music on YOUR playlist after awhile. Give everyone turns with the music too. Don’t neglect your wife either. She is the pendulum that keeps the peace. Consciously give her attention before you bring up ideas to do with the kids. I’m a bad person to ask because I keep work at work and a lot of teachers I know have it always on their mind. It’s not worth it. No one at work is likely to be at your funeral but your kids will.
6) What have you learned from the fathers that you have interacted with?
Most dad’s I have known are aware of the example they are to their kids. Even when we aren’t “cool” we are the example of adult men in the world to our kids.
7) What else would you share regarding your experiences as a father thus far?
Make it a mild habit to take pictures of your family. My dad was/is annoying at times about that but it was only because my mom made him do it. Subscribe to Flickr and start filing/storing your photos right when your family begins. These will be the “go to” place of the family to post on Facebook or just sit around waiting for an appointment feeling those raw emotions photos evoke.
8) What have been the most memorable experiences that you have had thus far as a parent?
Every hug.
Homework, guitar and bass lessons, listening about relationship successes and hurts.
Family trips including our Hawaii trip, wow so fun.
Walks to the park
So many more
If you have any questions for Damien Riley, please leave a comment here and I will make sure that he gets them so that he may be able to respond!
——————————————————————————————-
New to the Divadom?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions?Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com
The post Dads in the Limelight – Damien Riley of Riley On Film appeared first on Dad of Divas.