Our 639th Dad in the Limelight is Jim Crawley. I want to thank Jim Crawley for being a part of this series. It has been great getting connected with him and now sharing Jim Crawley with all of you.
1) Tell me about yourself, (as well as how you are in the limelight for my readers knowledge)
I am 52 years old and I work in the field of international education. I have been in this field for over 20 years. I have held state, regional and national volunteer positions in the field of international education and frequently meet with university professionals throughout the Midwest and Western US, and present annually at various professional conferences. I am finishing up my 11th and final year on the Allendale Public School Board, and I also help the Allendale HS Fine Arts Center and Life Stream Church in bringing in concerts and special events. Finally, I also volunteer for Allendale Township in helping to coordinate Summer Music in the Parks.
2) Tell me about your family
I have been married to my wife Mary for 28 years. We have two sons who are 26 and 22 years old. Both live in Grand Rapids, so we get to see them fairly frequently, which we enjoy.
3) What has been the largest challenge you have had in being a father?
Life is full of challenges for everyone and I fully realize that what might have been a challenge for me might be nothing significant for someone else. I have always traveled professionally, so I think one of the biggest challenges was finding a way to balance the work schedule with being an active parent in the lives of my boys. Traveling for longer periods of time, sometimes out of the country definitely made things challenging in this regard. I did have the opportunity to take each of them on an international trip, which was especially enjoyable for both of us.
4) What advice would you give to other fathers?
Be patient and tolerant. It is obviously important that your children learn from you, but it is also important that you learn from them. Teach them to treat as you would want to be treated. Children are born innocent. They grow and develop in the image of those that have the greatest influence on them. Remember that there are many “firsts” that you will not want to miss, and also remember that their childhood will go by fast. Enjoy it! One important thing to remember is to do your best of being there for your children when they have special events, athletic events, awards nights, performances, etc. They need to see you there. Also, if you say you are going to be somewhere for them, make sure you are there. Be honest with them if you think you will miss something. They will be disappointed but not as much as if you didn’t show up when you were expected.
5) How have you come to balance parenthood and outside life?
Work happens, and life happens. We do not always have control over either one. You need to prioritize your professional activities and travel to the extent of your ability. Use a calendar and make notes in regard to future family events so that you can try and schedule around them, if possible. If you have the option, and are able to discern this, work for companies that recognize the importance of family. Try not to overextend yourself with work, volunteer activities, etc. while your kids are in school. That said pick a few things that you and/or you and your spouse really enjoy doing and make sure to take time to do them. Even though the children will be and should be front and center in your life, You still need to time to unwind and enjoy “you” time as well as time with your spouse and friends.
6) What have you learned from the fathers that you have interacted with?
As with many of you, I have encountered what I consider both good and not so good examples of fathers. Most males can “father” a child, but not everyone knows how to be a “father” that children need them to be. Luckily, I have known some great men who have helped to shape me as a father and husband. I have watched them support their children through guidance and direction. I have watched them reprimand their children, and I have watched them love and respect their children. You are a parent, not a best friend or a “buddy”.
7) What else would you share regarding your experiences as a father thus far?
It has been a pleasure to be in my sons’ lives. They have tested me at times, but the joys in life I have experienced for them and with them eclipses any challenges that we overcame along the way. Be proud of your kids. and make sure they know that you expect them to do their best at whatever they do. Listen to them, giving advice when asked, sympathy when needed, and action when required.
8) What have been the most memorable experiences that you have had thus far as a parent?
There are really too many to mention here, but here are a few that stand out in my mind:
- The “firsts”..steps, words, riding a bike, driving, awards, etc.
- Seeing one son have great performances in athletics, while being able to pin the Eagle Scout medal on the other son.
- Traveling with them overseas, and also enjoying local trips with them.
- Being worried about them when they were out in the evening or traveling.
- Watching them be successful in school and in jobs.
If you have any questions for Jim Crawley, 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 – Jim Crawley appeared first on Dad of Divas.