Dads in the Limelight – Steve Gombar

Our 862nd Dad in the Limelight is Steve Gombar. I want to thank Steve Gombar for being a part of this series. It has been great getting connected with him and now sharing Steve Gombar with all of you.

1) Tell me about yourself, (as well as how you are in the limelight for my readers’ knowledge)

I own an SEO agency by day and I am a blogger by night. In between, I also work in IT. I used to co-host Growth Success Radio and now have a podcast called SEO Hackerz though I have taken a few weeks off from it.

2) Tell me about your family

Father to 3 children ranging in age from 4 to 23. I am also a new grandfather to a 3-month-old boy.  My children are Arielle (23), Isaiah (8) and Hannah (Izzy) (4) I have been married for 9 years to my beautiful wife Cluny.

 Yep, I know that look you’re giving me right now.

3) What has been the largest challenge you have had in being a father?

In the spirit of complete honesty, it’s probably patience. For example, if one of my children is trying to complete a school assignment or something challenging to them I sometimes try to take over. My children are good about reminding me that they can do it though.

The other challenge is sleep.  I don’t think I have had 7 hours of consecutive sleep in at least 8 years.

And my daughter’s hair.  I am clueless.

4) What advice would you give to other fathers?

Where to start??

Sleep when you can.  I mastered the art of taking naps with my children but making it look as though I am napping because I helped them to nap.  Doesn’t work as much as it used to because they’re getting older.

When you make or purchase food plan on your children at least trying it, so you may want to order more.

Each child is very unique.  Learn to treat them as individuals, not as a platoon.

Play with them, dance with them, enjoy the time because before you know it the time will be gone.  I cannot dance to save my life.  Everytime my daughter asks me to dance I dance.  I probably know more about My Little Pony than any adult should but that’s because of play time.  Just do it.

Probably the biggest one – BE THERE.  I don’t care what your relationship or life situation is nothing is more important than being there for your children.  Be a dependent, caring, loving and honest (as much as possible) dad.

Dads Do Matter!!

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

Wasn’t aware I did…lol.

My family is in a weird position.  My wife’s job requires her to be on the road a lot. Fortunately, most of my work can be done from home so I usually handle the activities and after school stuff with the kids.  It also helps tremendously with non-school days, sick days and the occasional school just isn’t gonna happen today.

Dads, like anyone else, do need time away from their kids.  I don’t do it often but sometimes I will go to a baseball game or other men’s outing without the children.

I try to work out, mostly cardio when I can.  It helps to relieve stress.  I wish I could be more consistent with it.

The Dad Tax helps me tell the story and relate to other dads.  I believe that dads need to be lifted up more so that is part of my reasoning behind creating the blog site.

6) What have you learned from the fathers that you have interacted with?

One of the more common stereotypes of dads is that we should not show emotion. I have been fortunate to be around dads who do not believe this stereotype. It’s OK to show tears of joy (dust in your eyes), sadness, pain, etc…

The dads I know are extremely active in their child(rens) lives, no matter what their relationship situation is.  When I am out with the kids I see other dads with their children all the time.

I have also learned that most dads have to deal with the same things when it comes to parenting.  Sharing your challenges and stories helps build confidence as a dad and maybe you get a different perspective to put into practice.

7) What else would you share regarding your experiences as a father thus far?

It’s OK not to be perfect, not to know the answer, not to be able to afford the expensive toy..just be there for your children. Children need a father’s love as much a mother’s love.

8) What have been the most memorable experiences that you have had thus far as a parent?

There are really two.  The first is my 4-year-old daughter (Izzy).  She was born 10 weeks premature.  We were told of all these things that would be a challenge for her but she is incredibly strong and faced almost no challenges.  She left the hospital to come home 4 weeks before she was supposed to be born and we have never looked back.  Today she’s a strong-willed, determined and talented little lady who’s growing like a weed.  She’s my diva!!

The other is being able to coach my son at baseball.  I have been able to coach him for 4 years now.  To watch him develop in the player he is becoming is so awesome and something I believe neither of us will ever forget.

If you have any questions for Steve Gombar, 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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