Our 721st Dad in the Limelight is founder of The Personal Growth Channel, Don Smith. I want to thank Don Smith for being a part of this series. It has been great getting connected with him and now sharing Don Smith with all of you.
1) Tell me about yourself, (as well as how you are in the limelight for my readers knowledge)
Hi, my name is Don Smith. I’m the founder of The Personal Growth Channel, and a father of 5 very active kids.
2) Tell me about your family
I have 4 girls and a boy. Age 16, 15, 11, 9, and 6, they keep me busy! We’re a blended family, but a happy one.
3) What has been the largest challenge you have had in being a father?
The largest challenge, that’s a tough one. We’ve gone through a lot as a family over the years. Major health issues, divorce, remarriage, blending families, financial struggles, time constraints, deaths, abuse, not a whole lot of challenges that we haven’t faced.
4) What advice would you give to other fathers?
Remember that you are raising kids to be successful adults. Let them figure out things on their own and make mistakes sometimes, that’s how they learn best. Be the one that encourages them to get back up and try again. At the same time, don’t forget they are still kids, and need some guidance and boundaries for their own safety. You will screw up. They will screw up. That’s OK. That’s life. Try to learn the lesson so that you don’t have to repeat it and then get up and move on.
5) How have you come to balance parenthood and outside life?
Balance is tough, especially with busy schedules. The main thing that I try to keep in mind is that it is all about work life choices, work life balance is a myth. Choices have consequences, so choose wisely. I try to choose those things that are the highest on my long term priority list, and say no to those things that are not.
6) What have you learned from the fathers that you have interacted with?
Kids tend to emulate their parent’s behavior over time, not follow their advice. Want a kid to do something? Model the behavior, then encourage them to follow.
7) What else would you share regarding your experiences as a father thus far?
Ever been on a plane? When they give you instructions, they always say put on your own oxygen mask first. That’s so that you can breathe, and survive yourself
as well as be of use to those around you. Remember to take time to put on your own oxygen mask first, then you will be of use to your kids and family. Do this with your marriage as well, you and your wife need time to be a couple and not just be parents.
8) What have been the most memorable experiences that you have had thus far as a parent?
Where to start…it’s been quite a ride, starting when my first daughter was born the day after Sept 11th when the towers came crashing down. Some experiences have been memorable, but not in a good way. Most I wouldn’t give up for the world though.
A few years ago, my three year old son came up to my wife holding something in his hand. He crawled up on our bed, and said, “Mom, I found this in my room on the floor.” He reached out his hand, and handed my wife a handful of dog poop. The look on her face…I thought I was going to die of laughter!
My daughter’s response to me asking her to clean her room. “***BEEP*** Morgan is not here at the moment. Please leave a message.”
My 15 year old daughter’s response to me asking why she had a bruise on the back of her neck.
“Well, we were doing squats in gym today and I must have held the bar a little wrong.”
“Oh? How much were you lifting?”
“250lbs”
When you realize your 140lb cheerleading daughter can probably out lift you…
“Whee!!!”
Whee! I thought? Oh that can’t be good… http://www.
“My favorite part was spending some time with you.” My daughter’s response after a fun vacation, that really hit home for me. http://www.
If you have any questions for Don Smith, 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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