Fatherly Advice from Local Dads
Moms might give advice more freely and frequently, but don’t discount fathers when it comes to helpful pointers – dad jokes aside. They learn pretty quickly how to function in life with a munchkin and pick up some wisdom along the way. We asked some fathers in the community to share what advice they’d offer fellow dads.
Dr. Andrew Payne
Chiropractor, Lake City Chiropractic
“The biggest piece of advice I can give is to love every moment of the journey. It feels like just yesterday when Olivia was born, over three years ago.”
Todd Lollis
Operations Pastor, Freedom Church
“The best advice anyone has ever given me in regards to parenting is that the days are long, but the years are short. It’s easy to get caught up in the day to day routine and stress of trying to work and care for a family. However, I realize that the years are passing quickly and there will be a day when they are on their own and I’ll wish they were around more. Enjoy the journey!”
David Beall
Assistant Athletic Director for Communications, Kennesaw State University
“Take a mental picture, they said. Remember all the little things, they said. I decided to take this advice to heart three months before our daughter was born, and I started an Instagram account for Parker Grace. While part of it was a joke since my career revolves around social media, I figured I could give our little nugget a voice through images and let her personality shine. With 117 Instagram posts to date, @parkergrace1122 has taken on a life of its own and given us a place to scroll through and reminisce on the infectious smile that melts our hearts daily. One day I will turn the keys to the account over to Parker and let her continue to capture her life moments so I don’t miss a thing when she grabs her car keys and rushes off to meet her friends. So while it started as a joke, it has turned into a way to savor memories, remember all the little moments and give friends and family a peek into the everyday life of one of the happiest little toddlers on the planet. As cliché as it sounds, it’s the smallest moments that mean the most, so don’t let a chance slip away to create a memory you could scroll through and see 20 years from now.”
C.A. Phillips
Communications Pastor, NorthStar Church
“Some of the very best advice I ever received about being a good dad came from a young man who wasn’t yet a dad himself. In fact, he was the middle school pastor at our church. My son was about to be a middle-schooler, and he said, ‘Stay in your kids’ business. Most parents decide to pull back and disengage with their kids when they go into middle school, because they believe their kids don’t want them as involved in their lives. But, they DO want you in their business … they just won’t ever tell you!’
“So, as both my sons went through middle school, I remained an active part of their lives. And, because I was always there, it was never weird or embarrassing when I was around them and their friends. They liked me being there – most of the time.”
Jim Hilber
President, Acworth Business Association
“Every father should remember that one day his sons will follow his example instead of his advice.”
John Bonn
Core Complement Director, JDA Software
“Frankly, the biggest surprise in being a husband and father is how fast the time goes. My most memorable life experiences are of these precious gifts from God. The advice I’d give any father would be get (and give!) as many hugs, kisses and ‘I Love You’s’ as you can. Treasure every moment!”
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