I Never Realized Class Was In Session | Prime Political

In Training to be a Father

My childhood was interesting to say the least. Not to say it was different from other children. I am only relating to my experiences and how it shaped me into becoming the father I am and the relationship with my sons. I have no daughters.

As families go, I am the third of seven children. Three boys, a girl, then three more brothers. Dad worked 33 years for the Post Office before retiring, and mom worked full time dealing with us. How she dealt with dad is another story. That woman should be Canonized.

Reflecting on the skills my dad used to raise his children bears review. Not on him as a person, but what influences did he bring to the table when he became a parent. Let’s face it, times were also much different during his upbringing. He grew up in the south during segregation.

That man demanded excellence from all of us, and he was forceful in making his point.

What a Dynamic

From seven children, our span runs 26 years apart from oldest to youngest, with seven years being the biggest gap between siblings. This is very important in formulating what type of parent I wanted to be. Since dad was the sole earner for the family, he lead by example. Until I went to high school, he worked two jobs to keep a roof over our heads, full stomachs and a great education.