Dialo Askia | 44 | Father of 1 (New Dad)
Being a father in one word?
Amazing!
There's no blueprint for "good" parenting/fathering, in what way(s) do you think you could improve as a father?
I could improve as a father by increasing my focus. You can never be too tuned into the life of your child(ren). In that moment you checked your text, you could've missed a smile. In that phone conversation with someone else, you may have missed a question. My goal is to be the main source of information for my child so I need to be on alert to not miss those opportunities to impart knowledge.
What are you most proud of in terms of what you believe you’ve done right as a dad?
I am most proud of the love I've shown my son. He will never wonder whether his father loves or even likes him. I tell and show him every day.
What scares you most about the world our kids are growing up in?
What scares me most is the easy access to, and celebration of, misinformation and ignorance.
Most important life lessons that you want your kids to learn? (list or discuss up to 3)
The most important life lessons I want my son to learn are as follows, but not in order: 1. Set goals; long term and short; yearly, monthly, daily. You can't achieve long term goals without steadily achieving short term goals. 2. Don't be a follower. You will be lead astray or nowhere every time. Never be afraid to go against the grain and walk alone. 3. Pay attention to the details.
Any insights or words of encouragement for new or expecting fathers?
Enjoy each moment.
Anything else that you'd like to add or share about being a Black father?
An unfair stigma has been placed upon Black fathers. Those in control of imaging will have you believe we don't exist. Let's be present in our children's lives and understand they're learning from us every day. Don't try to be perfect. Be yourself. Be loving. Be kind. Be inspirational. Be encouraging. Be stern. Be true.
