An afterthought on summer vacation, a continual punch line on most sitcoms is there anyone more taken for granted today than dear old Dad? Father’s Day is June 15, and Baton Rouge offers a variety of restaurants and activities to show your dad some much-deserved extra appreciation. This month, 225 features five locals who, in their own ways, are making fatherhood count.
Michael Gennaro, owner and furniture craftsman, Barndog Mill, LLC, 31
Children: Maximo (5) and Lucy (3).
My biggest challenge: Ask my wife—ha! I don’t know why, but dads can easily be just as grouchy and whiny as our kids, if not more. When I lose focus on being a leader to my kids, I apologize to the little guys. It’s important to take that extra step.
My advice for dads: If we only praise children for their successes as opposed to their failures or their willingness to innovate, they’ll never take the risks that deliver extraordinary results. It takes way more work to walk by their side through failure as opposed to doing something for them or giving them the right answer to memorize.
Lesson from my dad: Surround yourself with bigger brains than yours, revel in the success of others and emulate them, and, finally, create value in the world through improving upon the success of others.
How we connect: Lucy loves for me to throw the Frisbee—which she calls “crispy”—with her. For Max, there is no greater reward than to have him in my wood shop building with me. We really connect on that creative level. Before school and before bedtime, I like to play their favorite songs on the piano.
Rob Mulhearn, recent LSU Law School graduate and musician, 35
Children: Elliott (5) and a second son expected to be born after press time.
My biggest challenge: Trying to figure out the rules to the games that Elliott creates.
My advice for dads: Find old episodes of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood online. They’ll enjoy watching the show, and you’ll pick up parenting lessons, too.
Lesson from my dad: Take the time to be silly. My dad loved to tell goofy jokes and play games. Now that I have children, I have a good excuse to build a blanket fort or put on a record and dance around the living room.
How we connect: We play music and ride bikes together.
Randy P. Roussel, Attorney, Phelps Dunbar, 58
Children: Randi (24), Ryann (22) and Jason (18).
My biggest challenge: I want my kids to not only develop their own individual interests, but to have strong family ties. These two objectives often compete with each other. You can’t play in the baseball game and at the same time go to the crawfish boil at your grandparents’ house.
My advice for dads: Select activities that are based on your child’s interests, and find one that is both a challenge and gives time to interact. I think it is important to do things with all the kids as a group as well as to have special one-on-one time.
Lesson from my dad: My dad allowed me to act independently, even if he knew I was doomed for failure. He wouldn’t share an easier way to reach a goal, but would sit back and wait for me to figure it out on my own. He kept me out of harm’s way, but he let me explore an adventure without explaining how he would do it. This taught me that success from independent action develops self-esteem and a willingness to embrace the challenges we all face in life.
How we connect: We travel a lot—bike rides together, one-on-one basketball games, photographic excursions, hikes in Tunica, road trips to Jazz Fest, yoga classes, swimming, the Christmas bonfire, and vacations to North Carolina with no TV allowed.
Chancelier, “Xero” Skidmore, Executive director, Forward Arts, 42
Children: Shanti (21).
My biggest challenge: Her mom and I parted ways before Shanti made 1 year old, so my biggest challenge has always been filling the weekend visits with tons of interaction and teaching.
My advice for dads: Always show your child respect. That’s how they’ll know what it looks like and how much they need it.
Lesson from my dad: The biggest thing I learned from my dad was that you can’t ever take back what you say and do.
How we connect: We’re both writers and performers. Anything in life has a musical analogy through which we can explain ourselves more clearly. Also, both of us love to laugh together.
Derek Fitch, owner, Fitch Development, 32
Children: Beckett (2) and Rivers (4 months).
My biggest challenge: My motto has always been “Work hard, play hard.” Well, that takes some balancing now that I have two children. I don’t ever want to regret missing moments and milestones with them for any selfish reasons.
My advice for dads: Five things: Set the example for your children; a sense of humor is required; respect their mother always, and share in the household responsibilities; cherish time with the kids; teach them independence.
Lesson from my dad: Input equals return. And, love unconditionally!
How we connect: That’s all about giving them my undivided attention.
