Fatherhood comes with no handbook, but it does come with plenty of memorable moments, hard-earned wisdom, and unexpected laughs. It's a role that challenges, rewards, humbles, and inspires—often all in the same day. Whether it's navigating sleepless nights, cheering from the sidelines, or offering advice (solicited or not), dads show up in countless ways that shape the lives of their children and families.
To celebrate the men who fill this vital role, we caught up with four Lincoln-Way area dads to hear their take on what it really means to be a father. They shared personal reflections on the joys, the challenges, the lessons they've learned along the way, and the stories that make it all worthwhile.
What’s your go-to dance move or joke to make your kids laugh?
Weird “Fat” Al with a pillow stuffed in my shirt! My kids always crack up!
What’s your ultimate “dad superpower”?
I'm the go-to person in our house for building pretty sweet forts!
What does a typical Saturday morning look like in your house?
Saturdays are very chill. As long as we don’t have sports, we're usually having pancakes, coffee, and couchin’ it!
Best piece of advice for a new dad?
Embrace the chaos.
What’s the weirdest or funniest thing your kid or kids have said to you?
“Dad, I got a toilet car!!!” … the body of the Hot Wheels car was actually a toilet!
What’s the best piece of advice a father figure has given you?
Simply “Don’t give up”!
What snack do you and your kids fight over the most?
Spicy chips! We always buy the family size bags and constantly try to figure out who has them stashed away in their room.
If your life as a dad had a theme song, what would it be?
"The Circle of Life" from The Lion King
What’s your favorite dad duty and which one would you gladly give up?
My favorite dad duty is taking my kids to their sporting events. I would gladly give up discipline.
Best piece of advice for a new dad?
Patience is key in fatherhood. The sooner you learn to be patient the better life will be for those around you.
What snack do you and your kids fight over the most?
In our house, we normally fight over popsicles or chips.
If your life as a dad had a theme song, what would it be?
"Highway to Hell" by AC/DC
What’s your favorite dad duty and which one would you gladly give up?
My favorite duty would be making dinner or going grocery shopping. The duty I would gladly give up is definitely picking up dog poop and dusting!
Best piece of advice for a new dad?
My best piece of advice for a new dad is to just go one day at a time! You will never forget these memories when the kids get older.
What’s the best piece of advice a father figure has given you?
Always tell the truth to the ones you love.
What’s the best piece of advice a father figure has given you?
Don’t ever quit.
What snack do you and your kids fight over the most?
There's always a fight over the Oreos and pretzels!
If your life as a dad had a theme song, what would it be?
"Crazy Train" by Ozzy Osborne
What’s your favorite dad duty and which one would you gladly give up?
My favorite dad duty is playing with my kids. I’d gladly give up saying no to them!
Best piece of advice for a new dad?
Be present. Don’t miss stuff.