Charles Hopper
CEO of Santa Barbara Zoo
What animal would you want to be and why?
“The Giant Pacific Octopus (GPO) is a curious, adaptable, and smart cephalopod. With three hearts and the ability to sense the world through hundreds of independent sensors constantly processing information across eight arms, the GPO can juggle several tasks independently, exactly how we parents have to when looking out for our kiddos, with multiple priorities, sometimes competing.
The octopus embodies discovery and resilience. They live intensely, taking advantage of every moment, processing complex information, and navigating challenging environments. Like the GPO, I’m passionate about exploring, learning, adapting, and appreciating the world's complexity while being prepared to navigate challenges. Having eight arms would help, too!”
Ed Wimberly, PhD
Clinical Psychologist and Author
“In spite of the many hours of family time, if I got to do it over again, I would have spent more one-on-one time with each of my daughters. Most of what we did was all together, which was great, but I think I missed some good times being with each girl individually.”
“As difficult as it is, we parents must consider the difference between challenging our authority and rebelling against it. All parents want their kids to leave home at 18, thinking for themselves, but many of us resist their practicing on us. When they appropriately challenge us, this is their way of figuring out what they think and believe. It enables them to develop the ability to think for themselves and not be swept up in what others think or believe, which is very important.”
Josh Brown
Owner and Chef at Little Bird
“I strive every day to evaluate and observe my actions and words to ensure that I teach my children values to contribute to the world around them. I want my girls to grow up with compassion, generosity, consideration, and understanding. I want them to learn from us to see the world as an endless supply of opportunity to grow and learn. I want them to understand that people are more alike than different, and we each deserve the space to be ourselves. I want them to learn resilience in the challenges they will face in life. Most importantly, I want them to know that I will always be there to support and guide them when they lose sight of those values.”
Matthew Pifer, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon
“Be present with your kids. Don’t let the world or phone distract you when they are around; there are rarely situations or emergencies that take precedence over their attention.”
“Teach them early about finances and money management because unfortunately, it’s lacking in the majority of early education. I do my best to teach the basics to my children so they have financial literacy. Read children’s books with your kids that teach financial lessons based on their age. However, my daughters aren’t fans when I take bites of their snacks and candy and call it the ‘daddy tax’.”
Sammy Baptista
Retired Professional Skateboarder, Owner of SB Skateboard Academy, Guest Editor of this SBC Issue (!)
How is being a skateboarding mentor like being a father?
“It's very similar. I’m trying to instill values and a strong work ethic, all while making kindness to others the top priority. I treat every kid I work with as I treat my children, seeing the best in them and believing they can accomplish whatever they set their minds to. While much of adult life is black and white, kids see in bright colors. I'm trying to help them keep that energy and build confidence in their God given abilities. The sky is the limit. I want all kids to find their passion and work as hard as possible to make their dream a reality.”