Blog | Idaho AEYC

The Intentional Dad

Submitted by Idaho AEYC on Tue, 06/07/2022 - 15:33

He Parents With Purpose and Practice

Drop by Clinton Blettner’s house in the evening and you’ll find six-year-old Addilyn and her brother Landon, 5, devouring the spaghetti or casserole their dad made. After dinner you’ll see a father reading books to—or watching a movie with—two children.

“Addilyn is the TV show one, and Landon is the runner,” Clinton said, noting that running is a useful skill for an aspiring superhero. “Landon and I run around holding superhero figurines and pretending like we’re fighting the bad guys—that’s a typical game in our house,” he said.

Clinton became a single dad four years ago, landing him in a world he didn’t comprehend. “I was not raised to understand how to raise kids, so when I got thrown into (that) situation being a single dad... it was a very growing, stretching experience for me,” explained. “(When) it’s only you, you actually get outnumbered by the kids,” he said wryly.

The Dive-Right-In Dad

Submitted by Idaho AEYC on Tue, 06/07/2022 - 15:18

Trusts his ability to communicate with his son

C.J. Stark and his son Leon, 7, may be settled in on the sofa watching another episode of the old TV show Family Matters if you stop by their place. You might see father and son walking around Midtown, Coeur d’Alene, too, talking about

anything and everything with Leon leading the conversation with questions. C.J. says trust and conversation are keys to successful parenting. “I didn’t have bad parents; I really have great parents,” he said.

“Growing up in my house you couldn’t really tell your family what you were up to as a kid, or if you were doing something you shouldn’t.” So, all topics are on the table with Leon, C.J. said. “I want him to be able to talk to me about anything, and I make it a point to ask him if there’s anything bothering him.”

Busy Dad of Four

Submitted by Idaho AEYC on Tue, 06/07/2022 - 13:26

He takes fatherhood seriously - with a dose of humility

Chad Oswald says a good father makes time for his children, listens to them, teaches new things, plays with his kids, and encourages them to move on from their mistakes, just like he moves on from his mistakes.

“Being the father of four is a nonstop endeavor; it’s a lot to do. My wife Megan and I waited to have kids until we were

ready so that helps, but it’s a huge responsibility. Being a dad is the most important job I’ll ever have. My kids will only have one dad; it’s important for me to do that job right. I’ve got responsibilities at work and other places, but those (responsibilities) all have to be secondary to parenting,” he says.

family photo

Starting an Emerging Leaders Club

Submitted by Idaho AEYC on Tue, 05/24/2022 - 13:36

Emerging Leaders Club is an opportunity for college students earning their education degrees to connect with Idaho AEYC’s network of experts and other early childhood educators. There are clubs around Idaho, but it's very simple to start your own if you don't have one on your campus!

STARTING UP

Read more about Starting an Emerging Leaders Club

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