Back in November, we asked St. Louis Blues player Vladimir Tarasenko what it was like raising his then two (now three) children. He told us about their dates to The Magic House and the realities of being a dad. “I’m no longer responsible just for me," he said. "I’m responsible for setting a good example and teaching my kids." In March, we asked KSDK's Anthony Slaughter about raising his twin boys, where he admitted, as a single dad, he often feels outnumbered. "My boys have very different personalities," he said. "I try to stop and realize who they are during discussions and debates. It helps to just go with it."
With Father's Day fast approaching this weekend, we reached out to a few more St. Louis dads for their takes on parenthood. Their answers? They'll melt your heart.
courtesy of gerard craft
Gerard Craft and his two daughters.
Gerard Craft, executive chef and owner of Niche Food Group
- What do you love about fatherhood?
My two girls always keep me grounded. Watching them grow up is so much fun. I love seeing all of their interests and how those impact their lives. Seeing my kids excited about something totally energizes me.
- How do you spend time with your family?
My favorite family time is either on vacation or around the dinner table. The best conversations always seem to happen at dinner!
- What do you hope your daughters learn from you?
I hope to teach my daughters both confidence in themselves and empathy for others.
Courtesy of Marcell Ozuna
Marcell Ozuna with his three kids and wife, Genesis Guzman.
Marcell Ozuna, left fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals
- What does being a father mean to you?
There is nothing more important to me than my family—my kids are my treasure, and they are the reason why I work hard every day.
- How do you spend time with your family in the offseason?
My favorite thing to do in the off-season is ride jet skis on the beach with my family in Bocachica, Dominican Republic, and then dine together at a beachfront restaurant.
Alexis S. Wright, head of New City School
- How do you view fatherhood?
Fatherhood is a remarkable experience. It is a combination of listening, teaching, sharing and sacrificing. It is really fun but it is also really challenging at times as children grow up and mature and encounter adversity. But, as hard as it is, you have to try and treasure every moment you can—from the good to the bad.
- What is something you hope to teach your children?
[I strive to] teach my children to be good individuals, to have confidence, to be considerate, and to help others is my daily work as a dad!
Richard L. Nix Jr., president of Butler’s Pantry
- What has been the best thing about being a father of five?
No matter how old they get, they still need their father.
- What is it like to work with your children?
Having the two eldest interested in learning the business from other leaders at Butler's Pantry has been amazing. My father Richard Sr. and I are very excited about the third generation’s energy and enthusiasm for growing our culture. The future looks very bright!
- What is the best parenting advice you have received?
“Remember, it is their journey not yours.”
Courtesy of Matt Hall
Matt Hall and his daughter Harper.
Matt Hall, author, podcast host, and co-founder and president of Hill Investment Group
- What do you hope to teach your daughter?
When we are little, our view of the world extends only three feet in front of us and not much farther. I like to highlight a broader perspective for my daughter [Harper]. I think there is strength and confidence in having a longer view.
- What is your approach to discussing money with your kids?
We are too quiet about money, especially here in the Midwest. I like to demystify money by actually talking about it.
Aaron Park and his wife Chelsea with their son Bodhi.
Aaron Park, Arch Apparel owner
- How has becoming a father changed you?
Becoming a father unlocked the meaning of life. The moments where I watch [my son] Bodhi experience something for the very first time are moments I try to never miss.
- What have you learned from fatherhood?
Being a dad of a baby means having no shame. There is not a silly noise, face, or dance I won’t do in any situation to make Bodhi smile.
- How do you balance managing a business and having a young child?
Arch Apparel is like having a child already. Finding balance is always a challenge and probably something I’ll never master. One thing we do, however, is make the weekends 'family time.' That always includes eating out a couple of times, shopping, or just relaxing at home.
