Dad of the Week: Brian Naylor

Brian Naylor works for Subaru as a Car Rental Manager in Salt Lake City, Utah where he is raising four daughters! Every Dad of the Week answers the following questions, read on to learn more about Brian and his daughters!

• What was your first reaction when you found out that you were going to be a father?
  • I had twins first and I was over the top excited.
• When you knew you were going to be a father of a daughter, who or where did you turn to for advice?
  • I turned to my dad, he had four daughters, so he knew what I was getting into.
• How would your kids describe you as a dad?
  • They would say I’m a dork, but they know I love them more than anything and would do anything for them. 

• What has been the largest challenge you have had in being a father?
  • My stepdaughter sees me as her only dad, even though her dad is in the picture. I spent part of my life with no relationship with my dad and I regret it. I don’t want her to feel that way. But she just doesn’t feel it right now. 
• Looking back on your life as a father, what would you change if you could?
  • I would be more patient with the little things. 
• What do you do for fun with your daughter(s)?
  • We watch Wrestling (Undertaker is their current favorite). We love, love, love to go fishing. My oldest (12) and I cook together, second oldest (12) likes to watch horror movies, third oldest (10) likes to watch wrestling movies and shows, and my youngest (9) likes to have tea parties.

• What advice would you give to other dads with daughters?
  • You will have ups and downs. Remember to be a listening ear no matter what. Make sure they know they can talk to you about anything without getting in trouble for it. And let them be who they are. Don’t be disappointed if they are not who you wanted them to be. Love them unconditionally for who they are. 
• How have you come to balance fatherhood and outside life?
  • I make sure that my daughters know they come first. I don’t miss holidays or activities. But work pays the bills, so I make sure I give an honest effort to work. 

• What have been the most memorable experiences that you have had thus far as a father?
  • With my oldest, she was learning to write and finally was able to write her name and wrote it over and over on a piece of paper and gave it to me as a present. 
  • Second oldest, at her first gymnastics competition, cried when she got last place overall. I told her to not be sad, she could be okay with last or work harder to never be last again, and I would support whatever she did. She ended up getting in the top three at her last competition and she was so thrilled with her work paying off. 
  • My third once told me that more than anyone else in the world, I get her. It meant a lot because she is such a mommy’s girl. 
  • My youngest performed in a ballet and I waved at her to get her to break her salute. She waved back and got in trouble but she told me, “I always have to wave back at daddy.”

If you’d like to be spotlighted in the weeks ahead, please fill out this form.