Dad of the Week: Daniel Cantu

Daniel Cantu works as an Architectural Draftsman. He lives in Round Rock, Texas where he is raising his son and daughter! Every Dad of the Week answers the following questions, read on to learn more about Daniel and his family!

• What was your first reaction when you found out that you were going to be a father?
  •  My wife patiently gave me two days of “acceptance, fear, and panic” before I came to the realization that I was going to be a dad. Then overwhelming joy kicked in! 
• When you knew you were going to be a father, who or where did you turn to for advice?
  • Everyone with a kid tries to give you advice. I learned to ignore all advice because my daughter would be different. But the best life advice my own dad gave me was “work the problem, process of elimination, and you’ll find the solution”. You learn quick what not to do and you just roll with it. No one can prepare you for that. You just have to do it. 
• How would your kids describe you as a dad?
  • Active, crazy, goofy, loving, and fun. 

• What has been the largest challenge you have had in being a father?
  • Learning to be selfless. And realizing that no one will pat you on the back for being a good dad. There is no recognition or medal. There is just doing whatever it takes for your child, for your wife, at the expense of money, time, and sleep. That is the difference between a good dad and a bad one. It’s a tough job. But it is your responsibility to be there, ALWAYS, at any cost. 
• Looking back on your life as a father, what would you change if you could?
  • Try to be more patient. Your children feed off of your emotional state. They’ll relax if you do. Have patience, be calm, embrace the suck and just be the dad they need you to be. 
• What do you do for fun with your children?
  • I wrestle with my 3 yr old daughter, play ball, walk with her as she rides her bike. She creates pretend scenarios like picnics or putting me in jail. So I play along with that. My son is 5 months old so I pretty much just hold him and do tummy time. 

• What advice would you give to other dads?
  • Be the dad they need you to be. Accept the fact that they are your life now. When things get hard and you’re an inch away from exploding, look your daughter in the eyes and realize she needs you to be the leader of her life, the example she must follow. Be the dad they need you to be, regardless of how hard it is. Embrace the suck dude. The good with them is sooo much more important. 
• How have you come to balance fatherhood and outside life?
  • Work ends when I leave work. They begin the minute I step into the house. Work has no place at home. My wife and my kids are the priority. Create that line and follow it. No exceptions. 

• What have been the most memorable experiences that you have had thus far as a father?
  • Every waking moment with them is a new adventure. Cherish it. Remember it. Photograph it and write it down. Every moment matters. 

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