Justin Benjegerdes works as an HVAC technician at Waldorf University. He lives in Forest City, IA where he is raising his daughters and sons! Every Dad of the Week answers the following questions, read on to learn more about Justin and his family!
- What was your first reaction when you found out that you were going to be a father?
- I was extremely excited, yet terrified at the same time.
- When you knew you were going to be a father, who or where did you turn to for advice?
- My parents. They have always been there to help me with advice.
- How would your kids describe you as a dad?
- The oldest boy says “I’m always trying to make a funny!”
- What has been the biggest challenge you have had in being a father?
- Connecting with my step children. It took some time to develop a relationship with my wife’s kids.
- Looking back on your life as a father, what would you change if you could?
- Spending more time with them from day one and not letting work take over my life like it used to.
- What do you do for fun with your children?
- There is no way I can make this a short answer haha. Camping, hiking, board games, sports, parks, kayaking, vacations, and a plethora of other things. We are an extremely active family!
- What advice would you give to other dads?
- Spend as much time as you can with your kids. You only get 18 years, 18 summers to make memories with them, before they go off to make their own. Make the most out of every day. Listen to what they have to say. Their word matters just as much as yours does.
- How have you come to balance fatherhood and outside life?
- My outside life is my work. Otherwise when I’m not at work I’m spending the time with my family in some fashion. Whether it’s getting kids to activities, or helping coach a sport they are in.
- What have been the most memorable experiences that you have had thus far as a father?
- The birth of my 3 children and I was at the hospital for the birth of one of my step kids (though at the time I didn’t know she would become one). Baby’s first smile. I will never forget those.
