Mat Shaw owns a real estate company and lives in Utah where he is raising his family! Every Dad of the Week answers the following questions, read on to learn more about Mat and his family! You can find Mat through the following platforms: Facebook: @matandsavanna, Twitter: @matandsavanna, Instagram: @matandsavanna, Youtube: /matandsavanna, Website: www.matandsavannamusic.com.
- What was your first reaction when you found out that you were going to be a father?
- It was amazing, and heavy all at the same time. I had always wanted to have a family of my own. I was overcome with love for this baby, and felt like my heart grew the second I heard I was going to be a dad.
- When you knew you were going to be a father of a daughter, who or where did you turn to for advice?
- I grew up with 4 sisters, one of which was born when I was 11, so I felt like I would be better prepared for a daughter than a son surprisingly. My wife has been a huge help though in helping me understand my daughter though.
- How would your kids describe you as a dad?
- Playful, fun, hard working, and at times strict, but loving.
- What has been the largest challenge you have had in being a father?
- Finding the balance between work and family.
- Looking back on your life as a father, what would you change if you could?
- There have been times that I have gotten angry with my kids. I think there is a better way to encourage proper behavior than anger.
- What do you do for fun with your daughter(s)?
- Sing! We love spending time together on the music. Before we shared all this music together we would spend time together watching shows that we both love, or playing games, or just hanging out and talking.
- What advice would you give to other dads with daughters?
- Love your daughter. Show her by example. Then allow her to develop into her own person.
- How have you come to balance fatherhood and outside life?
- It is difficult. I want my kids to learn hard work and the thrill of chasing after something hard and accomplishing it. And I want to be there for them. I like to envision an emotional bank account. If I need to work more for a period (make withdrawals), it doesn’t seem to bother anyone if I have invested time previously to build our relationship (make deposits).
- What have been the most memorable experiences that you have had thus far as a father?
- I love spending time together making memories. Vacations are especially important to me. I lost my own father when I was 14, and I am so grateful he prioritized making memories over buying nicer things. I try to do the same.
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