1. What's it like to be a Dad and a Doctor? How do you balance both?
Being a Dad and a Doctor actually has a lot of similarities. Most of the time I'm trying to educate while being understanding and taking care of each person individually. The hard part is the balance. I work fairly long hours during the day and am often exhausted by the end of the day. I try to be as present as possible at home even if that just means lying on the ground and letting the kids jump on me. I also try to make up for any lack of time during the week on the weekends. I'll typically take on more of the parental responsibilities during the weekend and try to spend a lot of time with the boys.
2. What do you think is your most important job as a Dad?
That is a big question and difficult to answer with one answer. I would say my most important job as a Dad is to point my kids towards Christ and to set the example for what a life under Christ's lordship looks like. This is a daunting task in the world that we live in. I try to model to my boys what a loving, compassionate, and just Dad is like. I try to remind myself that the way that my kids see me will impact the way that they see God the Father. I also know that they are constantly watching so I want them to see my studying and memorizing scripture, I want them to see how I treat my wife, and I want them to see how God makes us strong and courageous.
3. What one piece of advice is important for first time parents?
What kids learn is more caught than taught. I believe how you live your life is more impactful than anything you could say. You need to live in a way that shows your love for God is real, your love for your wife is real, your love for them is real, and your love for others is real.
4. What's your favorite Raise Them Well product and why?
My favorite Raise Them Well product is our Calming Magnesium Balm. This is uniquely formulated to make Magnesium Oil more soothing and less itchy than regular Magnesium Oil. It is also so amazing to hear the testimonials about how this has helped kids with sleep and anxiety.
5. What do you think is the biggest misconception when it comes to children and health?
I think the biggest misconception is to think that what you do for their health as a child doesn't matter. That because they are young they can eat junk and use toxic products and that it isn't going to affect them later in life. The foundation for health is set when children are young and we are either putting them on the path to wellness or the path to disease everyday.
6. Which one change do you think can help families become healthier?
Eating home cooked meals together. I'm not sure why this tradition has gone away. Research shows that when families eat meals together they are stronger and have better relationships. This provides a high quality meal each day and gets kids used to cooking and eating natural foods.
7. Which discipline strategy is most effective?
I'm still trying to figure that out. I think that the discipline strategy that is most effective depends on each kid. We have had varied success with timeouts, removing privileges, standing in the corner, and sending them to their room. A strategy that we have only had to use a couple times but is probably the most effective is spanking. We reserve this for when it involves safety or when they are blatantly disrespectful. I know that there are arguments for reasons not to spank and I understand those arguments but I also think that in certain circumstances it may be necessary. I would also note that it has to be sandwiched with love. They need to know why they are being disciplined, you need to be calm when you do it, and they need to be loved and hugged immediately after.