We have heard from Pure Beginnings’ Co-Founder and Managing Director, Bruce Moore-Gordon, and now it’s time to glean some wisdom from Don Dinnematin, a (very) proud father and one of our brand ambassadors.
Don is a force to be reckoned with in the world of hands-on dads. Having appeared in The Sunday Tribune, The Berea Mail, The Mercury, Get It Magazine and, more recently, Living and Loving Magazine, he is fiercely passionate about parenting, and loving his family well. Let’s hear what he has to say:
From Don himself:
Hi, I’m Don. Husband to my gorgeous wife, Milly and father to Gia and Koah. We live in sunny Durban and when I am not working as a Digital Marketing Specialist for an International company, I am working on my blog, The Don Father and living out an amazingly blessed life. Being a Father is something I am fiercely passionate about and something that fuels me from the inside out. I’m on a mission to break stereotypes around fatherhood and encourage dads to stand tall, be loud and proud, and enjoy this incredible journey.
What makes you so motivated to empower dads in the parenting space?
As dads we are hugely influential in the eyes of our children. We shouldn’t be content with the fact that we’re simply dads. Instead, we must challenge ourselves to become fathers who are a positive force in the lives of our wives and children.
I know today’s modern dads are out there actively rocking fatherhood. Let’s talk about it. Let’s talk about the challenges we face as involved fathers. Let’s change the stereotype and voice our love, feelings, worries and challenges. We need to build a stronger community around active dads.
What is the most joy-filled part of being a dad, and what is the hardest?
The best? Everything! Absolutely everything! Waking up to these little faces fills me with an overwhelming sense of pride and joy!
The hardest part for me, has been the process of understanding that I am capable. Growing up, my dad was hardly around, and when he was, he wasn’t actively present in our lives. I never witnessed what it was like to have a completely dedicated father figure around, so I had a lot of questions and doubt. How was I going to become someone when I didn’t understand where to start? It was a tough pill for me to swallow. I often lay awake in bed trying to figure this whole thing out.
My wife helped a great deal with this! She instilled direction and inspiration into my heart and soul. She helped me realize that I didn’t need a male role model to look up to or to learn from, all I needed was to believe in myself and know that we are not always handicapped by our past. What I went through as a child with my father, made me realise what I needed to do differently. I didn’t want to parent my children in the same way that I had been parented. My wife gave me hope and excitement, because for the first time I knew exactly how I was going to tackle this role. I became centered into a space that gave me peace with my past and pure joy at what the future holds. She believed in me and gave me the confidence to believe in myself.
How have you changed having become a father?
My family fuel me. They give me drive and determination to get out of bed in the mornings and be the best possible version of myself. All I do is for them. Being a dad has completely transformed me and healed me in ways I can’t even begin to explain. Having children is one of the most beautiful and rewarding chapters in life, and I am relishing it.
If you could share the hopes and dreams you hold for your kids, what would you say to them?
Never stop reaching for the stars. Never settle. Never be anything less than the greatness you were put on this earth for! The world is a big and beautiful place, you will face many challenges and heartaches. You will climb many mountains, but trust me, when you get to the top, the view will be breathtakingly beautiful. These hurdles all form part of your journey through life and they will teach you determination, passion, strength and appreciation. Ultimately, they will help shape you into a person who will change the world. I want you to never be afraid of failure, but I want you to always try – over and over again. Failing is our biggest motivator. Failure is our teacher – not our undertaker. Everything you want is on the other side of fear. Go for it. We are behind you all the way.
Do you have any advice for other dads out there?
You might think that you have a complete lack of influence in your personal or professional life, but the day you become a father, all that changes. As far as your children are concerned, you are the most influential man in the world. Your role as a father has a huge impact on their entire life. They look up to you and want to make you proud. Make them proud by being 100% present.
Please share with us a thought or resounding message that has helped you over the years?
Never give up! It does not matter what you may be facing, or what the challenges are that lie ahead of you. Never give up.
Thank you for this beautiful and heartfelt message, Don!