Dad Of The Month!

Dan Kling

Where do you live?
West Linn, Oregon.

What is your profession?
Corporate Finance.

What is your education level?
Masters in Business.

What are your hobbies/interests?
Time with family, church activities, golf, hiking, fitness related activities.

What do you drive?
Honda Accord.

What are you reading?
"The Heart of Change". It's a book about leading people and organizations through large scale change.

What music are you listening to?
Toby Mac.

What's the last movie you saw? How would you rate it?
Where the Wild Things Are. I took my daughter to the movie for a "Daddy/Daughter date and I was disappointed. I thought the photography was excellent but the movie was too long and drawn out for the story line.

What do you think makes a good parent?
Most importantly, providing unconditional love. Not just the emotional, soft side of love, but love that is demonstrated though your actions and words.

How long have you been married?
12 years and as my wife says, not only do we still love each other, we still like each other too.

Kids names and ages?
Katie 6.

Describe your favorite family vacation?
Away from the normal hustle and bustle. I prefer natural, close to nature, settings which are plentiful in the Pacific Northwest . It's just nice to dedicate time to do fun activities with the family with no real agendas. All too often I find I pack my life with busyness. Getting away from the busyness of life allows me an opportunity to assess and reflect on my lifes goals, priorities, and purpose.

Your thoughts on being a Dad?
Being a Dad is a wonderful experience. It is tremendously fulfilling to influence and participate in my daughters life. I have a strong sense of responsibility to love, care for, nurture, shape, instruct, and encourage my daughter to become the person God created her to be. What a privlidge!

How do you juggle family and work?
It's very challenging at times. I try to keep the evenings and weekends free from work so I can completely focus on my family. I also rely on my wife to remind me when I am allowing things to become unballanced. There was a quote I remember seeing from the founder of State Farm Insurance, "In the pursuit of making a living, let's not forget in the pursuit of making a life." Ultimately I am responsible for my choices and actions.

What's your favorite thing to do with your daughter?
She recently learned how to ride a bicycle so we have really enjoyed going to the track at a nearby school to ride our bikes together. She also really enjoys reading, so I take frequent opportunities to read to and with her.

What advice would you give to new or soon-to-be dads?
A child is a wonderful blessing and joy but don't forget your first love should be your wife. Your children will thrive if you have a strong marriage.

What lessons have you learned from your own dad?
Your children are unique and will have their own interests and talents. Encourage them to try new things but don't try and turn them into a copy of you or what you wanted to become.

How do you define your role in your family?
Leader, provider, encourager, and protector. And throw in a little fun/joy maker.

Do you think the role of Dads today is different than a generation ago? If so, How?
I think Dads are more involved in the upbringing of their children today. Particularly since there are more households with both parents working than a generation ago.

How do you think the mainstream media portrays Dads? Do you think that portrayal is accurate?
Unfortunately our media portrays involved Dads as well meaning but inept parents/role models. It's not true. While we are certainly not perfect, we actually do a very good job of "completing" our wives and children.

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