Dad of the Week: Joseph Simiele

Joseph Simiele works as an Insurance broker. He lives in Arizona where he is raising his two daughters and 5 godsons he loves like his own! Every Dad of the Week answers the following questions, read on to learn more about Joseph and his family!

• What was your first reaction when you found out that you were going to be a father?
  • My oldest is not biogically mine, so that one was expected. My only biological child came after 2 miscarriages. We were scared and nervous and refused to get excited. We were in the 3rd trimester before we announced and decided “hey maybe we should start working on a nursery”
• When you knew you were going to be a father, who or where did you turn to for advice?
  • I’m winging it… my parents died when I was young, my dad when I was 13. Finding dads of daughters group helped me tremendously.

• How would your kids describe you as a dad?
  • Depends on the child. My 3yo says I ruin everything but that goes with the territory. My oldest would tell you I’m stern but she knows I want the best for her and from her. The boys? Well they have no obligation to me yet show up every other weekend so I guess I’m alright.
• What has been the largest challenge you have had in being a father?
  • The whole “parenting” part. I love my kids and wouldn’t replace them for anything, but man. Between showing support, building them up, pouring into them (and their friends) yet trying to hold them accountable… it’s exhausting. Trying to be everything to everyone and not losing yourself in the process. 

• Looking back on your life as a father, what would you change if you could?
  • Absolutely nothing.
• What do you do for fun with your children?
  • Bonfires & bible studies. Camping. Swimming. Sports. Video games. Movie nights. Shopping. Everything I can think of.

• What advice would you give to other dads?
  • 1) enjoy every moment. Enjoy every sleepless night, every temper tantrum, every diaper change, every car ride, every trip to the store. Every time something goes wrong they are learning from you.
  • 2) treat their momma right. You are teaching your daughters what characteristics they should look for in a man, and you’re teaching your sons how to be boyfriends, husbands, and fathers. Your kids look up to you, their futures may depend on it.
• How have you come to balance fatherhood and outside life?
  • Simple, bring them with. Under most circumstances, if my children aren’t welcome neither am I.
• What have been the most memorable experiences that you have had thus far as a father?
  • For my only bio child, it was the moment we finally heard the heartbeat. Realizing “maybe this one will be the one to live.” Every moment following that is a miracle. For every “child by choice”… this may sound backward but every time a crying child has reached out for a hug. Those moments.. Embracing them in their chaos, calming their storm, for those few fleeting moments there is nothing more important to either one of us than each other. 

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