Father Knows Best

Everyday, men across Iowa, the U.S. and the world become dads. We asked Iowa dads that have a lifetime of experience what the most important advice they would share. Below are our favorite tidbits from some of the fathers at Vintage Hills at Prairie Trail, The Village at Legacy Pointe, Vintage Hills of Indianola and Vriendschap Village.

Father of three, Don Varnum has sound advice for new fathers, “Show your kids what’s right. Actions speak louder than words.”

“Treat your children well and with respect,” said Wayne Jensen. He also said to “Teach them the importance of education.”

Russell Tomlin has three kids and valued the partnership in parenting, “Work together as a team with your wife. Never yell at your spouse as the kids will follow your actions.”

Richard Brown, father of two, encourages fathers to love their children and to spend as much time as they can with them. He also added, “Be interested in what they do and what they are interested in.”

Forrest Roorda, father of two, perhaps had the simplest advice, saying, “Show them love.”

Patience, love, understanding and education were common themes as we interviewed the fathers.