In this compelling episode of the Good Dad’s Podcast, host Gerald ‘Mr. BPOZ’ Mayes is joined by Benjamin Suyematsu, a seasoned health and wellness professional and a dedicated father of two young boys. Benjamin shares his journey into fatherhood, discussing the joys and challenges that come with raising two very different children. The conversation delves deep into the nuances of parenting, exploring topics such as balancing discipline with affection, the role of marriage in successful parenting, and the importance of emotional intelligence and resilience in raising well-rounded children. Benjamin reflects on how his upbringing, influenced by his father and stepfather, has shaped his parenting style and how he strives to be a present and supportive dad. This episode offers valuable insights for fathers at every stage of their journey, emphasizing the significance of being adaptable, accountable, and emotionally available in the ever-evolving role of a dad.
Guest Bio: Benjamin Suyematsu
Benjamin Suyematsu is a health and wellness management professional with a passion for helping others achieve their best selves, both physically and mentally. A graduate of the University of Wyoming, Benjamin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology & Health Promotion with a minor in psychology. He is a loving husband to his wife, Miranda, and a proud father to two young boys, Adonis (7) and Raiden (4). Benjamin describes himself as an introvert by nature who adopts an extroverted persona to navigate the demands of fatherhood and family life. His love for learning and personal growth drives him to continuously improve as both a husband and father. He believes that being a good dad means being present, showing love and pride in his children, and staying open to new ideas and perspectives.
Main Topics
- The Evolution of Fatherhood:
- Benjamin discusses his experience of becoming a father in his mid-20s and the challenges that came with such a significant life change at a young age. He reflects on how his parenting style has evolved from his first son to his second, learning to balance the need for structure with the importance of allowing his children to express their unique personalities.
- Marriage and Parenting: A Team Effort:
- The conversation highlights the critical role that a strong marriage plays in successful parenting. Benjamin talks about the importance of teamwork with his wife, Miranda, and how they support each other in raising their children. He emphasizes that their partnership is built on mutual respect, shared responsibilities, and a common goal of raising happy, healthy children.
- Balancing Discipline with Affection:
- Benjamin and Gerald explore the shift from traditional, authoritarian parenting styles to a more balanced approach that combines discipline with affection. Benjamin shares his thoughts on the importance of being accountable as a parent, including the necessity of apologizing to children when needed, and fostering an environment where respect and love coexist.
- The Influence of Fathers and Stepfathers:
- Benjamin reflects on the impact of his own father and stepfather on his development as a parent. He discusses how both men taught him valuable lessons in work ethic, financial management, and navigating difficult conversations. These lessons have deeply influenced his approach to fatherhood, particularly in being a present and supportive figure for his children.
- Health and Wellness in Fatherhood:
- As a professional in the health and wellness industry, Benjamin emphasizes the importance of maintaining his own physical and mental well-being in order to be an effective father. He talks about the value of modeling healthy habits for his children, teaching them the basics of nutrition, and ensuring that he remains physically active to keep up with the demands of parenting.
- Teaching Emotional Intelligence and Resilience:
- The discussion delves into the importance of fostering emotional intelligence and resilience in children. Benjamin shares how he encourages his sons to express their emotions in healthy ways, while also teaching them to develop the resilience needed to face life’s inevitable challenges. This balance is key to helping his children grow into emotionally stable and confident individuals.
- Navigating Blended Family Dynamics:
- Gerald and Benjamin touch on the complexities of blended families, offering insights into how stepfathers can effectively navigate their roles. Benjamin discusses the delicate balance of respecting existing parental relationships while still being a positive and influential presence in the lives of his stepchildren.
- The Significance of Being Present:
- A recurring theme in the episode is the importance of being truly present in the lives of one’s children. Benjamin talks about the little moments that matter—whether it’s watching a video with his son or participating in their daily activities—and how these moments contribute to a strong father-child bond.
- The Challenges and Rewards of Parenting:
- Benjamin and Gerald reflect on the broader challenges of parenting, including the difficulties of balancing personal aspirations with family responsibilities. They discuss the rewards that come from seeing their children grow and thrive, and the ongoing journey of learning and adapting as fathers.
Resources Mentioned:
- Gerald’s Parenting Blog Referenced: What Type Of Dad Are You?
Reflect on your own approach to fatherhood. Are there areas where you can be more present, accountable, or open to change? Join the Good Dad’s Club community by subscribing to the podcast, leaving a comment on our youtube channel with your thoughts, and sharing this episode with other dads who could benefit from these insights.
Quotes from Mr. Damion Byrd
- “Being present, truly present, is the most important principle for being a good dad. Even when it’s tough, your kids need to know you’re there and that you care.”
- “I’ve become a million times more patient, particularly as I’ve grown into my 30s. My views are more centered on how my children will be affected rather than how I’m affected.”
- “You can’t control everything. Give your kids the tools and education they need, guide them appropriately, but they’ll make their own decisions. That’s out of your control.”
- “It’s easy to forget about yourself when you’re trying to lead a family, but taking care of my own health allows me to be the best version of myself for my children.'”
- “When my son told me, ‘I’m going to stab you in the eye so that you die and I can get a better dad,’ it shocked me, but it was a moment where I had to stay calm and not react impulsively.”
Watch the Full Episode
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the Good Dads Podcast for more inspiring stories and valuable insights. Share this episode with friends, family, and anyone who might benefit from hearing Mr. Suyematsu’s remarkable fatherhood journey.
Thank you for reading and being a part of the Good Dads Podcast community. Together, we can create a brighter future for our families and our communities.
