How many children do you have? What are their ages?

We have twins, one boy, one girl. They’re 3.

What made you start a dad blog? And how do you keep up with blogging while doing everything else?

I started my blog as a place to post all of the toys I make for my kids. It’s nice because I make things with them anyway, so doesn’t take up much extra time. The photography and posting usually takes longer than making the toy, but it’s nice to have the documentation of the kids playing with them. Normally I spend 3 days a week painting and making art, but now I’m writing a Modern Craft/Toy making book for Trumpeter/Shambhala, so now I’m making toys everyday as my employment and hobby.

What is something you would never thought you would do but has done since becoming a dad?

I never thought I’d get a publishing deal for writing a craft/toy book. And I certainly would never have had the opportunity if I didn’t have kids.

What is your favorite thing to do with your children?

Play with toys. Sing. Ride bicycles. Cook.

In your family, what roles or tasks do you have as a father? What are your daddy duties?

I’m an at home dad, so I’m with the kids all day everyday. I have a nanny that comes over 3 half days a week so I can work, but I still see the kids quite a bit then too. They come up to the studio and see what I’m up to. And I’m always going downstairs to make more lattes for myself and the nanny.

When it comes to parenting, what are your strengths and weaknesses? What about your wife’s?

My wife and I compliment each other quite well. She loves to get out and schedule events like swim class and music class and vacation ideas. Being satisfied to stay at home everyday would be my weakness. I’m really grateful for my wife’s outgoingness though because I love to get out too. I just wouldn’t get around to it as much.

What is the best and worst parenting advice you have received?

Well, I have 3 three year old nieces and nephews, so my siblings and I all shared quite a bit of what was working and what wasn’t working in parenting techniques. Having kids is such a life change, that camaraderie made a big difference.

What are your hopes and dreams for your children?

That they grow into kind and socially responsible people, and have fun along the way.

What will you be doing this Father’s Day? And what’s a gift you are hoping to receive this year for Father’s Day?

We’ll have a nice barbeque in the backyard and just hang out. My wife hired a yard maintenance crew to make the backyard look great, she also booked a massage for me. Not bad!

» Tell me… How do you encourage your children to be creative artists?