ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – Three grandfathers with decades of parenting experience are sharing their heartfelt advice for today’s generation of fathers while highlighting the importance of active listening and maintaining strong family bonds.
Ronald Morishita, 80, father of two adult children and grandfather to five, believes the cornerstone of successful parenting lies in communication.
“Stay close to your kids and reach out to them periodically and love them and listen to them, which is a real big one,” Morishita says.
The challenge of truly understanding children’s needs requires patience and adaptability, according to Morishita.
“Sometimes, it’s really hard because they’re not saying what you think they’re saying. You may have to come back and ask them a couple of times or you may have to ask them in different ways,” he said.
Hank Hartfelder, 86, who has two adult children and six grandchildren, emphasizes the importance of guiding children’s social development.
“Making sure the kids are on the right path – in so far as their schooling, their associates,” Hartfelder explains. He stresses the significance of creating an environment where children feel comfortable discussing any situation with their parents.
Kenneth Boland, 84, father to three adult children and grandfather to five, reflects on what he considers the most rewarding aspect of fatherhood.
“The best part? Watching your kids grow up and become more active, and I tried to be active with them,” Boland shares.
These grandfathers, with their combined experience of raising seven children and nurturing sixteen grandchildren, share a common observation: time moves swiftly during the parenting journey.
Their collective wisdom suggests that new fathers should prioritize being present and engaged during their children’s formative years.
