In an exclusive interview with MEGA Man, Slater Young opened up about his experiences with modern fatherhood and catering to his family’s needs
Fatherhood is a dynamic role, and Slater Young is conscious of the need to evolve along with it. From staying present and engaged with his family despite his busy schedule to finding innovative ways to enhance his family’s bond, Slater sets an example for all fathers in this day and age. In an exclusive interview with MEGA Man, Slater emphasized the significance of staying up-to-date with modern parenting techniques to keep up with today’s fast-paced environment. Although Father’s Day has come and gone, there’s definitely still plenty to be learned from this modern-day dad.
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Modern challenges of fatherhood
When asked how he perceives modern fatherhood, Slater said that “it can be defined in so many ways.” According to him, being a dad today is tougher than it was in the past. Despite getting praise for his adorable videos and heartwarming moments with his children, Slater admitted that he still experiences moments of pressure. He shared that in today’s age of social media, you will definitely come across a plethora of content showcasing fathers who seem to have it all together. Slater pointed out how the abundance of such content can make one feel inadequate in comparison and can be quite overwhelming. As time passed, he came to realize that being a father today entails embracing the fact that one can only strive to be a great dad but never be perfect. By embracing this perspective, he was able to alleviate his worries and adopt a more serene demeanor as a father.
On having a supportive partner
Slater is a true jack-of-all-trades, juggling social media duties, podcast hosting, and a slew of entrepreneurial and engineering pursuits. Not to mention, he’s also a seasoned real estate professional. It’s clear that this multi-talented dad leads a jam-packed lifestyle. When asked about his ability to keep up with multiple responsibilities, Slater expressed his immense gratitude for his partner, Kryz Uy, whom he credits for providing invaluable support. According to Slater, whenever he feels bogged down by a particular task, Kryz is always there to lend a hand and remind him of the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
The advantageous nature of this dynamic setup also extended to their roles as parents. While they don’t have set roles, Slater shared that when their children are in need of affection and care, they often turn to Kryz. On the other hand, when it comes to rough-and-tumble playtime, he is the go-to parent. According to Slater, this particular setup has proven to be effective for them as it strikes a perfect balance and enables him and Kryz to be more at ease as parents.
His crucial role
“The better people we become, the better we become role models for our children.”
One thing Slater is also mindful of is his vital role in shaping his children’s growth and development. As a modern-day father, Slater’s parenting philosophy centers around empowering his children to reach their maximum potential. He mentioned that being a father today is not about removing all hurdles from your children’s path. Rather, it’s about teaching them how to navigate these challenges and encouraging them to put in the necessary effort to achieve personal growth. In our interview, Slater also shared a conversation that he had with Kryz on their podcast, in which he talked about the importance of fathers continuously seeking self-improvement. Slater emphasized that by doing so, they can equip themselves with adequate skills and values to impart to their children.
Strengthening his family’s bond
When we asked if he uses any modern techniques or methods to foster a closer relationship with his kids, Slater revealed that he mostly relies on tried-and-true conventional methods. He admitted that he often considers how his father dealt with similar situations and applies that thinking to his own parenting of Scott and Sevi, a strategy he finds to be very helpful and effective. Slater also said that being physically and mentally present is vital for establishing rapport with kids. He feels that “any kid just wants to spend time with their parents,” so Kryz and him really make an effort to put away their phones whenever they are together so that they can maintain a strong emotional connection with their children as they play. Slater’s approach serves as a timeless reminder that there is nothing wrong with staying true to traditional techniques in order to overcome the obstacles that parents face in the present day.
Slater’s guiding principle
“Each and every dad has their own style, their own personality, and their own values. None of this is wrong or right; it’s just what you prioritize most.”
To conclude our conversation, Slater passed on a valuable piece of advice to all fathers, which is to never limit yourself or confine yourself to a particular role as a parent. It’s important to break free from any self-imposed constraints and embrace the full range of possibilities that come with being a dad in today’s world. While the internet is full of parenting tips, it’s important to remember that these should serve as a helpful guide rather than a definitive measure of your success as a father. Trying to adhere to every piece of advice out there can quickly become overwhelming and draining. According to Slater, the key is to put forth your best effort to demonstrate your affection for your family. By doing so, you can give yourself a well-deserved break and commend yourself for a job well done.
Photos: SLATER YOUNG and KRYZ UY (via Instagram)
