From Highland Park to Hainesville, the Lake County suburbs are vast, and everyone is looking for that parent who’s just like them. This month we’re taking a look “Behind the Trike” and meeting the parents who bring Lake County to you every day. Today we meet our first Dad! Chad, or “Super Sports Dad”
I had the chance to sit down and meet our two newest writers, the incredibly nice married couple Jen and Chad. They have two sons, just like me, and have an interesting perspective on life in Lake County. I know you’ll love them as much as I do after you read more about them! And a big warm welcome to our first DAD contributor!
Explain your tagline:
Growing up I loved to play sports. Soccer, basketball, golf, tennis, bowling. You name it, I played it. My passion for playing sports led me to become a PE teacher. I did my undergrad at Northern Illinois University, met my wife Jen there and became a major fan of the Huskies. Now that I’m a dad, I love to watch sports, play sports and cheer for my kids on the field. Finding opportunities for my boys to meet their favorite Chicago Bears and other pro athletes has become an activity we enjoy to do together. Two years ago, I took my now eight-year-old son Jordan to Chicago Bears training camp for the first time. Now my younger son Danny is five and old enough to go, too. This year was the first year that all of us were able to go as a family. Whether it’s pro sports, college sports or sports in the backyard, I’m there!
What would your kids say about you?
My two boys, Jordan (8) and Danny (5), would say I’m a fun, sporty dad who loves to take them on family adventures. They’ll also tell you I’m a huge fan of the Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls and other local sports teams. Finally, they would say I’m an awesome PE teacher who has the greatest equipment room ever.
What is your most challenging moment as a parent?
I’m a PE teacher who is on the move all day, and I also love to come home and play outside with the boys at night. Easily the toughest part of being a parent for me is trying to keep my eyes open and be at my best for them at bedtime. As they go down for the night, you will typically find me struggling to stay awake for story time.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find my inspiration in my wife and my kids. My wife Jen lives the growth mindset and is constantly learning new things and striving to be the best person she can. Whether it’s getting her motorcycle license to ride a scooter to work, writing a novel or regularly updating her blog for teachers to use as a resource, her drive and passion to try new things is something I admire and strive for daily. My two boys also have hearts of gold and being the best dad and example I can be for them is something that inspires me everyday.
What do you do to recharge?
My favorite way to recharge is to head out to the golf course with friends. After a long week, getting in the golf cart and enjoying the quiet on the course is just what I need to get back to my home and work life. I love to play at different courses and you can find me all over Lake County trying to get my first hole in one.
What is the hardest part about work-life balance?
The hardest part about work-life balance is definitely a lack of energy at the end of the week. Working with 170 super active students day in and day out at school and two energetic boys at home, you usually find me struggling to find energy by week’s end. During the school year, all I dream about is a 15-minute nap.
Favorite Activity in Lake County?
My favorite Lake County activity involves taking my family to the Wildlife Discovery Center and Elawa Farm in Lake Forest. Not only do we have reptile and animal fans in our house ,but Jen grew up in the house at Elawa Farm and it’s also where we had our wedding reception. It holds a special place in my heart and the open lands and view are breathtaking. We make sure to visit at least a handful of times throughout the year.
Most Memorable Family Event?
My most memorable family event was taking my family to Disney World for eight days this past summer. Having our youngest be able to ride nearly every ride and experience all of the fun Disney had to offer was definitely a special moment for our family. From watching the boys fight Darth Vader at Hollywood Studios and get dressed up like Captain Jack Sparrow to eating dinner at the Animal Kingdom Lodge with giraffes and other wildlife only yards away, we truly had the most incredible time. Nearly every day they ask when we will be going back and we certainly hope it will be sooner rather than later.
You can follow Chad on Twitter at @c23v and @bulldogsmove.
Cheryl is an aspiring writer from Mundelein. You can now follow her on her author journey on Amazon.
Get a copy of her first book, Letter’s to my Children, available on Kindle now.
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