4 Reasons Being a Dad of 4 Keeps Me Grounded, Grateful & a Little Bit Crazy 😅

Being a dad of four — ages 17, 11, 7, and 4 — is like running a small company where the employees don’t listen, the HR department is always emotional, and the cafeteria never closes. But it’s also the greatest job I’ll ever have. 💯

Each of my kids brings a different energy to the house — from the teenage door closed, always out of the house, to the elementary school curiosity, to the TK’er who thinks bedtime is a negotiation. Every stage has its chaos, but it’s the kind of chaos that reminds me what real love and purpose look like.

The Teen (17): My First Reminder That Time Moves Fast

When your oldest hits those late-teen years, it hits different. You start realizing how fast it all went. The kid who used to ask for help tying their shoes is now talking about graduation, college applications, dating, and what’s next in life. My 17-year old keeps me humble — a reminder that I’m not as cool as I think, but also that I must’ve done something right if they’re turning into someone kind, independent thinking, and caring young man.

The Middle Kids (11 & 7): The Bridge Between Fun and Responsibility

My 11- and 7-year-olds are in that sweet spot — still down for laughs, still need guidance, but starting to find their own voices. One minute we’re geeking out over K Pop Demon Hunters on movie night, the next we’re having deep talks about school, friends, and confidence. These two remind me how important presence is — that showing up beats perfection every time.

The Youngest (4): The Chaos Factory

And then there’s my 4-year-old — the walking cartoon, the wild card, the energy drink with legs. There’s something magical about watching the world through his eyes. He reminds me to slow down, to celebrate the little wins, to laugh more. He’s also the reason I can’t have nice things and why my sneakers stay hidden on the top shelf. 👟😂

The Real Talk

Being a dad of four isn’t about having it all figured out — it’s about figuring it out together. It’s about balancing patience with humor, discipline with empathy, and responsibility with joy. It’s not always easy — the late nights, the messes, the constant noise — but it’s all worth it.

Because at the end of the day, when the house finally gets quiet and I look around, I see our legacy in motion. And that’s what keeps me pushing — as a dad, a husband, and as The Hip Pops.

Final Thought

Fatherhood doesn’t come with a manual — it comes with moments. Messy, loud, beautiful moments that shape who we are. I don’t just want to raise good kids; I want to raise kind humans who know that love, respect, and hard work matter.

So yeah — being a dad of four keeps me busy. But it also keeps me young. 🙏🏽❤️