I would like to start off by apologizing for the lengthy delay since my last blog. The good news is that the reason for my absence was because I have been busy being a father! Not only parenting my daughter but also going to work, taking care of the house, purchasing groceries, paying bills blah, blah, blah. But that is what being a parent is all about; balancing and sharing the workload with all the different aspects of life.

I was fortunate to have some vacation time off from work also. Whoever says that there is not much to do in this County is sadly misinformed. There are many things to include yourself in whether you have children or not! I partook in many events with my daughter and was also able to attend social events with friends. My time off was very well balanced and fulfilling and I feel recharged.

I’m very happy to say that I have really noticed a large amount of fathers out there spending quality time with their kids/families! Whether I saw them at one of the community events, play parks, grocery store or even just in pictures on Facebook it is absolutely awesome to witness! Before you know it summer will be over and some of the kids will be back to school and this extra time is no longer around. There is nothing better than making memories with family and being the dad that every kid deserves.

Being a parent is a truly a gift but obviously comes with great responsibility. From what I have observed from my brief time being a father is that the majority of dads understand this and are doing everything in their power to be the best they can be. Every time I see this, it inspires me and motivates me to do the same. Life is not over because you became a parent… it’s actually just beginning!

Rockin’ tip of the day: In sticking with the theme of community events, take a trip out to Kingsville if you can on Friday, August 12^th for the Kingsville Night Market Event and see my good friends Area 51 rocking out as only they can do! Check out there Facebook page for all their upcoming events.

The post Being a Parent is all About Balancing and Sharing appeared first on Biz X magazine.

This past Sunday, June 19th… the Fantastic Fathers “Family Father’s Day Charity Event” took place at the Unifor Local 195 Hall. The event was a resounding success and proved that there was definitely a need for an outlet for family and fathers to attend on this special day! The parking lots were packed with cars for the entire duration and the smiles on the children’s (and parent’s) faces were evidence of a very successful, well run event.

The organizers Steven Brown & Seth “Hootie” Perera of the Fantastic Fathers! Group could not have been more pleased. Due to the turnout and support on this event we have already begun planning for next year’s Father’s Day event! Steve Brown stated, ” The need for a family oriented community event that is fun and most importantly affordable, could not have been more evident by yesterday’s results! ”

Everyone went home with a smile, a face painted tattoo, Father’s Day card and an awesome family photo from the photo booth. Kids also got to meet with several costumed characters on site, or their favorite wrestlers from Border City Wrestling and got to expel their energy in 4 different Inflatable attractions. And when hunger set in, Gramma’s Kitchen served up an amazing menu that you do not normally see at an event like this with super taste and even better prices!  Donations of new or used children’s toys, clothes, food and supplies were also gathered.

Fantastic Fathers! Group would like to thank ALL of their sponsors who made this event possible. Your support was overwhelming and will never be forgotten! A very special thanks to Unifor Local 195, F&J Collision and Border City Wrestling for their immediate support and dedication to this event from the moment it was mentioned to them. Their were over 30 generous company sponsors and many friends and co workers who put their support towards this event which made this day possible and helped to raise funds for the Windsor Youth Center, Connections Early Years Family Centre and The Windsor Downtown Mission.

Lastly, to our families and friends who volunteered to help us physically on this day… You were all absolutely amazing! You can plan and fund raise and do lots of things leading up to an event, but in the end it is the hard work and selfless giving of the event volunteers that make the difference. We owe you a deep debt of gratitude and our sincerest of thank yous!

Photos by Rod Denis – Biz X magazine

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I have a hard time believing the mindset of people this day and age that still think a Dad is a babysitter rather than than actual parent.

I’m sure they do not mean harm when they say things such as, “Daddy babysitting today?” or “Giving Mommy a break for a while?” I use to just smile and laugh it off, but I no longer can. I am not a babysitter, I am a parent and what you see me doing right now is parenting my child.

The old stereotype of Mommy raises kids while Daddy goes to work is long gone and in my opinion offensive to both parents. The majority of parents today, whether they are married/divorced or single all have some form of a co-parenting plan in place. With soaring cost of living and limited free time, both parents work and take care of the kids. The role of Mothers and Fathers has never been more difficult. You no longer do either/or, as each parent shares the workload in whatever way works best for their situation.

The word “Sharenting” popped in to my mind the other day (yes I’m going to trademark that word) and I believe that the children are much better off this way when both parents are heavily involved in their lives! I also believe that Mother’s and Father’s Days should be much more celebrated and honored.

This leads to my idea of planning a community Family Father’s Day Charity Event this year on June 19/2016. In the past, the idea on this day for Dads was to sit back and relax and do nothing, but I believe we should be out celebrating with the reason(s) we are given the title of Father! Show off your little pride and joys and make lasting memories on this special day rather than be a couch potato at home. Play golf and drink beer on your birthdays, but be a Fantastic Father on Father’s Day!!!

Check out the Family Father’s Day Charity Event and please come out and join us for what is sure to be a great family event! This is a free event that is open to the entire public with several attractions for the kids to enjoy!

Rock tip: For those who mourning the loss of Motley Crue since their retirement like myself… take comfort knowing that bassist Nikki Sixx is living on with his new band Sixx:A.M. who are phenomenal to see and hear! They just released their third album called, “Prayers For The Damned” and are touring heavily all over the world as we speak.

The post I’m Not A Babysitter! appeared first on Biz X magazine.

I will never forget the first time my daughter called me Dadda!

It was that moment, I officially realized Dadda was my new title which I will carry with pride forever.

I was well aware that I was a Dad prior to hearing this (ie. feedings, diaper changes, sleepless nights, etc), but when I actually heard her say it, my world changed. I was Dad!

I adjusted my mindset and focused on trying to become what every child deserves upon entering this world. I want, and will be there every step of the way in her life. I spend time with her, not always necessarily money. I focus on her when together, not the television or cell phone. We go lots of places and do many activities together. I let her be a child and learn and develop at her own pace, as I also learn how to be Dadda.

I’m always thankful to receive compliments, but honestly when someone tells me I am a good dad, my reply is, “No, I’m just a dad… doing what I should be doing.” It seems funny to receive a compliment because I take my daughter to the park often. Life is so busy and the years pass like a blur. I can’t believe how much my daughter has grown and accomplished.

I saw a meme picture on social media a short time ago and it really hit home with me. It showed an empty baseball field with captioned, “Someday there won’t be a practice to take your kid to.” As simple as it was, I don’t think I will ever forget it!

I encourage all Fathers (& Mothers ) to be as active as possible with their children. I know outside factors like work, house maintenance and a whole host of others take our time away from our kids. But just make sure the time you can set aside is quality and remain in the moment of where you are with your child!

Dads, if you’d like to stay current and be informed, share thoughts, ideas or news articles with a group of peers on Facebook, please join my group on Facebook it’s called “Fantastic Fathers!”

So, being the “Rockin’ Father,” I should end each blog with a rock n’ roll suggestion. Please listen to the new song tearing up the airwaves on 89X, “The Leash” by Windsor’s own Ashes Of Soma! You won’t be disappointed!

Until next time…Rock on!

The post Dadda My New Title appeared first on Biz X magazine.

Hello, my name is Steven Brown and welcome to my new blog, The Rockin Father!

A little over two years ago my main concerns were; when is the next boys night out and what is the next  awesome rock concert we are going to see? Now I’m a Rockin Father!

Now don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy getting the odd night out with the guys… and the recent reuniting of Guns n’ Roses has definitely caught my attention, my priorities are very different now.

“Do I have enough 2% milk left in the fridge”?” “How many diapers are left in the box?” “Is my alarm set to go off at 5:20AM?” These are the important things that matter to me every since the birth of my daughter on February 17/2014.

To be honest, I don’t miss those old days one bit as I cannot believe how great of a feeling it is to be a Dad! Something that I never thought would happen didn’t take long to become apparent.

My two year old has actually taught me more since she has entered this world than I have taught her! She has taught me about what is really important in life, which is family. She has taught me how to dedicate myself and aspire to want to become great at something.

But most of all, she has taught me how to actually let my guard down and open up my heart and love unconditionally! Life means so much more now and I wake each day with purpose, drive and a focus that I never had before. Thank you Alyssa for coming in to my life, and giving me a life!

I will continue on with my weekly blog here at The Rockin Father providing updates on life with my daughter and topics that I feel are important in today’s society about being a father and parenting.

Please follow along with me and feel free to comment and share your opinions.

Thank you kindly and Rock on!

The post Steven Brown is The Rockin Father appeared first on Biz X magazine.