So many times we hear how men are falling as husbands and fathers but that’s not the case for all men. This year I wanted to hear from the wives of the men I profiled last year to get their perspective on family and fatherhood. This is what they shared with me!
Monique and Aaron Smith III have been for eight years. They have two little girls; Morgan 8, McKinley four 
, and expecting a little boy on July 29th.
What qualities make Aaron a good father? My husband is great father because he is patient, fun, caring, passionate, and loving. He sets high standards for my girls and teaches them to respect themselves and others. He stops at nothing to make them happy but expects them to work for things they want.
What has been the best interaction you observed between Aaron and the kids? Why was it so special? There are so many interactions that I can recall. The best is when they just sit and cuddle (I’m always lurking with a camera). I love the way they stare at him in admiration and he stares at them amazed.
What did your parents tell you about finding a suitable husband? Did you listen? I don’t think my parents gave me specific guidelines about choosing a husband. I know that they wanted me to choose someone who was respectful, who could provide for his family and someone who treated me well. I think the best thing my father did was show me how I should be treated. The similarities between my husband and my father are insurmountable. I would definitely say I subconsciously listened to all the direct and indirect advice my parents gave me.
Why do you think it is important to support Aaron? My husband is the leader of my household and embodies the vision for our family. I trust and believe that he is guiding our family in a way that is pleasing to God; and for that I will always honor and support him. Prior to being married, I never comprehended the pressure that a man endures to ensure that his family has the best. He needs my support and encouragement to be able to handle adversity and pressures that the world brings. He needs my support to be the man God has called him to be.
Are you excited about the future? Why? I am extremely excited about the future. My husband has high expectations for our family and even for me in my personal and professional endeavors. I think his vision has far surpassed things I originally expected. I am excited about continuing to grow our family and making memories as we embark on uncharted waters.
Why is Aaron a good role model for your kids? I could go on for days about how awesome my husband is as a role model. In addition to being a hard worker, he is highly engaged in my daughter’s education and social activities. He also volunteers as a football coach and helps mold young men to not only be great in football but to be men of character. Aaron started with a very humble beginning and is proof of how God will work in your life when you follow his plan. He lives his life to be a great example for his kids and to ensure his family is never in need.
Tashika and Dion Stennett have been married for seven years and together for fourteen years. They have three kids; Diondre 18, Brionna 11, and 
Jeanelle is 6 years old.
What qualities make Dion a good father? He supports our kids at what ever they do. From plays, fashion shows, football, doctor appointments, filling in as “Poetry Dad” or driving the kids for hours when I have other obligations.
What has been the best interaction you observed between Dion and the kids? Why was it so special? The best interactions with the kids vary, Diondre prom shopping while listening to the conversations and watching there interactions; watching Brionna in a fashion show and taking Nelly to the zoo on a field trip. The support he gives the kids is endless.
Why do you think it is important to support Dion? So he knows he is valued as well as appreciated.
Tia and Myron Feaster have been married for 10 years and together for 18 years (since high school). They have three kids; Madison 7, Tres 6, and
Victoria 3 years old.
What qualities make Myron a good father? Oh boy, where do I start?! Myron has been a great father from the very beginning. When I first found out I was pregnant with Madison, Myron had complications with his shunt and was in and out of the hospital a few times. Despite all of this, he made sure he went with me to all of my pre-natal doctor visits and he supported me with the pregnancy any way possible. When I think about way back then to now, he continues to sacrifice everything to take care of our kids. No matter what!! He doesn’t even think about himself. He would do anything for them, and because of this, Madison, Tres, and Victoria knows that he is an awesome dad, not just a father, but someone they can depend on, and I love him for that.
What has been the best interaction you observed between Myron and the kids? Why was it so special? Every Friday or Saturday, we try to have game night. During this time, we play Xbox360 Kinetic and the kids love it. Madison loves to play Just Dance, and it’s so funny to watch. Myron will dance with her all night to Brittney Spears, “Oops I did it again” LOL! Tres and Myron wrestle together sometimes (I hate it, but that’s the way the bond). This is so special to me because, surprisingly, I never ever witnessed this type of playful relationship between my brother and my father. Tres really enjoys the playful side that Myron has. Those interactions make Tres feel comfortable to be open with Myron and talk to him about anything, which will be very beneficial in the long run. They have a special bond that only a father and son share.
Since Myron works nights, he walks the kids back and forth to school every day with Victoria. Victoria is young, but I can tell she enjoys her time with her Daddy too. She tells him all the time, but your my father Daddy.. LOL! So cute!!
What did your parents tell you about finding a suitable husband? Did you listen? My parents always told me to find someone who was a Christian and who was respectful. Well, that wasn’t hard for me because we met at the altar in church LOL! Perfection at it’s best. God worked that out for us!
Why do you think it is important to support Myron? Myron tells me all the time that I am his best friend and he is mine as well. That’s why I feel it’s important to support him and be in his corner no matter what.
Are you excited about the future? Why? I am very excited about our future. When we first got married, it was rough emotionally!! We had to learn how to live together and tolerate each other. Then our kids were born, and then it got rough financially (smh..the stories I could tell). It was really bad. But God!!! I never knew we would be as blessed as we are. Today, I can say, we own our own home that is more beautiful and spacious than we ever imagined, we both have good paying jobs with excellent job security, more than enough food in the house, a great school for the kids that is literally 4 minutes walking distance from our home, and a new car. I can go on and on about God’s blessings towards us. I can’t imagine what’s in store for us in the future and I’m excited!!
Why is your Myron a good role model for your kids? Myron is a great role model for our kids because he teaches them right from wrong, he always instills in Tres how to respect women (opening the door for ladies, ladies first, compliments, honor me as his mother), and he lets them know that it is ok to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them and do better the next time.
Myron is a special man, and I am so glad God choose him to be my husband and the father to our beautiful children.
Deira and Darius Smith have been married for 10 months. They have an 11 year old son and a 2 1/2 year old daughter.
What qualities make your Darius a good father? Darius is a protector, hard worker and he teaches our children it is okay to make mistakes as long as you do what is needed to correct them.
What has been the best interaction you have observed between Darius and the kids? Why was it so special? Every interaction is special. Darius is there to help with homework, playing sports and painting nails.
What did your parents tell you about finding a suitable husband? Did you listen? They told me that my spouse should be able to protect me. Yes, I listened!
Why do you think it is important to support Darius? It is VERY important to support my husband and trust that whatever decision he makes will have a positive impact on our family. No matter what he needs, I am there for him!
Are you excited about the future with your Darius? Why? Yes, I am very excited about our future. I ma looking forward to making our dreams a reality.
Tori and Juan Stennett have been married for 5 years. They have two kids; 8 and 5 years old.
What did your parents tell you about finding a suitable husband? Did you listen? Honestly I don’t think my parents told me anything about finding a suitable husband. I’ve had my share of horrible relationships that my mother wished never happened. When looking for a husband I wanted a strong, dependable, loving, compassionate, family oriented, and god-fearing man. I knew what it took for my father to love and support us and I wanted the same for my family.
What qualities make Juan a good father? Growing up without my father in my life was hard, for my mom and me. I saw all of the struggles, hurt, and pain she experienced while raising me alone. I promise and prayed to God to let my husband be the total opposite of what my father was to me. My husband goes above and beyond for our children, so cliché I know but it’s true. LOL. He’s a provider; working hard to make sure his family has the necessities of life and so much more. He shows compassion and kindness to us all. Our protector, he does everything in his power to assure that we are safe. Exemplar, he shows our children the value of hard work, manners, and how to respect and treat others. He does his part making sure the children establish faith in God, and give all accountability to God. He shows love and respect to me, he shares the workload and duties related to the house, kids, etc.
Why do you think it is important to support Juan? It is important that I support my husband to show him that he is able to achieve all of his goals/dreams. I feel often men don’t express emotions the way we do as woman. Just as we want good providers, our husbands want listeners and supporters no matter how big or small the situation they want to know that we have their backs and best interest at heart.
What has been the best interaction you observed between Juan and the kids? Why was it so special? There’s so many to narrow it down to one or the best. I love our family nights; those are the times when we’re at home, eating some carry out, making sundaes and lying on the sofa watching movies. Glancing over at them laid up on daddy fills my heart with joy. It’s the little things that he does that are special.
Are you excited about the future with Juan? Why I’m super excited to see the things God has in store for us! That’s my boo and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Happy Father’s Day to all the great fathers!!!! SVB