Interview with Tony Ragg
Tony is a father of two, Taylor (2) and Ruby (8 months). Tony is married to Janelle and balances this family with a career in the police force. Most of us Dads think we have pressure at work. Tony has to wrestle the pressure of being placed into some very dangerous environments and still make it home to his family.
A very honest discussion which leaves you wanting to lift your game as a Dad.
Key Points of Interview
Type of Dad
Modern day father. Spending more time with the kids than a generation ago. Particularly more time with his children than his father.
Tony Ragg discusses the type of activities he undertakes with his very young son.
Tell the story about your transition between being without Children to being a Dad?
Tony describes his activities prior to the birth of his first child. Including dinners and other activities that you don’t get to do after children arrive.
Tony found the sleep deprivation as the biggest struggle and discussion goes to what people tell you beforehand and not listening to that advice.
What struggles did you have with the transition and a time where you may have felt like you messed up?
Tony is one of the few fathers to admit he has made mistakes.
Tony talks about an incident where their son overheated because of the poor temperature regulation that children have. Discussion turns to how serious this type of incident can get.
Tell me the story about how you and your partner created balance in your relationship? Ensure you get time together.
Tony and Janelle met through the internet. Tony in his late 30’s which Tony believes helped the relationship because both he and Janelle had lived and had experiences and it was the next step.
Give the listeners your experience in balancing career and family. What in your opinion is the key?
Tony speaks personally and discusses working shift work which works favourably for him spending time either in the mornings or evenings with the kids.
The conversation then turns to Tony’s career as a policeman and whether Tony feels concern when on the job. Tony talks about how when he joined he was single and now that he has a family it has changed his attitude.
Tony also talks about what he does to mitigate these concerns. He also talks about the support the police provide and the type of work or which departments he would expose himself to in order to ensure he makes it home to his family.
Tony also talks about Janelle’s thoughts on the matter and the support Janelle provides.
What is your biggest worry when it comes to your children and how/what are you doing to mitigate these concerns?
Tony’s biggest worry is his son being venerable to people that look to take advantage of his happy/good nature.
Tony admits he does not have an answer at this time.
Proudest Dad Moment?
Tony found this question difficult to answer, but believes that he has nailed it anytime his son is laughing.
He believes there is some great times to come. He is just proud of everything his son does.
Tony provides an anecdote of having Taylor having manners at age two.
Power Dads
- Favorite Dads Toy: Taylor is not old enough for toys that Tony enjoys
- Best Tool: Wife
- Ensure time for Yourself: Tony’s wife looks after him – communicating needs to eachother
- Innovative Discipline: Get down on their level and stay calm.
- Family Tradition: Lots – Xmas holidays is the same as when Tony was a kid
- Personal Habit: Spending time with the kids early
Legacy Question
To be a happy person.
Final Tip
Tell your kids you love them
