With less than a week to go until Father’s Day, Life of Dad continues to interview great dads. Up today is Larry Bernstein. First read Larry’s bio, and then his interview below:
My family and I live in North Jersey. We are spiritual people and our committed to our religious beliefs. I teach English at an inner city school high school in Brooklyn, NY. I am also a free-lance writer and have had my writing published in The Star Ledger, The Record, 201 Family, and The Jewish Link of Bergen County. I am a sports enthusiast who loves reading, writing, sports, and movies.
How many hours of sleep do you get each night? Before a child is born, the expecting parents always get the same question: What do you want a boy or a girl? Well, my answer — I did not even know at the time how brilliant it was — was “a good sleeper.” Part of being a good sleeper means sleeping late – at least when I want them too. I know one day my boys will be teens, and I will have to wake them. That is a problem I long for. These days my average night of sleep during the work week is 5.5 hours.
What’s your favorite meal to cook for your kids? I am not a competent cook. I believe cooking requires a certain patience which I do not have. Thankfully, my children are simple eaters and as long as I make one of the few foods they will eat, they are content. I think my favorite meal to make for them is the old stand-by, macaroni and cheese. They’re satisfied, and it is quick, simple, and easy clean-up.
If you your wife could vacation without your kids, where would you go? These days I would be very content to hang out on a beach somewhere. Ironically, my wife, who is generally the more relaxed of the two of us, would probably prefer something more active.
If you could go on any vacation with your kids, where would you go?
My older son is crazy for Lego. We are hoping to get to Florida next Winter, and I am looking forward to seeing him at Legoland. He is going to be in his glory. My younger boy was (and still is to an extent) crazy about Thomas the Tank Engine. A couple years back we went somewhere in Pennsylvania where you sleep on a caboose and you get to visit a full size Thomas. He was thrilled and still brings it up occasionally.
What did you get your baby’s Mama for Mother’s Day? My wife is very funny when it comes to presents. I will ask her what she wants, and she will say something like, “I don’t know. You decide.” I’ll ask a probing question or two and get little response other than “just get me anything.” Within two days, I will receive an email with a link and a note telling me the exact color, size, etc. She still prefers to have the gift wrapped up. Anyway, this year’s gift was a type of perfume. I forget the name, but I did like the way it smelled on her.
What sports team must your kids like? I am a Native Philadelphian living in North New Jersey (just 10 miles outside of New York City). I certainly push my children to root for the Philadelphia teams – even though they lose way more often than they win. However, as I was told growing up, this builds character.
What sports team can your kids never like? Mets (Sorry, Tom), Giants, and Rangers. Yes, you should clearly note a bias against New York teams.
What’s in your man cave? If only. I wish for my man cave to be an old fashioned type of man cave. It would have floor to ceiling book shelves, some movie posters, a framed copy of Darkness on the Edge of Town autographed by Bruce Springsteen, an old fashioned oak desk, a view of a beautiful park, a stocked bar, and… Well, let me stop there. The fantasy is overwhelming me.
My first memory as a father is… My wife and I took a cab across Central Park to Mount Sinai hospital where she was to have labor induced the next morning – unless the baby finally decided he was ready. We had told no one as we didn’t want to answer questions and preferred to surprise people. I remember returning home to our condo thinking that this is the last night that we will be a family of two. The next morning, despite some complications, my first born made his debut. His eyes were wide open and I commented on this to the nurse. She told me he would shut them soon. We’re still waiting.
Make sure you head over and check out Larry’s blog right now!
