Our 191st Dad in the Limelight is Matthew Starmore. I want to thank Matthew for being a part of this series. It has been great getting connected with him and now sharing him with all of you.
1) Tell me about yourself, (as well as how you are in the limelight for my readers knowledge)
Hi there My name is Matthew Lloyd Starmore and I am a former member of New Fathers 4 Justice and Family Justice Groups united. I am the founder of Dad’s Justice a help and Support group for parents and family to gain access to there children.
It was November 2008 my Relationship of 10 years came to an abrupt end. I found myself alone and without access to my children as my children were used as weapons not only to hurt me but to keep an upper hand within the family court battle. It was around this time i made a wealth of contacts which were to aid me in my battle.
It was January 2009 i started Dad’s Justice and it has been helping and supporting people since then.
I supply an online and in person support and help group, Supplying advice on criminal law, family law and counselling and even courses to aide you in court. We are the only one stop shop for everything you need. i travel the country giving support and advice and support to people that need it. I have also embarked on many campaigns to reform family law not only in the UK but Internationally.
2) Tell me about your family
I am the proud Father of two boys, Toby 4 and Jay 10 and a girl called Alysha 6. They are my life and i aim to give them the world.
Not a day goes by without me thinking about them, I love to be around them and they make me smile and so happy.
I come from a large family and my father is one of four brothers and a sister. I was bought up with strong family ties and good manners and moral etiquette.
A family unit is a special thing and it has a love that is incomparable to anything else. Through my life I have always been there for my family through all types of situations. Not only are my family my family but they are some of my closet friends.
4) What advice would you give to other fathers?
Always be Supportive to your children in whatever goals they set and in everything they do.
Set guidelines in life tasks and everyday living to get your children ready for the big wide world.
Be not only a dad but be there Teacher. This covers many things from Life skills to Respect, Manners and Work
Be a Good provider and make sure your children want for nothing, Clothes, love, Food and essentials.
Be a Moral guide for them.
Be a good Role model for them.
Be Patient when teaching and around your children and remember they are children and are still learning.
Live the way you want your children to live.
Be a Good listener.
Remembers what it’s like to be a child and honour your children’s feelings.
5) Seeing that you (or your position) are in the limelight, how have you come to balance parenthood and outside life? If you are currently not in the limelight per se, please still answer this in regards to how you balance parenthood and outside life.
Balancing parenthood and any
career is a challenge. If you have a Support Group, the balancing act can be interesting to say the least.
I am lucky that I work for myself and can juggle much needed time with my children and work.
The most important thing that I do is to plan ahead. Always make sure my children are rested, well fed and have things to keep them amused.
There were so many times I questioned what I was doing. It always felt like at least one area of my life was suffering as I tried to balance being a stay-at-home-dad, growing my business, being a good spouse, nurturing my friendships, and taking care of myself.
Nothing can replace quality time with your children, Nothing can replace the years you miss.
After the initial learning curve I would say to anyone, it can be done. Because I, like so many others, have done it. I have three wonderful children who are polite , courteous and have life learnt morals taught by myself and other role model members of there family.
6) What have you learned from the fathers that you have interacted with?
I have learnt so much from fathers. The biggest thing I have learnt is that I am not alone, I was not alone in my battle for access, I was not alone in my suffering and upset and pain, But most of all I was not going through the problems alone because I made contact with dads that helped me get through it and supported me when I was at my lowest.
7) What else would you share regarding your experiences as a father thus far?
The time spent with your children is so important, so precious that you should never take it for granted. You are there Dad and they need you, They Love you so don’t ever take it for granted. Do what you can to give them the world and make sure they are safe from harm, Fed, Clothed, but most of all Loved, Loved by there Dad .
What have been the most memorable experiences that you have had thus far as a parent?
Seeing my children Grow up and do well in life, Seeing them happy and most of all hearing those words “Daddy we love you” And watch them run to you and hug you when you get home………………. Unforgettable
If you have any questions for Matthew, please leave a comment here and I will make sure that he gets them so that he may be able to respond!
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Thanks so much for this it means a lot.
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you all