Experiences of fathers from 19 to 73

By EMILY CASHMAN
news@columbiamissourian.com

Name: Ian Reed

Age: 19

Son: Caden, 2 months

For Ian Reed, 19, life has been very different since Caden was born on April 20. The teen is learning the true meaning of the proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.”

“It’s definitely a whirlwind,” Reed said. “The thing I learned the most is that you can’t do everything yourself. You have to rely on your family and everyone around you. The more you rely on other people and their experience, the more you can get done.”

Reed, who said he is very protective of Caden, is using his experience with his own father and step-father to help him raise his son.

“My original dad left me,” Reed said. “I didn’t have a dad growing up until second grade, so it’s really, really important to me that Caden has a dad to mentor him and show him how to be a man and treat a lady.”

Last month, 2-month-old Caden was the star of the Hickman High School prom.

“He was definitely the best looking guy there,” said his proud father.

The responsibility of a newborn has been an adjustment for the teen who was used to hanging out with friends daily.

“When you don’t have a kid, everything is your way,” Reed said. “But when you get with another person and have a kid, it’s a combination of what you both want, it’s a melting pot.”

But for Reed, it’s worth all the sacrifice to share a tender moment with his son. He remembers when Caden, who was born prematurely, was still in the hospital and had to be fed every two hours. He treasures the times he got to feed the baby by himself.

“He would look at me in the eyes and stare up at me, and I’d look down at him, and he realized it was me,” Reed said. “He knew it was his dad. He knew he was safe.”

Reed said he hopes to be the best possible father he can be.

“I can’t give the guy up because I’m afraid something will happen to him,” he said. “I just want to take care of him and make sure he has everything he needs."

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