Nate Klein
Klein is an educator and servant leader, and is about to step into a new role as Vice President of Education for Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa. “I inspire people to lead a courageous life.”
Follow at: @nateklein53
Dad to: Lily, 7; Ellary, 6; Tobin, 2; and Riggs, 8 months
Hometown: Shueyville
Favorite ways to spend family time in IA: We live in the country, so we enjoy walks on the gravel (similar to long walks on the beach) with the family, time on the swingset or shooting hoops, and visiting the cows at the neighbor’s house. We do enjoy time with our extended family which is usually centered around food.
Your most rewarding fatherhood moment: We have been fortunate to adopt three of our kiddos (Lily, Ellary and Riggs) into the family, and each of those moments have been unique and special in their own way just as it was to bring our little man Tobin into this world when everyone said that was impossible. Also, coaching my girls in soccer has been so fun to see their passion, energy and excitement.
Biggest challenge as a dad: Knowing when to step in to help and when to step back and let them learn.
A father who inspires you and why: My dad is a full-in kind of guy, whether it was work, our sports or education. He made it to every event we had growing up whether coaching our soccer team (which he knew nothing about), cheering on a sport or in the crowd at show choir events. When he was there, he was fully present. We even did math problems in the car on the way to family events. Who doesn’t love a good word problem on the way home to eat a family feast from Zio Johno’s!?
Best piece of advice for a new dad: Be present and enjoy the small moments with your kids. Also, remember to still date and travel with your spouse…without the kids!
Your biggest hope for your children: We have a family mantra that the girls say each day that I hope each of them can live out each day: “Be Kind, Be Brave, Have Fun and Love One Another.”
How are you celebrating Father’s Day? Might sleep in to 6:30 a.m., chocolate chip pancake-flipping, church with the family, maybe some grocery shopping, playing outside on the swingset, maybe a fire on the porch after grilling out, a board game with the kiddos, dance party before the bedtime book routine.