Parent Profile: Brian Goesl
by Melissa Blair
Brian W. Goesl. Spouse: Patti Dodson Goesl. Children: Cecelia, 16 and Ben, 15. Born in Chicago and moved to Texarkana when I was 3 yrs old. Occupation: Executive Director of TRAHC.
What are you currently reading?
“Devil in the White City” by Eric Larson.
What’s the favorite book you’ve read to your kids?
“Rolie Polie Olie” by William Joyce, I had a showing of William Joyce’s work at the Arts’ Center years ago).
What was your most embarrassing moment as a child?
I forgot the music to the responses I was singing in a Chapel Service and just made it up.
When did you know you wanted to be a parent?
I had never wanted to have children because I questioned whether or not I would be a good parent, but after speaking to a close friend who pointed out I was being a little selfish, I reconsidered. She pointed out that I was denying my wife the chance to be a parent, too. Once I saw it from that perspective and realized that it was something my wife and I would do as a team, I was ready to accept the challenge.
Parent gear you can’t live without?
Paper napkins! They solve many problems.
If you could go back in time to a moment with your child when would it be?
I would return to those mornings when I dropped them off at school and watched them excitedly run inside.
If you could teleport to anywhere in the world to spend a day by yourself, where would you go?
North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
I wish my kids would eat….
They are very good about eating everything except Lima beans.
My kids won’t eat, and I won’t even eat….
There is nothing that at least one of us won’t eat.
What is your proudest parenting moment?
One of the proudest moments is knowing that both of our children gave up a full week of their summer to paint houses, build wheelchair ramps, and do yard work for needy people throughout Arkansas with the Ozark Mission Project.
What is your favorite childhood movie?
Too many to pick a favorite because I’ve loved film from an early age.
What were you most terrified of as a new parent?
Physically losing one of them! Either dropping or misplacing.
What advice do you have for new parents?
Pay attention to EVERY MOMENT YOU HAVE WITH THEM because they grow up so quickly.
What is your favorite thing to do with your kids?
Anything that we can all do together—from simply going out to eat, all the way up to the full blown family vacation.
What do you hope to teach your kids?
I hope to teach them to have the confidence to take care of themselves–to be independent.
Do you have a favorite family tradition?
Each Easter we boil and dye about 30 eggs, then I hide them throughout the house for the kids to find before church. Yes, a 15 and 16 year old will still hunt eggs. Later that day, we have a traditional German “egg knocking” where you try to crack the other person’s egg without damaging yours.
What is your favorite time spent as a family?
Six years ago, Patti and I auditioned for the TCB’s production of “The Nutcracker” as well as the two kids. We all performed in the same scene that year and have participated every year since.
A product you swear by?
iPhone is a modern marvel–especially the App “Find My iPhone” We can always find the kids if they don’t answer texts or calls. (Reference back to the part where I’m afraid I’ll lose them.)
Best parenting advice you’ve ever received?
Be patient and understand that they are KIDS. Allow them to make their own mistakes and solve their own problems.
Is there anything new you’d like to try with your family this year?
I would like to take everyone on a ski trip. That’s something they haven’t experienced yet.
