Fathers play an important role in their child’s life. Study after study has documented the negative effects that can happen if a male is an absentee father. A child can be affected mentally, psychologically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually resulting in low self-esteem, lack of ambition, and feelings of not being loved.

Since we know how much fathers matter in the life of a child, we, as a society, need to support fathers more. Mothers and their role in raising children has always been revered. Where fathers have not always felt that admiration. They are more than just men that make money for the benefit of the household. They are teachers, nurturers, and supporters of their son(s) and daughter(s). We need to support the role of fathers by having changing tables in male restrooms so dads can change their babies’ diapers. Fathers need to have paid maternity leave to bond with their child at birth. Special parking needs to be given to dads like it is given to moms if they have small children. More songs need to be written, more commercials need to be made, and more children need to show their appreciation for their dads. (We all know when football players win the Super Bowl they pretty much always thank their mom and say they want to go to Disney World.)

Houston Style Magazine appreciates all dads that step up to do the hardest job that they will ever love. We salute the fathers that are active, engaged, and very involved in the lives of their children. Your impact on their lives is invaluable.

Many know our featured fathers for keeping a party going and energizing any atmosphere with just the right song. Their "on the mic" personalities are infectious to partygoers, however, their" behind the mic" personalities are invaluable to their children. Meet some of the amazing dads behind the mic in our special Father’s Day issue.

Jason “DJ Burb” Rodgers

Daughters – Nicolette, 6, and, Danielle, 3

Houston Style Magazine: How has being a DJ affected the way you parent?

DJ Burb: It has helped me introduce different styles of music to my girls.

HSM: What makes a good father?

DJ Burb: Time, attention and making an effort to show them how important they are to you

HSM: How do you develop confidence in your child (ren)?

DJ Burb: Expose them to new things and encourage them to find things they have a passion for. Once they find that passion, encourage them to stick to it.

HSM: What do you wish you had known before becoming a father?

DJ Burb: I don't think you can know because each child is different, so it's hard to say.

HSM: What lessons have you learned from your child (ren)?

DJ Burb: I have girls, so I have learned to look at women differently.

HSM: What women have inspired you as a father?

DJ Burb: My wife, my mom, and my aunt

HSM: What is the best advice you have been given about fatherhood?

DJ Burb: No advice. I learned from watching my dad raise my brothers and me. The rest is trial and error.

HSM: What's the best Father's day gift you received and what made it so special?

DJ Burb: Gift cards and it is special that they know, I love gift cards

HSM: What was the best advice your father or father figure gave you when you became a dad that you use?

DJ Burb: My father passed away before I became a father and after that, I was pretty much surrounded by women (my mom, wife, and aunts), but I just learned from past experiences with father... he led by example and didn't do much talking about it.

HSM: Anything else you want to say to fathers this Father's Day.

DJ Burb: Expose your children to as many things as possible, so that they can find their passion and be successful.

Andre “DJ Bear” Garner

Daughters – Aliah, 9, and, Andrea, 15

Houston Style Magazine: What makes a good father?

DJ Bear: A good father provides love, builds confidence, and shows tough love when needed. I do that with my girls constantly.

HSM: How do you develop confidence in your child (ren)?

DJ Bear: By encouraging them to try new things and having them not worry about failing.

HSM: What do you wish you had known before becoming a father?

DJ Bear: How hard and challenging it truly is.

HSM: What lessons have you learned from your child(ren)?

DJ Bear: My children have taught me patience.

HSM: What women have inspired you as a father?

DJ Bear: My mother and elder cousins

HSM: What is the best advice you have been given about fatherhood?

DJ Bear: The best advice I have been given has been to keep the faith and keep your relationship with God.

HSM: What's the best Father's day gift you received and what made it so special?

DJ Bear: The best Father’s Day gift I have received has been something I never got from my dad. My best gift is being hugged and loved by my kids.

HSM: What was the best advice your father or father figure gave you when you became a dad that you use?

DJ Bear: Be your own man no matter how different people will view you.

HSM: Anything else you want to say to fathers this Father's Day.

DJ Bear: Enjoy your kids and invest in their dreams.

Kudos to these fathers who help pay the bills, attend dance recitals, play catch in the yards, comb hair into ponytails, cook dinner, and are their child’s world. You have the most important job ever and we commend you for not giving up.

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers and father figures to children everywhere.