Fatherly Figureheads: Community leaders share takes on parenthood – Shaw Blackmon ­— House of Representatives

PERRY, Ga. – Being a dad can be a full-time job and being a representative for the state of Georgia is just as busy.

State Representative Shaw Blackmon is a lifelong resident of Houston County, and his family has been here for three generations. His grandfather served in World War II and moved to Warner Robins during the 1960’s to work at the Robins Air Force Base as an airplane mechanic. His family has stayed here ever since.

Blackmon went to Warner Robins High School and continued his education at the University of Georgia where he earned his degree in information systems. After graduating from college, he came back to his hometown to work. He met his wife who also grew up in Warner Robins and they have been married for seven years. Now he is the father of a two-year-old boy named Beckett and a four-year-old boy named after Blackmon, but his nickname is Court because he is the fourth in his family with the same name. He is also the stepfather of a 12-year-old boy named Jes.

He said it is not always easy balancing fatherhood and having a prominent role in government. He shared he has made a pact with his family and that his faith and family always come first.

“We make that the time we spend together as a family is quality time. [That’s] probably the most important thing and we do some of the community stuff as a family as well,” said Blackmon.

He said he became a father later in life but during his short time in his role, he has learned many lessons, one of them how fatherhood is a blessing.

“It’s not without its trials but really a huge blessing to be able to be there and guide, support and fully be that supporting role for somebody who is growing and coming of age. Mine are young still so a lot of growing to do, but it’s been a huge blessing and I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” said Blackmon.

He and his wife have made a partnership with raising their three boys. His wife was a speech therapist but after giving birth to their second child, she decided to become a stay-at-home mom. He added that being a full-time mom is the same as having a full-time job. He said he is responsible for the financial side, but he and his wife share their responsibilities and support one another, which helps them take care of their family. Blackmon said his friends, family and church have also lent a hand whenever they need help and support.

Blackmon said there are a lot of legislators with young families, and they understand that family always comes first, especially in government.

“It’s certainly a huge responsibility. I mean, you’re raising kids that will grow up to be young adults and the next generation that will inherit our county, our state, our country and it is our job as their parents to make sure they’re ready to get out there and do what they need to do and go through this life of their own,” said Blackmon.

As a part-time legislator it gives him some time to spend with his family. He said he is a simple person that makes sure that not only his family is well but makes sure the families of his community are also well.

The advice he gives is something he learned from his own relationship with his father. He considers him his best friend and as someone who has invested a lot of time in their relationship.

“Invest that time, it will pay dividends in the future for the relationship you have with your children and that’s a lesson that I’ve learned from my father. And I hope that I can do that, and I would pass that advice along to other fathers,” said Blackmon.

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