Digital Dads Exposed is a monthly interview series that highlights the unique perspectives on manhood and fatherhood held by those we at Digital Dads have come across in our travels. This month, we feature Erik Proulx—writer and director of Lemonade and Lemonade:Detroit.

“Writer, Director and Father of Ben and Clara, living in Melrose, MA—the northern gateway to the northern gateway of Boston”

What is your perspective on what it means to be a man living in todays world?

There’s all this discussion lately about what a man “should” be. Is it better to be sensitive and caring or macho and silent? Is a stay-at-home dad a real man, or should he be out slaughtering bison? It’s not real clear, to which I say, awesome. I’m thrilled to have the latitude to define my own masculinity. Step off, societal norms.

Growing up, what has influenced you the most and shaped the man that you are today?

By far, the absence of my own father. He died when I was 12, and I didn’t know him before that. Not having him around has informed nearly everything I do as a man and father.

In the moments you are able to pause and reflect, what activity do you normally gravitate towards?

I tend to do most of my introspection while exercising. I can solve a lot over a three-mile run.

What is your parental philosophy?

Be the person I want my kids to become. It’s not always easy. I catch myself espousing “do as I say, not as I do” more than I’d like. But I think I’m pretty conscious of it, so it’s a start.

What do you appreciate the most about being a father?

Being able to learn from my kids. They embody purity and creativity. Sometimes when we tell other people to “grow up,” we’re getting it wrong. We should be saying “be more childlike.”

What is your favorite activity (or activities) to do with your children?

My favorite activity is to do nothing with them. I enjoy lounging and connecting. I think this post explains it pretty well.

What is the best way for a man and father to impart wisdom to his children?

This sounds repetitive and, to a point, cliche. But the best way for me to impart wisdom on my children is to lead by example and be the person I want them to emulate. How can I expect my children to be loving, honest, and present unless I am those things to them?

What piece of technology impacts you most during the day (and is that impact positive or negative)?

Social media (twitter/facebook, etc) is both the most positive and negative technology in my workday. It’s such a valuable tool, yet is an incredible time suck. I am yet to master the discipline necessary to be efficient with the various mediums in the socialsphere.

How does technology shape the way you raise and influence your children?

We try very hard to limit “screen time” to less than two hours a day. That includes the Leapster, computers, TV, and anything else with an electronic screen. Being stuck inside in a rainy day can change all that drastically, but that’s our ideal.

We’re also holding off on the more serious gaming technology as long as we can. But the outside influences are strong.

How do you think men’s roles will change in the future?

That’s hard to answer. I feel like there’s a lot of “man’s man” retaliation to the “sensitive man” binary that was created after the women’s movement. I’m more in the “live and let live” camp. Who cares, really, what other men are doing? Just be the dad, man, and person you want to be, and to hell with what everyone else thinks.

‘Preciate it, Eric!

Follow @Eproulx and be sure to check out Lemonade, the movie and the trailer for Lemonade:Detroit.

/// Digital Dads Exposed returns next month with more unique and interesting perspectives on manhood and fatherhood. Is there someone you would like to see featured? send us an email.