'Make it count:' WRAL's Julian Grace on being a father of four

Julian Grace joined WRAL-TV's news team this spring as a reporter and weekend evening news anchor. It was a big decision for the Indianapolis native, who left his hometown where he worked for WISH-TV, and his wife and four children to pick up and move to North Carolina. But, he tells me, they're excited for the opportunities here in the Triangle and beyond.

As we wrap up our June features of local dads, we checked in with Grace to learn more about him, his family and fatherhood. Here's a Q&A.

And that’s OK.

Since being a father, I’ve strived to give my children a childhood that they would not have to recover from. During the process, I’ve been worried about making mistakes. Through time, I’ve realized no dad is perfect, and it’s OK to fall, just make sure you get back up.

I have a goal to spend individual time with each child every month. Nothing too elaborate, sometimes that may include a slushy with dad or allowing them to pick an activity. Then, there are times I will gear something to each child’s individual interest such as going to see Lion King on Broadway or going to a Tripp Lee concert.

During those one-on-one dates, I learn more about each child’s likes, which creates another intersection of conversations with them because I can talk in depth with them specifically about their interest.

Do I accomplish this goal each month? No, but it is definitely on my agenda.

Lastly, I’ve also benefited from great parents who are consistently consistent, and that is what I’m shooting for — consistency.

When parenting, I try to remind myself of James 4:14, “that life is only a vapor,” knowing that I try to make my impact as a father count. So make it count!