Jeff Bogle Is Going 'Out With The Kids'...And He's Taking His Camera With Him!
If anybody knows a thing or two about the benefits of being “out and about” with the kids, it is dad blogger, Jeff Bogle. He’s made the entire theme of his daddy blog exactly that.
Out With The Kids indulges readers with posts that share the everyday happenings of the unmistakable treasures of Jeff Bogle’s life, namely, his two daughters and wonderfully 'good-natured' wife. Rich with lavish photography combined with an equal amount of wit, Out With The Kids provides you with an intimate look into the life of a man who truly cherishes his family and every moment he spends with them.
At the same time, what Jeff doesn’t do is sugarcoat his relationships or daily escapades with tales of perfection. He’s completely genuine and in that, reminds fans that “perfect” doesn’t exist but perfect husbands and fathers do -- the kind that readily embrace the wide-range of foibles that makes for unique and tight-knit clans, then adds to them by injecting unequivocal humor into the mix.
It’s as real as real can get, folks, and it’s 'really' good. See for yourself as you read Jeff Bogle’s interview below.
What is your full name?
Jeff Bogle but when my mom's mad at me she still calls me Jeffrey.
Where do you live?
In the Western suburbs of Philadelphia.
How many children do you have?
Two hilarious, remarkable daughters.
If you were asked to describe yourself in one word, what would that word be?
Reliable.
What is your personal mantra?
“Without struggle there can be no progress.” A paraphrased Frederick Douglas quote.
Do you believe you have a “life’s purpose?” If so, share it.
I never did but since becoming a dad of daughters, I've realized that I'm here to provide a beautiful childhood to my kids and to, hopefully, give the world two strong, brilliant, and thoughtful young women.
Tell us about you and your life.
I’m a guy who loves his family, music, my favorite teams, European football and traveling the world with my wife and kids. Together, with my wife, we’ve put an emphasis on nourishing the childhoods of our daughters with experiences and travel. I’ve been writing and photographing all of that for a little while now and that’s provided us with some remarkable experiences.
Finish this sentence, “The best part about being a dad is _____.”
That look of pure love kids give you at the very moment you need it the most.
How long have you been blogging for? Do you blog for any group blogs or websites beyond your own?
My own site, Out With The Kids, is 10 years old (launched in May 2006). I also write for PBS Parents, Huffington Post, Esquire, Cosmo, Family Vacation Critic, Life of Dad, Scary Mommy, Babble and many other sites. In the past, I’ve been published on iVillage, Time Out New York and The Good Men Project to name a few more.
Share with us the significance of the name of your blog to you. How did you come up with it?
Hah, it is sort of a play on words, like “Look...we’re out with the kids” but also - when we need some space from the kids - it can be “OUT..with the kids!”
What is the primary focus of your blog?
'Parenting' was the focus and remains the lens with which all other content is filtered. I’m a dad of daughters and that colors everything I do -- from travel pieces to writing music.
What do you hope to accomplish through it?
Gosh, I never actually considered that question, to be honest. I began wanting to only document my life as a dad but it evolved into a photographic and written exploration of my own childhood and thoughts on parenting as a whole. Now, I think, I want to inspire other dads (and moms too) to invest in their kids’ childhoods...to allow their kids to be children for as long as they wish (meaning, don’t rush them to grow up).
List any awards you have won.
Well, this is uncomfortable! I don’t like to be boastful, but since you asked: 2016 Iris Award for Photography, 2015 Buzzfeed’s Top Parents on Instagram, 2015 Huffington Post Top Dad Bloggers.
Are you a Brand Ambassador and if so, for which companies?
I’ve been fortunate to work with a few great companies over the years. This year, I’m a blog ambassador for Land O’ Lakes, TracFone, and Pure Protein.
Beyond your blog, do you engage in other social media outlets such as Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, etc.?
I am on most all the major social media sites but Instagram is my favorite place to express myself, through my photography and travel. I’m @OWTK on there.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to dads or moms who may be interested in beginning a blog?
Be authentic. It has to be real for it to matter. Oh, and don’t exploit your kids’ tears, tantrums or whatever to get clicks or eyeballs. That’s gross.
Are you an entrepreneur or professional beyond your blog (and outside of being a dad)? Please share.
Not anymore! I once ran a small indie rock record label but those days are long gone.
Do you support – either formally or informally – a particular social cause?
We’re fond of several charities, most notably Big Brothers Big Sisters, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Cradles to Crayons. We volunteer time and financial resources to those three causes and others (including the Sponsor A Child Christmas gift giving campaign each holiday season).
When all is said and done, what is the one thing you hope your loved ones and those who knew you remember about you?
That I tried really hard to get better at everything - from being a dad, a son, a husband and a human being - and that I tried to help others do the same every chance I got.
If “a picture is worth a thousand words,” I can’t even begin to understand how that saying translates to Jeff Bogle’s blog, Out With The Kids. I can, however, ascertain the amount of “meaning” and depth of “gratitude” found in each photo and every post.
It’s a sight to be seen...I assure you -- one worth experiencing prior to you, yourself, heading “out and about” with your own kids. Take a few minutes to do so. It's an oppotunity to peer into a snapshot of Jeff Bogle's life while motivating you to take a few more in your own.