“The best dad I ever had” is how 11-year-old Mason Ponce describes his father, Prince Glover. Although Ponce is not biologically Glover’s, you wouldn’t know unless you asked.
The pair are par loving, arguing and caring for each other the same as any other family. Glover said he’s raised Ponce as his own since he was 20, and in return, Ponce has taught him invaluable life lessons. Becoming a parent felt natural for him. So when he met his wife who had a 1-year-old son, it was easy for him to adjust to life as a parent. They have raised Ponce together.
“I definitely took a liking to him initially,” Glover said. “So after that it was just like all right, I can be down with this.”
Becoming a parent, especially at a young age, has been a challenge for Glover, he said. But, the reward of being a parent far outweighs the negative. Whether he’s teaching Ponce about social justice, racial justice or his favorite anime show, Glover said there are a lot of opportunities to educate Ponce. Being younger, he said, definitely helps him pick up on the slang and trends that Ponce learns from his friends at school and helps him be more conscious about how he presents himself in front of Ponce.
“I believe it is important to lead by example,” Glover said.
That’s why being a parent was so natural for Glover. Glover said it’s important to teach Ponce and give him “respectable life values and lessons.” He often helps Ponce develop healthy ways of handling tough situations, whether it be bandaging a scraped-up knee or comforting him when he’s having a bad day. Glover said it’s important to make sure his son knows how to handle himself emotionally, physically and mentally.
His biggest responsibility, he said, is reminding Ponce that he has a support system within their tight-knit family and that he is loved no matter what. While Glover is teaching Ponce, sometimes Ponce teaches him right back.
“Although you have an obligation to raise and teach your child to the best of your ability, there are always opportunities to learn and be a better parent,” Glover said.
Although finding time where they can relax and play Super Smash Bros has been rare lately because of busy schedules, any sort of quality time Glover and Ponce spend together is valuable to Glover, he said. They enjoy playing video games like Mario Kart and going to amusement parks, Glover said.
Their favorite memory together was visiting Universal Orlando in December 2021. It was the first time Ponce was tall enough to ride most of the rides, and the quality time they spent exploring amusement parks, waiting in line for their favorite roller coaster and meeting cast members was something Glover and Ponce will not forget.
Glover said his favorite thing about being a dad is watching Ponce grow and develop his own personality.
“Aside from Mason’s general well-being, I enjoy seeing him learn from his mistakes and watching his hard work pay off for him,” Glover said.
Contact staff writer Jayden Kennett at 317-762-7847 or by email jaydenk@indyrecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @JournoJay.
