Today we have Ryan & Marcin Zielinski aka The Real Dads of Houston on The Mag. They are dads to two wonderful kids. They share their views on being a modern family, tips on LGBTQIA+ inclusivity, their adoption journey and more. Read more about these wonderful dads below!

Introduce yourselves and family. How did you meet?

We are Ryan & Marcin Zielinski. Our children are Liam (5) and Alexis (13 months). We met nearly 10 years ago when we both joined Chemistry.com (long before apps!) on the very same Thanksgiving weekend. After spending a few days exchanging pleasantries on the website and getting to know one another, we went on our first date on December 1, 2010 in Austin, Texas. Marcin took me to an Italian restaurant where we talked for hours - including how we both eventually wanted to have children. When it was time to pay, Marcin said he forgot his wallet in the car and went out to get it. I, of course, thought he was skipping out on me. But I was pleasantly surprised when he came back with his wallet in hand. Ten years later and Marcin still misplaces his wallet pretty regularly!

What inspired you to start @therealdadsofhouston account?

Our account was originally titled "@ryanandmarcinadopt as a way to electronically journal our adoption journey to get our story out into the public in hopes of getting noticed by expectant women possibly considering adoption. At the time, the concept of using social media as a way to document an adoption journey was fairly new and has gained traction in the last couple of years. By the time Liam was born, we had established a decent sized following and decided to change the name to @therealdadsofhouston and keep it going so that we could continue chronicle our family adventures.

What does it mean to be a ‘modern family’?

We don't really see ourselves any differently than any other family. Our daily lives are similar to most families in our neighborhood except for the fact that we're a two dad family, which we're very happy to see is becoming more common. To us, being a modern family has less to do with our familial makeup and more to do with our outlook on life. We embrace diversity in all forms and try to expose our children to people, places, and ideas that they don't see every day. We encourage our kids to get dirty, to explore, and to not be afraid to try new things. We want Liam and Alexis to be outspoken, inquisitive, respectful, and compassionate humans who are welcoming to people of all walks of life and beliefs. While we may not understand exactly what another group is thinking or feeling, we can be open and empathetic.

What are a few ways that parents from all backgrounds can incorporate LGBTQIA+ inclusivity with their kids and family's?

Luckily, today a lot of children's television programming is helping parents achieve this. PBS shows like Arthur and Sesame Street, and Nickelodeon's The Loud House have all done a superb job of introducing characters from the LGBTQIA+ community in a nonchalant, matter of fact way. Kids are so open-minded that they don't look at something as abnormal or different unless it's introduced to them in that fashion.

Take your kids to restaurants in the neighborhoods known to have a flourishing LGBTQIA+ community.
Take them to plays, musicals, or museums that highlight diversity.
If you live in a small community, choose books that incorporate family dynamics different than your own.
But above all, encourage your children to ask questions. Knowledge is the absolute best tool parents have to incorporate inclusivity into their family.

Are you comfortable sharing anything about your adoption journey with us? Would you encourage others to foster/adopt? Would you do it again?

Unconditional love of the child is the binding principle of adoption and we were well aware of that throughout our journey. For us, adoption was a beautiful experience that allowed us to become parents to two special, amazing kids. I know it sounds cliche, but love truly does make a family.

Would we adopt again? Well, we've had that conversation and we believe that our family is now complete. However, we are huge proponents for adoption and encourage anyone who's considering it to do your research, know the possible risks, and choose an agency that is a good fit for you. At the end of the day when you're holding your children in your arms, every single obstacle will be well worth it.

Name up to (3) other small businesses/brands that you love!

Supporting small businesses, especially now, is so very important and we're lucky to live in a community that values them as much as we do. One of our favorites is Kidtastic Park (www.kidtasticpark.com or on IG @kidtasticpark , an indoor playground in our area. This gym is owned by parent friends of ours we met through our kids' daycare. It is a great place to let the kids burn off some much needed energy in a clean, safe environment. Here in Houston, it gets so hot in the summer that having a sanctuary like this is a necessity!

We've also found Rafi Nova (www.rafinova.com or IG @rafinova_go , a great fashion brand that has pivoted from making bags and pouches to making face masks during COVID. They are a fair trade and ethical company and are huge supporters of diversity and sustainability.

Our go-to kids brands are Carter's and GapKids. We've found that with these brands you get the best bang for your buck. They're cute, stylish, durable, and affordable. These companies have also embraced the LGBTQIA+ community which is a hugely important to our family.

And finally, where can we find you?

Insta: @therealdadsofhouston