Father's Day Feature: Bill Horn On Navigating Loss and Releasing Expectations

June 18, 2023

In honor of Father’s Day, we are putting a spin on our weekly mom feature and highlighting an amazing dad, Bill Horn. A recently single father of two, Bill speaks candidly about loss and struggle and learning to let go of the need to do it all as a parent, so that you can best enjoy the moments you are in.

Bill, tell us about you:

Originally from New Jersey, I now live in the Los Angeles area with my two kids, 2 dogs and my late husband’s mother. For the past 12 years I’ve run Marque Communications, the boutique PR and marketing firm I co-founded. We primarily work with juvenile brands and handle talent for celebrity events geared towards families.

What was the most unexpected part of your own fatherhood journey?

There have been so many unexpected parts of my fatherhood. But to be honest, the most difficult has been the past ten months as a single dad. Scout, my husband, died suddenly and I became a single parent overnight. It’s scary and exhausting. That second pair of hands, that sounding board, that backup I sometimes need is just gone.

What is the best thing you learned about parenting and who did you learn it from?

There have been so many good friends and family members who have imparted their wisdom on me over the past 13 years. It’s hard to pick one. I will say that my friend Dvora stressed the importance of sleep and a good schedule. I’ve for sure let my kids stay up past their bedtimes for special occasions, travel, etc. But overall, we’re pretty strict about bedtime. Plus how can I be in bed by 9 if the kids are still up? Ha!

What do you think is the most challenging aspect of being a dad, and how do you manage it?

The most challenging part of being a dad is finding the time and resources to do as much as I can with each of my kids and pick the best, most rewarding activities. We can’t do everything, and I think releasing that a while back was key: it’s ok to only do some things and do those things well.

How has parenting changed you as a person, and what have you learned from the experience?

Well, being a parent is my whole life, so it’s changed every aspect of my life. I think what I’ve learned over this past year has taught me that while it’s hard being a single dad, I can and am managing to do it - one day at a time.

What’s one thing you wish you had known before becoming a parent?

I wish I had squeezed in more travel before kids. When you have babies, you tend to travel less often. And traveling with kids is a whole different experience.