The Patton parents, Jarell and Kandis, are the best friends you always wanted.

They are both ready for a laugh, a good story - and a really great prank. 

 

Discovering each other on Facebook, this army man was attracted to Kandis' beautiful personality. She admired his sense of family, demonstrated by the way he interacted with his oldest daughter. But, it was meeting his family of jokesters that confirmed Jarell was The One, for her. Apparently, she comes from a family of pranksters, too! 

 

It seems everything this duo does is with good-natured humour. From Kandis and Dakota scaring Dad in dark rooms (Jarell hates dark rooms, though he claims it is hard to scare him) to Dylan eating her big sister's brains (see the photos). Dakota is a makeup genius, without a doubt. It is also very clear, paint_with_dakota is a fun family affair (with a hardworking duo behind the scenes)... that's Dad, Jarell, on the cover, by the way.

 

But, how did a three-year-old head down this path, you may ask?

I know I had to know...

As it would be, Dad loves to watch scary movies but does not like to watch them alone, hence a family-time ritual was born. 

 

The big question? 

 

How could a three year old not cry, be scared, or even comprehend what they were watching on TV? 

 

The answer is, the parents use a simple practice more of us need to incorporate into our lives when dealing with kids. The practice is called, Talking with Our Children. 

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You see, from their early years, Jarell educated his daughters on the difference between real life and make-believe. "I explained that the people on TV were everyday people like we are, playing parts and dressing up." Jarell told me. "I told them the people on TV were actors portraying characters - wearing make-up and costumes." 

 

It would seem that Dakota - in fact, all the children - got the message.

Because, when Dakota saw Joker in "Dark Knight," and was as intrigued by the character as were many of us, her intrigue became inspiration. She told her dad she wanted to do that (make her face look like Joker's).

 

Now, the best part of the story is, instead of laughing her off, ignoring her, ridiculing or brushing her off (she was just three after all), Jarell bought the necessary items to make her dream come true, then encouraged her every move. In other words, he set his child up to succeed. "I want my kids to know, I will support them no matter what they do until they no longer want to do it. If they want to play soccer, I will buy the goalie net and the ball." Jarell Patton.

 

Also, Mom and Dad have a "Find another way to get it done" philosophy.

The phrase, "I can't do it" is not accepted in their home. 

 

Many of us do well in life in spite of our parents. The most well adjusted of us excel because of our parents - and their unconditional love, encouragement and support. 

 

The most impressive piece about these great parents is that they highlight all their children. Dakota has an astounding, well-honed talent. The determination, dedication and perseverance shown by her and her siblings is just downright impressive. 

The youngest girl, Dylan, for example, first sat while Dakota painted her face when she was two. How many two-year-olds will sit for longer than a minute unless they are sleeping? And acting chops? Kandis taught Dylan the different faces of emotions, and the toddler could repeat them like an old school Hollywood Starlet! Those eyes, that smile - those cheeks! I wager Dylan is bound for the Youngest Oscar Winner title in the very near future. There is also a new Star in Waiting we are sure to see more of likely when he is older than a just a few weeks, though he has made an appearance, little baby Atreus - as in God of War's Norse God, Loki (you have to check out the video game!)

 

Looking forward what Dakota and her incredible family do next.

High five!