Seth Meyers, the renowned comedian, has recently made a candid confession about his approach to parenting, particularly his adoption of a ‘gentle parenting’ style. The 50-year-old father of three shared insights into his parenting journey during an appearance on the Today show, where he discussed his upcoming stand-up special titled “Dad Man Walking,” scheduled to premiere on October 26 on HBO and Max. Meyers, alongside his wife Alexi Ashe, opened up about their marriage and their shared parenting responsibilities.
In the special, Meyers delves into his philosophy on parenting and contrasts it with his own father’s parenting style, which he described as more authoritarian. Reflecting on his experiences, Meyers revealed that his children – sons Ashe (8) and Axel (5), and daughter Adelaide (2) – do not perceive him as a strict or intimidating figure, unlike how he viewed his own father. He shared an anecdote where his child found his moments of frustration amusing, highlighting the shift in parenting dynamics in today’s era.
Despite embracing a more lenient approach, Meyers jokingly expressed that he sometimes feels he is not excelling in his role as a ‘gentle’ father, admitting to receiving mixed results from his parenting techniques. The comedian disclosed that he and his wife employ a system of ‘strikes’ or warnings for their children’s behaviour, incorporating ‘soft consequences’ for repeated strikes. Meyers humbly acknowledged that while he believes his kids are good, he may not always meet the standard of being a perfect parent.
During the interview, Meyers also revealed the collaborative nature of his relationship with his wife, Ashe, who actively participates in shaping his stand-up material. Ashe, who has been married to Meyers since 2013, exercises a ‘veto’ power over any content that involves her and provides valuable input to enhance the comedic quality of his performances.
The couple, who first crossed paths at comedian Chris Kattan’s wedding in 2008, have traversed a journey together that culminated in marriage and parenthood. From the unexpected early arrival of their first son Ashe to the unconventional birth of their second son Axel in their apartment building lobby, Meyers and Ashe have navigated parenthood with humour and flexibility. The couple’s decision to prepare for a home birth for their third child, Adelaide, reflects their shared commitment to embracing life’s unpredictability with grace.
As Seth Meyers continues to entertain audiences with his wit and candour, his reflections on parenting offer a refreshing perspective on the evolving dynamics of familial relationships in the modern age. Through humour and honesty, Meyers and Ashe exemplify the joys and challenges of raising a family while navigating the complexities of marriage and parenthood in today’s world.