Despite his stellar football career, Tom Brady admits his success on the field hasn’t translated into perfection as a father.
During a candid talk at the 2024 Fortune Global Forum in New York City, the NFL icon opened up about his experiences and struggles in parenting, saying he’s made his share of mistakes along the way.
Balancing Fame with Fatherhood
Brady, who has three children — 17-year-old Jack with ex-partner Bridget Moynahan, as well as Benjamin and Vivian with former spouse Gisele Bündchen — discussed the difficulties of motivating his kids without letting his enormous legacy overwhelm them.
Reflecting on the demands of parenting, Brady remarked, “All of us parents know it’s the hardest job we have. And we screw up a lot,” reiterating his own missteps in this role.
He added with humility, “I don’t want to come off as some expert in parenting because I’m certainly not.”
Striving to Be a Stable Influence
Brady shared his dedication to being a supportive and consistent presence in his children’s lives.
He emphasized the importance of reliability, saying he aims to be “dependable and consistent” for his kids.
While he encourages them in their individual pursuits, he acknowledges the unique pressures they face as the children of a sports legend.
“It sucks to be Tom Brady’s son,” he admitted, particularly for his teenage son Jack, who, despite his towering 6-foot-5 stature, has chosen a path in basketball over football.
Embracing an Encouraging Parenting Style
Brady credits his own parents for their unwavering support, recalling how they encouraged him to follow his dreams against the odds.
As a high school backup quarterback with no certainty of success, he never heard them say, “Let’s think about another plan.”
Instead, they said, “Go for it.”
Brady shared that this encouragement has shaped his own parenting style.
He believes in empowering his children to pursue their interests, whether or not they match his own journey.
Staying Connected Through Life’s Changes
Two weeks after Bündchen announced her pregnancy with her boyfriend, Joaquim Valente, Brady acknowledged his commitment to maintaining strong connections with his children.
He spoke warmly about his relationship with Jack, mentioning how he motivates him in his basketball aspirations, telling him, “Dude, you’re gonna be a stud. Wait till you hit your growth spurt; you’re gonna be dunking.”
Even as his kids navigate the challenges of their unique circumstances, Brady expressed his unwavering support, mirroring the encouragement his own parents once provided.
“My kids are going to face their own challenges, and they’ve got to figure out how to overcome them,” he said.
“I’ll be there to support them, learning alongside them every step of the way.”
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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