ParentDish http://www.parentdish.com ParentDish http://www.parentdish.com/media/feedlogo.gif ParentDish http://www.parentdish.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Actress Joelle Carter on 'Justified' and Adopting a Baby Girlhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/06/joelle-carter/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/06/joelle-carter/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/06/joelle-carter/#commentsFiled under: ,

Joelle Carter

Joelle Carter stars on "Justified." Credit: (C)Howard Wise/jpistudios.com

A former model, Joelle Carter has been turning heads for years, nabbing small roles in big films like "High Fidelity" and "American Pie 2."

Now, Carter, 38, stars as Ava Crowder in the critically-acclaimed FX series "Justified," which has been picked up for a third season.

Off screen, Carter and her husband, Andy Bates, recently adopted a baby girl they named Luna Rose.

When ParentDish caught up with the actress recently in New York, she couldn't stop gushing about motherhood and her new daughter.

ParentDish: Lots of amazing things are happening for you.
Joelle Carter: Yes, thank you.

PD: First up, motherhood.
JC: Yes, we just adopted my baby girl from birth, and she is now 8 1/2 months old and she is the sunshine of our lives. I mean, it is a lot of work and you have to reschedule yourself, but it is all worth it.

PD: What made you decide to adopt?
JC: We hadn't been able to get pregnant and they couldn't find a reason why. Since there was a time line when we wanted to start a family, for us, we decided to look into adoption. We found an agency that dealt with open adoption and we liked the idea that she would have a potential relationship with her birth family and not have all of those questions that can come with adoption.

PD: That sounds so brave.
JC: Even if you didn't tell them, I think their intuition would tell them something is off. I don't want my child to grow up and, at 16 or 17, find out they were adopted and ask, why was this kept from me? It is not a bad thing -- in fact, it is an amazing thing.

PD: What would you tell your daughter if she asks you why she was put up for adoption?
JC: There was this young girl who couldn't keep you, found us and loves you enough to find you the people she felt secure with. Plus, we really wanted you.

PD: The name Luna sounds so Hollywood.
JC: We were having a hard time agreeing on a name and one day a friend of mine and I were searching on the Internet and saw it. When my husband was coming up the stairs I said, "Luna," and he said, "I love it." As for Rose, it represents my parents.

PD: Where is Luna from?
JC: We stayed here and adopted in the United States because a lot of children here needed love.

PD: How would you describe the adoption process?
JC: You could potentially get matched, or maybe you bond with the birth mother. It is a lot like dating until you both decide there is a match. Then, there is always the risk the birth mother could change her mind. It is a very emotionally invested process, but, for us, we couldn't have found a better match.

PD: What is Luna like?
JC: She has our low-keyness. I mean, she is such a great little baby. She sleeps well, eats well and is always happy. We got blessed.

PD: How has the transition been from having no responsibility to having a tremendous amount of responsibility?
JC: It is hard to get used to. All of a sudden, you are not free to do what you want to do. It is a constant little job and, in the end, you may be exhausted, but then you see that smile and you realize it was all worth it.

PD: What was the best and worst advice you received on becoming a mom?
JC: Everyone has two cents, but the best advice was from my mother-in-law. She said trust your instincts. The worst advice we got was, "She might need a good spanking," but I won't say who said that one.

PD: Would you adopt again?
JC: Yeah, I hope so. We might wait until she is diaper-free so my husband doesn't remember how hard it was when she was an infant. (Laughs.)

PD: What lessons do you hope to teach Luna?
JC: To be good to yourself and create for the world. Feed your heart, be kind and be good to others.

PD: Your character, Ava Crowder, on "Justified" is both spontaneous and unpredictable.
JC: Yeah, that is pretty good. What I love about Ava is she has so many colors. She is sensitive, a survivor and a southerner. She is not only sexy, but there is a lot of Ava that has not been tapped and I think that is great because there is so much potential to grow her. She has the world in front of her because of her past relationship, but I know she will figure it out.

PD: Reality TV has become so popular. Why do you think a scripted series, like "Justified," is such a hit with viewers and critics?
JC: I think it is partially the writing and partially the cast. I also think it is a unique show in the fact that the flavor of it takes place in Kentucky. "Justified" has characters you can get involved with, and it has a network that stands behind it.

PD: Do you feel taking on a role like Ava is risky?
JC: Oh, yeah. She really uses her sexually and she wears her heart on her sleeve. She is also from a region where you learn to stand up for yourself and, because of that, I believe it is my duty to play her strength. I was promised good stuff for Ava if we made it to season number three, so I am holding them to it (laughs).

PD: You're also active with the St. Baldrick's Foundation. Tell me about that.
JC: I am impressed with how this organization works and I wanted to get involved with a children's charity. The first event I went to was a shaving event at a bar. When I got there, and I got involved with the "Let's Conquer" campaign they told me how every 3 ½-minutes a child is diagnosed with cancer and one out of four children won't survive, and when I heard that I was numb. It is so important to fund the research to help these children potentially survive and the ones that do survive have a better life than they may have right now. It is so rewarding for me to help these children.

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]]>adoptionjoelle carterjustifiedIlyssa PanitzWed, 06 Apr 2011 16:00:00 ESTHelio Castroneves on Fatherhood, Racing and 'Dancing With the Stars'http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/28/helio-castroneves/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/28/helio-castroneves/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/28/helio-castroneves/#commentsFiled under: ,

Helio Castroneves picture

Helio Castroneves and girlfriend, Adriana Henao, have a 14-month-old daughter. Credit: Getty Images

Helio Castroneves is one fast and furious athlete.

But the Brazilian-born Izod IndyCar driver who won the Indianapolis 500 in 2001, 2002 and 2009, is chasing a lot more these days than the competition on the track.

Lately, Castroneves tells ParentDish, he always seems to be in a mad dash to keep up with his 14-month-old daughter, Mikaella, which, he says, requires some serious endurance.

Castroneves, 35, made a recent pit stop in New York City to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Indy 500, and to gush to ParentDish about his ride on the fatherhood express. An edited version of the interview follows.

ParentDish: How long have you been behind the wheel?
Hélio Castroneves: I started in 1987, and then I began in the Indy Car Series in 1998. Although I consider myself to be young, I am also a veteran. I will say racing keeps me young.

PD: Any close calls or brushes with death?
HC: Although I go at a high speed, I am always wearing a helmet and drive a car that was meant to go that fast.

PD: Do you consider yourself fearless?
HC: Absolutely. Look, we all have fears. I am human, so, yes, I have them, too. It is just what you do with it. But, to be honest, I feel safest when I am in a race car.

PD: Now that you're a father, do you view driving as a dangerous sport or fear something could go wrong?
HC: No. People don't realize this is both my job and my profession. My desk is the cockpit. When I am there, I am focused on what I need to do. I love my profession and I also love bringing my family there so they, too, can share in my passion.

PD: Would you let your daughter race if, one day, she wanted to follow in your footsteps?
HC: Right now there is only one race car driver in the family (laughs). If she pursues my dream, I will support her 100 percent and do everything in my power to help her achieve her dream.

PD: Speaking of fatherhood, how's that going?
HC: It is the best thing ever.

PD: You and your girlfriend, Adriana Henao, welcomed Mikaella back in 2009. How has being a dad changed you?
HC: I just love spending time with her. We also just moved to a new place and are still building our family together. It's a lot like racing -- we are trying to find the right path for everything and settle into a wonderful life. I will say, Adriana keeps her very active with all sorts of things.

PD: What is Mikaella up to these days?
HC: She is walking. Mikaella has such a personality and has the toughness of her mom. But her smile melts my heart every time and, I will confess, she is totally a daddy's girl.

PD: You have stated how important family is to you. Will you and Adriana get married?
HC: Yes, absolutely. It is a job, a commitment and compromise I am ready for. I feel marriage is sacred and very important. I have actually asked her a few times and she told me no because I wasn't romantic. So, now I need ideas on how to be romantic so she will say yes. Trust me, I am working on it and trying to surprise her.

PD: You were recently in the news for troubles with the tax man. Have you thought about how you are going to explain this to your daughter when she learns about your brush with the law?
HC: I will be honest in all aspects of my life. When she reads it, I will have to talk to her because it was a part of my life and a very tough moment in my life. I will never forget it. I am still trying to heal from it. The scars are still there and visible in my eyes. Sometimes I dream about that moment and what I will say.

PD: Which is?
HC: That I had to go to court and it was there the justice system determined my outcome. I am lucky in that the verdict was fair, especially since I am a foreigner. Although I was acquitted, it was a painful time in my life. I have every intention of being open. I think parents should be open and honest with their children. Honesty and communication is the best policy I know to ensure a great relationship.

PD: Based on your experience, what will you teach Mikaella about right and wrong?
HC: Although you can't control other people's minds, I want her to have an open mind and see how life will teach you certain things. I have a great partner in Adriana, and we balance each other out well in that department.

PD: Season 12 of "Dancing with the Stars" just kicked off. What are your thoughts on the new cast?
HC: I still watch it all of the time and I think this cast is fantastic. I was actually surprised how well Kristie Alley did. Her footwork was great. Chelsea Kane also did well. For the guys, Ralph Macchio did great and showed off his amazing personality. Hines Ward was very charismatic and that will take him a long way. And, of course, Sugar Ray Leonard is a fan favorite.

PD: You took home the mirror ball trophy in season five. What's your advice to the future winner?
HC: My advice, don't try and be a professional. Learn from the experts. It is easy to forget you are not a dancer because you get so caught up in the moment -- especially when the pros push you too far. It might take you three days to learn one move, so you need to be patient and just have fun.

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]]>dancing with the starsHelio Castronevesindy 500Ilyssa PanitzMon, 28 Mar 2011 16:00:00 ESTKelly Rutherford on Being a Single Mom, Divorce and 'Gossip Girl'http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/21/kelly-rutherford/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/21/kelly-rutherford/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/21/kelly-rutherford/#commentsFiled under: ,

Kelly Rutherford stars as a socialite mom on "Gossip Girl." Credit: Getty Images

Kelly Rutherford developed a following after joining the cast of "Melrose Place" in 1996, as Megan Lewis Mancini, a prostitute-turned-doctor's wife.

After the series wrapped, the actress scored prime parts in more TV shows, including "The District" and "E-Ring," and, today, stars in the hit series "Gossip Girl" as posh New York City mom Lily van der Woodsen.

But Rutherford, 42, says her best role is being a mom to her two children, Hermes, 4, and Helena, 2, with ex-husband Daniel Giersch.

In New York to promote ZENO, an anti-aging device that combines heat, vibration and red light technology, Rutherford, who also just launched her own handbag collection on QVC, talked to ParentDish about why life is not always red carpet fab. An edited version of the interview follows.

ParentDish: You're a single working mom.
Kelly Rutherford: I am. It is tough, but I am a fortunate working mom.

PD: How has it been going it alone?
KR: I basically juggle my day around my kid's schedule.

PD: How did you handle the pressure of going through a high-profile divorce while you were still pregnant with your daughter and raising a toddler?
KR: I think, for me, a lot of it was keeping a balance and to not miss a beat, especially when it came to my son. I nursed him longer than I probably should have because I felt it was not the right time to throw out yet another change. A mother knows what is best and appropriate for her child.

PD: Was it tough for you to go through such a painful experience in public, while trying to protect your son?
KR: Yes. I think it is tough for any mother to go through. The other side of it was it made me an advocate for women who are going through it and this experience gave me strength. Don't get me wrong, there were moments in the shower when I would cry and say, 'how am I going to get through this?' I had my definite moments.

PD: But you stayed strong.
KR: I had to stay strong and be there for my kids. That was my mantra, I stayed focused on my kids and I knew the rest would be OK.

PD: Do the kids see their dad?
KR: They go see him and, when they do, I use the time off to go to sleep or have dinner with a friend.

PD: What will you do when your children are old enough to ask questions about why Mommy and Daddy aren't together?
KR: I have talked to therapists about it. A lot of it is keeping it simple. I won't say anything negative about their dad. Kids know everything, so I will be honest in the most positive way I can. I want them to know we both love them very much.

PD: Your "Gossip Girl" co-star Matthew Settle went through a similar situation. Did having a colleague and close friend help make these difficult times easier?
KR: Oh, yeah. Matthew was amazing. We didn't talk too much about the details, but we realized what the other was going through and how odd it was we were going through it at the same time. It was also interesting for me because I got to see the father's point of view from a situation like this.

PD: Speaking of Matthew, things between Lily and her on-screen husband, Rufus (Settle's character) have been rocky this season. Do you think they can weather the storm?
KR: I think so. I think Rufus is realizing I am a certain type of mother -- Lily is -- and that I may have made choices he wouldn't have necessarily made. I think Rufus will come around and see that.

PD: Lily's ex-husband (played by William Baldwin) is returning to the show. Will this make things more difficult for Lily and Rufus to smooth things out?
KR: Anytime something like that happens to anyone it will strain a relationship (laughs). But Billy is a wonderful actor and brings a lot to the part.

PD: In terms of being a mother, are you and Lily anything alike?
KR: The big difference is the age difference with our kids. Lily's kids are getting ready to leave the nest and Kelly's children are very young. But we all love our kids.

PD: Do you still believe in marriage?
KR: I think marriage is great. I believe in it.

PD: You are flawless. I don't see one line on your face.
KR: I just really liked this product. ZENO really firmed my skin, the device felt really good and it gave me the best results.

PD: Since you are a working mom, where do you find the time to perform the skin care routine?
KR: I barely have time to get a facial. But applying the serum and using the device for just a few minutes before I go to bed made such a difference.

PD: Where are your problem areas?
KR: After kids, your skin loses its elasticity.

PD: What is one role you would like to one day play?
KR: Gloria Steinem. I want to empower women.

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]]>gossip girlGossipGirlKelly RutherfordKellyRutherfordIlyssa PanitzMon, 21 Mar 2011 16:00:00 ESTKristi Yamaguchi Dishes on Her New Book and Teaching Kids to Dream Bighttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/15/kristi-yamaguchi-dishes-on-her-new-book-and-teaching-kids-to-dre/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/15/kristi-yamaguchi-dishes-on-her-new-book-and-teaching-kids-to-dre/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/15/kristi-yamaguchi-dishes-on-her-new-book-and-teaching-kids-to-dre/#commentsFiled under: ,

Watch A Related Video to This Article
Krisit Yamaguchi picture

Kristi Yamaguchi's motto: "Always dream." Credit: WireImage

If anyone knows a thing or two about winning, it's Kristi Yamaguchi.

The figure skater took home the Olympic gold medal in 1992, and was named World Champion in 1991 and 1992 and the U.S. National Champion, also in 1992.

But she's not just a champ on the ice. In 2008, Yamaguchi, 39, won the disco ball trophy on season six of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" with partner Mark Ballas.

"I credit my achievement by following my personal motto, 'always dream,' " she tells ParentDish.

Now, Yamaguchi is sharing that motto with kids in her second children's book "Dream Big, Little Pig!"

"I hope it encourages children everywhere to aim high," the mother of Keara, 7, and Emma, 5, says.

Yamaguchi recently spoke with ParentDish about the book, her family and her take on the new season of "DWTS." An edited version of the interview follows.

ParentDish: "Dream Big, Little Pig!" is basically a twist on "always dream."
Kristi Yamaguchi: Yes. Poppy the Pig has a lot of parallels to my life and the lessons she and I both learned along the way.

PD: Why choose a pig as the main character?
KY: Pigs have always been in my life. I was born in the year of the pig and, if you saw my house, you would see there are pig figurines everywhere. I also loved Miss Piggy growing up and the pig seems to be my good luck animal.

PD: What are some of the lessons you learned growing up?
KY: Things don't just happen. You first need to look for what your passion is and know there are going to be obstacles, challenges and a trial and error period. But if you really love it, you need to work it and work towards the feeling of reward.

PD: Is that what inspired you to write this story?
KY: Yes, plus having children of my own is what enabled me to come up with my own story.

PD: This is your second children's book. ("Always Dream" was published in 1998). What made you want to become a children's author?
KY: My children motivate me and were a big inspiration in helping my characters come to life.

PD: Your books are targeted at different age groups, but teach the same lesson. Why do kids need to know to succeed?
KY: Set goals in your life. If you have a goal and you work your way towards it by taking small steps to get closer, it can happen and can come true. If you put in the effort and the time, anything is possible.

PD: Always Dream is also the name of your charity.
KY: Yes, about 15 years ago I created an organization that would help children. Most recently, we built a playground in northern California that will help children of all abilities play side by side. Also, a portion of the proceeds from "Dream Big, Little Pig!" will go to a literacy program we started at my foundation.

PD: Did your kids play a role in helping you put together the new book?
KY: My older one helped me pick the name Poppy, the main character of the story. It also centers around skating, which is something we all do together as a family.

PD: Your husband, Bret Hedican (they've been married since July 2000), is a retired hockey player. Is it safe to assume ice skating is a favorite pastime in your household?
KY: Yes (laughs). We are not pushing them to be competitive, but we are teaching them about skating and how to be confident on the ice.

PD: What do you and Bret teach your own children about dreaming big?
KY: We want to encourage them to look at a big picture and have something that is special for them to do. We encourage them to put in 100 percent and just to try your best. We want them to be happy with the small accomplishments they achieve, and winning does not have to be the end goal.

PD: Since kids can't always take home the gold, what do you teach them about losing?
KY: At this age we say things like, "Wow! You tried so hard and got much better than last time. We are so proud of you." We try to find the positive and tell them it is OK the other team won. You played well and that's what counts.

PD: You won the top spot on "Dancing with the Stars." Are you still moving and grooving at home?
KY: No. I danced a little bit with Mark is a couple of shows last summer. It's harder now to keep it up because so much time has passed, but I do love it and it was a lot of fun.

PD: The new cast for the show was recently revealed. What's your take on Kirstie Alley, Kendra Wilkinson and Sugar Ray Leonard stepping onto the ballroom floor?
KY: It's always intriguing to see the personalities they cast for the show. It will be fun to see these people take on a whole new challenge and watch how they handle it.

PD: You, Emmitt Smith and Apolo Anton Ohno all won on the show. Do you think athletes have an advantage because of how disciplined you have to be to train for your sports?
KY: Yes. Having gone through intense and high pressure situations as an athlete, we can relate to the level of intensity you go through by being on this show. When you apply that knowledge, yes, it can help. Athletes are used to taking instruction and criticism and knowing how to handle it.

PD: Disney star Chelsea Kane Staub is paired up with your former partner, Mark Ballas.
KY: My advice: Pace yourself and know how much you can handle per day. Mentally and emotionally it is a lot tougher than the physical aspect of it. I can tell you, Chelsea is in the best hands with Mark and Mark makes it fun. He is so inspiring to work with and he had me in awe!

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]]>big dream little pigBigDreamLittlePigdancing with the starsDancingWithTheStarskids booksKidsBookskristi yamaguchiKristiYamaguchiIlyssa PanitzTue, 15 Mar 2011 15:00:00 ESTTabatha Coffey on Helping Kids With Cancer, Her New Book and Hair Tips for Momshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/09/tabatha-coffey/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/09/tabatha-coffey/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/09/tabatha-coffey/#commentsFiled under:

tabatha coffey

Tabatha Coffey is set to shave heads for charity. Credit: Mike Coppola, Getty Images

When Tabatha Coffey strides through the doors of a beauty salon, best step aside and just hand her the reins.

The star of Bravo's "Tabatha's Salon Takeover" reality show, Coffey, 41, is known for her tough-as-nails image. But March 10, the reality star is set to show her softer side, invading the RiRa Irish Pub in Atlanta for a good cause.

Coffey is teaming up with St. Baldrick's, a nonprofit organization that raises money for childhood cancer research by hosting worldwide head-shaving events.

Armed with a razor and ready to shave 200 heads, Coffey tells ParentDish during a recent interview that getting involved was an easy decision. An edited version of the conversation follows.

ParentDish: What drew you to this event?
Tabatha Coffey: I do a lot of local charity work in New Jersey with cancer organizations. One example: I work with Hackensack Hospital cutting wigs for children. Anything I can do to raise awareness, especially when it deals with children, which is so heart breaking, I am all for.

My heart breaks for these kids and their parents and what they go through. Look, no one deserves to get this disease, especially a child. Getting sick and going for treatments affects children so much because they just want to be kids and have fun. Hopefully, this will help them get through the treatment process and allow them to not feel different.

PD: Does providing children with a set of new locks boost their confidence?
TC: Yes, it changes them so much. These kids want to go back to school, hang out with their friends and not be stared at or pitied. They want to fit in and feel normal. To style a wig for them and help them get back to their normal life makes a huge difference to their self esteem and self-confidence.

PD: Being the queen of confidence that you are, what do you tell these children to help them stay strong?
TC: I admire their strength, especially when they face things like this. I mean, they face this so differently than adults and I marvel at how strong and resilient they are.

PD: Cancer is an illness you know all too well -- you recently lost your mother to the disease.
TC: Yes, and it has been a struggle. My mom died in November and we were incredibly close. It is a huge readjustment because we used to talk every day. But I am doing the best I can. I do know she is proud of what I am doing.

PD: Does getting involved in this event help you cope with your loss?
TC: I have always believed in giving back, especially with charity that I really believe in.

PD: You have a new book out, "It's Not Really About the Hair," which is a combination of memoir, business manual, coaching guide and self-confidence booster.
TC: I was motivated to write it based on the support I get from people who watch the show. I get bombarded with questions such as: "How did you get started?" "Where do you find your self-confidence?" "Have you always been this forthright and honest?" I am hoping this book will empower other people and get them to feel better about themselves.

PD: Have you ever had a period in your life when you felt kicked to the ground?
TC: Sure, but you have to bounce back and not let things get to you.

PD: You're in the midst of the third season of "Tabatha's Salon Takeover." Is the job getting old?
TC: No, I love it. I hope it never gets old. Every salon I go into, I feed off the energy and walk in with the optimism that I can help them and make them better.

PD: Many moms don't have a lot of time to do their hair. Can you offer a few tips on how to look fabulous when time is an issue?
TC: Healthy hair is important, and to get this I suggest using a good moisturizer treatment at least once a week. I know new moms are especially pressed for time, but after you apply it you can pull it back in a ponytail and rinse it out when you have time.

Two, find the time to get a really great haircut. A good haircut is the foundation to looking good. Not only will it lessen your time with the blow dryer, but your hair will also dry much better and won't take as much time to style.

Three, if you have wavy hair, use a flat brush or paddle brush to straighten it out. If you have straight hair and want to add a little volume, use a round or a vent brush.

PD: What shouldn't moms do when it comes to hair?
TC: Don't wrap your hair in a towel. I advise clients to pat their hair with a paper towel, especially if you have curly hair. This works wonders because it gets the extra moisture out and helps the hair dry more quickly. If you have curly hair, wrapping it in a towel can cause the hair to look out of control if you leave the towel on for a stretch of time. If you have straight hair, wrapping it in a towel can make the hair look tangled and dry.

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]]>reality starRealityStarTabatha CoffeyTabathaCoffeytabathas salon takeoverTabathasSalonTakeoverIlyssa PanitzWed, 09 Mar 2011 16:00:00 ESTTrain's Pat Monahan on Being a Dad, His Grammy Win and Life as a Cartoon Characterhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/07/pat-monahan-train/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/07/pat-monahan-train/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/07/pat-monahan-train/#commentsFiled under:

Pat Monahan

Train's Pat Monahan also stars as an animated kid's character. Credit: Kevin Winter, Getty Images

Belting out hit tunes like "Hey, Soul Sister" isn't Train frontman Pat Monahan's only gig.

Since last November, the Grammy winning artist has been dazzling millions of children as the voice of Driver Dan in PBS Sprout's animated series "Driver Dan's Story Train."

"I get so much pleasure making kids happy and entertaining them on a fun and exciting level," Monahan, 42, a father of three (Patrick, 18, and Emelia, 13, from his first marriage to Ginean Rapp and Autumn, 2, with current wife, Amber Peterson) tells ParentDish.

When ParentDish caught up with the performer, we discovered why Monahan is a far cry from the rock and roll guy stereotype. An edited version of the interview follows.

PD: What got you interested in children's programming and starring in "Driver Dan's Story Train?"
PM: When I saw the UK version of "Driver Dan," I was really impressed with the story, the characters and how it involved kids. The network got me involved because it's a story about a train and they were fans of my music.


PD: Do you get a kick out of amusing a young audience?
PM: I love that this program is geared up for kids. I mean, when it comes to art, music and anything visual, I trust children more than adults. Anything that has to do with kids, I am all for. Kids just make it all better.

PD: What's it like being an animated character?
PM: It's hard work, but it is also fun work. It is weird how much fun I have with this job. I am having an amazing time with "Driver Dan."

PD: Would you pursue a role in a big cartoon movie?
PM: I would love to do a Disney or a Pixar movie where I can do a voiceover and even sing in the movie.

PD: Did having a 2-year-old turn you on to this line of work?
PM: Yes. You know, when your children get older you lose touch with how it was when they were younger. Having a 2-year-old changes everything. I mean, we just came back from a week in Hawaii and my daughter made me see the island in a way I never saw before.

PD: When Autumn watches "Driver Dan," does she understand that's Daddy?
PM: Now she does. At first, when the show debuted, she was freaked out and confused. Now she points to the TV and goes, "Dada."

PD: You have had to blend two families together. How would you describe that experience?
PM: Everything is hard. I live a lifestyle where I am away for a long time. As a result, I have to sacrifice control and, for a guy like me, that is incredibly difficult. I want to be the main part for all of my children. However, I credit a lot of our wonderful family to my amazing wife who treats my older children from another relationship like they were her own.

PD: How do your kids handle you being away for so long?
PM: The mom is the biggest part of that equation. My wife supports what I do and makes sure I don't miss a moment in their lives. She'll video tape dance class, take pictures and send them to me and we also Skype.

PD: Would you ever consider recording a children's album?
PM: Yes, I have talked to my manager about it and it's something I would like to do in a few years.

ParentDish: Congratulations on Train's 2011 Grammy win for Best Pop Performance by a duo or group for "Hey, Soul Sister."
Pat Monahan: We really did not expect that Grammy, believe me. It was so not expected.

PD: What was going through your mind when you won?
PM: It was so incredible. We have won a Grammy before, but we never expected this one in a million years. I mean, it was a shock and a thrill at the same time. The funny thing is, we, as a group, have been so busy we almost did not go to the Grammys.

PD: "Hey, Soul Sister" is also nominated for favorite song at Nickelodeons Kids' Choice Awards, airing April 2.
PM: Crazy, huh? That was really fun because we all have children and, because of that factor, we are all so excited to go to that show.

PD: When you release a song that's so successful, how much pressure is there to put out another hit just as big -- if not bigger?
PM: I feel like I need to put out a pretty big record, but it also has to be made in a similar way we made this record. I want it to be made because we love making music.

PD: Many artists tend to write about personal experiences in their music. Was "Hey, Soul Sister" about someone in particular?
PM: It was originally about an event that started in San Francisco, called Burning Man.

PD: You're on tour now.
PM: Yes. The tour will take us to Mardi Gras, South America, Europe and the United States.

PD: Is the band currently recording new material?
PM: We are always working on something. I have written about a third of the new album so far.

PD: When you compose music and lyrics, do you try to make the songs family-friendly?
PM: Since I am a dad, yes, it is important to include everybody. We want to make sure that we are doing it the right way and give families the opportunity to listen to our music together.

PD: True or false: In addition to singing, you play acoustic guitar, mandolin, percussion, saxophone, flute, electric violin, clarinet, trumpet and the trombone, in addition to teaching the ukulele.
PM: (Laughs) I saw that, too, and that is false. I don't know where that came from. I will say I do play a couple of instruments.

PD: You have performed during "Dancing With The Stars," "Dick Clark's New Year's Eve show," the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Seattle Mariners/New York Yankees game. What haven't you done that is still on your wish list?
PM: "Oprah." I want to be on "Oprah" before her show goes off the air. I want to headline and sell out a concert at Madison Square Garden. I would also love to write a song for a movie and then have it win an Oscar. That would be amazing because then I knew my music made a real impact with audiences.

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]]>driver dans story trainDriverDansStoryTraingrammyspat monahanPatMonahanpbs sproutPbsSproutsprouttrainIlyssa PanitzMon, 07 Mar 2011 15:30:00 ESTYankee Jorge Posada on Fatherhood and His Son's Health Conditionhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/22/jorge-posada-son/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/22/jorge-posada-son/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/22/jorge-posada-son/#commentsFiled under:

new york yankee jorge posada

New York Yankee Jorge Posada started a foundation to help kids with the skull condition from which his son suffers. Credit: Andrew H. Walker, Getty Images

One of the most popular players in Major League Baseball, Jorge Posada, catcher for the New York Yankees since 1995, has earned five Silver Slugger Awards, several All-Star team spots and five World Series rings.

But off the field, Posada, 40, turns his focus to his wife, Laura, and their two children, Jorge III, 11, and Paulina, 8.

And, although Posada tells ParentDish he loves being a dad, the job has come with heartache. An edited version of the interview follows.

PD: In addition to your athletic talents, you star in the role of Dad.
JP: Yeah, that is my favorite part of life. Nothing beats being a father and raising two beautiful kids that are a handful -- but in a good way.

PD: How would you describe your job as a dad?
JP: Unfortunately, I miss a lot of their time because I have to travel a lot for work. When I am not working, and have the time to be around them, I do everything I can to make them feel special. The worst part is when I have to miss parts of their life during the year that are really meaningful.

PD: Is hard to be apart for so long?
JP: Yes, it is tough. I really miss every bit of being around them and playing with them. I know they miss me and knowing that hurts a lot.

PD: How do you stay in touch when you're on the road for baseball games?
JP: We do a lot of the face time on the iPhone and we Skype, too.

PD: Your son, Jorge III, was diagnosed with craniosynostosis, a pediatric skull deformity, 10 days after he was born.
JP: Yes.

PD: Did you know about the condition prior to your son's birth?
JP: I did not know anything about it because I never heard of it and we have no family history of it. After Jorge was born and they used this big word when telling us about Jorge, my wife and I thought it was the end of the world. It was really tough. I remember Jorge's first operation when he was about 6 or 7 months old. It was eight hours long and the worst period, as you can imagine.

PD: How did you manage to keep it together and not fall apart?
JP: I kept a lot of it inside. The only people who knew what I was going through were Derek (Jeter), Joe Torre and Tino Martinez. The less people that knew and the less I talked about it, the easier it was for me to deal with what was happening.

PD: What went through your mind after you had a moment to digest what was happening?
JP: Thank God for family. I mean, they had to cut my son open from ear to ear to correct the problem, and that is so painful as a dad to hear. Jorge has had eight surgeries and still has one more to go, so it has been tough.

PD: How is Jorge doing now?
JP: He is doing really, really well. He has no limitations and lives his life normally.

PD: You and your wife established the Jorge Posada Foundation in 2000.
JP: We wanted to help out kids and their parents. When you have a child who has craniosynostosis, you need to connect with other parents who can relate to what you are going through. We have a program that helps parents understand what this condition is all about, what will happen during the operation and what to expect afterwards.

Jorge Posada son

Jorge Posada and his son, Jorge Posada III. Credit: Kathy Willens, AP

PD: Has creating this charity helped you deal with all of this?
JP: I think so. It has helped me talk about it and it also helps me realize we can now help other children, too.

PD: You also have a daughter, Paulina. Has it been hard on her, as well?
JP: I think so. Seeing him in magazines when she was younger and not understanding why he was featured in a story and she was not was a bit difficult to explain. Now that she is older, she understands what her brother has been through. Matter of fact, she is playing a very active role in the foundation.

PD: Some couples tend to split during an ordeal like this.
JP: We had both our parents there with us. Although, I never let Laura see me cry. I did that so I could be strong for her. We were each other's strength.

PD: Because of Jorge's condition, were you scared to have another child?
JP: When they told us Paulina had her 10 fingers, 10 toes and was healthy, we were so happy. But yes, those nine months were scary.

PD: Opening day is March 31. Will your family be sitting in the stands?
JP: I would assume so, since it is also a big family day and the kids can go on the field.

PD: Do you make your kids wear your jersey?
JP: They like to switch it up a bit. Jorge likes to wear Nick Swisher's number and Paulina tends to wear Derek's.

ParentDish: You've played for the Yankees your entire career -- will 2011/2012 be another championship season?
Jorge Posada: I hope so. We have a good team lined up and we look forward to the competition again.

PD: How is the new season looking?
JP: It is early right now because we are in the third day of spring training, but I think we look healthy and are ready to go.

PD: Starting pitcher Andy Pettitte announced his retirement earlier this month. How will that change the playing field going forward?
JP: We have to really put that behind us and get going. We will miss him dearly because he was a great leader and a great friend. However, now we have to look beyond Andy and get somebody to step up and fill those big shoes.

PD: Speaking of Yankee players, I read somewhere that Derek Jeter was the best man at your wedding.
JP: Yes. That is true (laughs).

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]]>baseballcelebscraniosynostosisjorge posadaJorgePosadanew york yankeesNewYorkYankeesIlyssa PanitzTue, 22 Feb 2011 16:00:00 ESTKimora Lee Simmons Tells Us Why Her Life Is So Fabhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/17/kimora-lee-simmons-tells-us-why-her-her-life-is-so-fab/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/17/kimora-lee-simmons-tells-us-why-her-her-life-is-so-fab/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/17/kimora-lee-simmons-tells-us-why-her-her-life-is-so-fab/#commentsFiled under:

Kimora Lee Simmons says life is just fab. Credit: Angela Weiss, Getty

Life is fab for Kimora Lee Simmons.

In addition to running a successful fashion label, the former runway and fashion model is launching a skincare line this spring and stars in the reality show "Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane."

Simmons also has been married to actor Djimon Hounsou since 2008, and has three children -- daughters Ming, 11, and Aoki, 8, from her first marriage to hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons and a son, Kenzo, 1, with Hounsou.

Yet, despite her fame, fortune and endless party invitations, Simmons, 36, tells ParentDish staying in is her idea of a perfect evening.

"Nothing tops being with my family and spending a quiet night at home with them," she says.

On Feb. 18, Simmons plans to head to Alain L. Locke Elementary in New York City, where she will launch Bounty's Make a Clean Difference, an initiative created to supply 1,000 classrooms with cleaning materials.

ParentDish caught up with Simmons to find out how she juggles work, family and charities. An edited version of the conversation follows.

PD: You're starring in the fourth season of the Style Network reality series, "Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane." What makes your life so fab?
KLS: As a matter of fact, I encourage everyone to live their life in the Fab Lane. My fab life is, I am happily married with three great children and I'm also a working mom, who juggles many balls in the air at once.

PD: What won't we see on your show?
KLS: My show is edgy and full of fashion, but it is also full of fun and I hope inspirational, too. I wanted to create a program that families can watch together. You won't see any boobies or any bad language here.

PD: Do your children like being on TV?
KLS: The primary story on this series is my life in business, and then the smaller story lines are about my kids. I will say my kids are hams.

PD: Do your children get along?
KLS: Yes, they get along great. Ming and Aoki love their brother and think I had Kenzo so they could take care of him. They help change diapers, prepare bottles and run to his crib when he cries.

PD: Your daughters are from your first marriage and your son from your second. Was it hard to blend the families together?
KLS: My daughters and son were not what I consider blending families. My family was blended long before Kenzo came along. The transition of going through a divorce five years ago was a big challenge and a painful one. Then, when I met Djimon, I had to blend him in with my girls and that was a challenge that I had to treat delicately and with extra care over the years.

PD: When did you introduce Djimon to your daughters?
KLS: Months after we started dating. Matter of fact, the first time he met them was in a group environment. It was like one big play-date.

PD: Did the girls accept you re-marrying?
KLS: Yes. Our kids are extremely well adjusted and they also spend a lot of time with their dad. As I mentioned, I made a slow transition because their safety, happiness and well-being was important. As for Djimon, they call him Ba-Ba.

PD: Do you and Russell get along?
KLS: Yes, but I had to whip him into shape (laughs).

PD: If you could get a do-over, what would you like a second chance at?
KLS: I have no glaring things that come to mind because I really don't have any regrets. I mean, if I changed one thing, then everything around me would not be the same and I am so happy in my life right now.

PD: What can't you live without?
KLS: Twitter. I am addicted.

PD: You have clothing lines -- the women's line KLS and junior's lines Kouture by Kimora and Fabulosity -- a skin care, jewelry lines, a TV show. How do you have time to be Mom or a wife?
KLS: I actually don't sleep a lot and I am always up around 5 a.m. The mom thing never ends. It always goes. I will always make time for my husband and I just keep going all day. Whether I am shooting my show, working on my new fragrance or taking appointments, I just say to myself I have to get it all done and I do.

ParentDish: So, why did you decide to team up with Bounty?
Kimora Lee Simmons: Everything in my life centers around one thing: my family. I feel I have something in common with everyone out there, and that is wanting the best for our children since they are the future.

PD: What's your role in the cause?
KLS: I am going to encourage more than 25,000 parents and community volunteers across the country to improve the state of more than 2,500 classrooms. Children need a good education, since it is the key to success, and they need clean and safe classrooms to do that.

PD: How do you keep a clean household with three little ones running around?
KLS: (Laughs.) All kinds of wipes -- wet wipes and anti-bacterial are a staple in my home. I have all kinds of wipes since I am chasing three kids.

PD: Do your kids have chores?
KLS: Yes, my kids have chores. They each get a checklist that I put up on their mirror, which tells them what they have to do that day. They have to make their bed, clean their room, brush their teeth, put away their clothes. They help set and clear the table and help with the dishes. I think it is important to teach them about responsibility and the pride that comes along with doing a good job.

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]]>celebritieskimora lee simmonsKimora: Life in the Fab LaneKimora:LifeInTheFabLaneKimoraLeeSimmonsrussell simmonsRussellSimmonsIlyssa PanitzThu, 17 Feb 2011 14:30:00 ESTKurt Warner on His Super Bowl Pick, Raising 7 Kids and Creating a Football App for Familieshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/01/kurt-warner-on-his-super-bowl-pick-raising-7-kids-and-creating/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/01/kurt-warner-on-his-super-bowl-pick-raising-7-kids-and-creating/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/01/kurt-warner-on-his-super-bowl-pick-raising-7-kids-and-creating/#commentsFiled under:

Kurt Warner picture

Kurt Warner attends Duracell's Power Those Who Protect Us campaign launch at the FDNY Fire Zone on Jan. 31 in New York. Credit: D Dipasupil, FilmMagic

Just because he retired from the NFL a year ago, doesn't mean Kurt Warner has stopped working.

In addition to placing fifth on season 11 of "Dancing with the Stars," the former Arizona Cardinals quarterback, an NFL and Super Bowl MVP, has developed a football app and is teaming with Duracell to donate 10 million batteries to the 23,000 U.S. volunteer fire departments to help power their everyday tools and life-saving devices.

ParentDish recently caught up with Warner, who has seven children with Brenda, his wife of 13 years, while he was in New York to promote the Duracell campaign. We talked about what he's up to now, his family, and, of course, his pick for Superbowl XLV. An edited version of the interview follows.

ParentDish: What made you decide to partner with Duracell?
Kurt Warner: Any time I have an opportunity to share the platform that I have by helping the volunteer firefighters do their job of saving lives is something I will jump on board for. There is nothing better than helping these guys. I mean, 70 percent of the firefighters in the United States are volunteers and donate their time to help others.

PD: We can take a wild guess about what you'll be doing Sunday.
KW: Actually, I will be in the air flying since I have to work all week. But I should be home by the second half.

PD: You were originally drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1994.
KW: Yes. I was signed as a free agent, so there is a little bit of history there.

PD: Does that mean you'll be rooting for them in the Super Bowl?
KW: That is not the reason why I will be rooting for them, but, yes, I will be cheering for them. See, the Pittsburgh Steelers beat me a couple of years ago in the Super Bowl and took my ring. I am rooting for someone else to get their chance. I am friends with Aaron Rodgers and a few of the other guys on the Packers. Since they haven't won a championship, I am pulling for them to get one this year.

PD: So, who do you think will win -- the Packers or the Steelers?
KW: I do think the Steelers are going to win because they are balanced. They have a good football team both offensively and defensively. They are explosive and they have all of the makings of being a great football team.

PD: How would you rate the match-up between the quarterbacks, Ben Roethlisberger and Aaron Rodgers?
KW: They are two different types of quarterbacks. Aaron is probably a better pocket passer, you know, the guy that can stand back there and make all of the throws. Ben is as good as anybody in terms of creating plays in big games and making the big plays to win those big games.

PD: What do you think the score will be?
KW: I am going to say 27-24.


PD: Who will get the MVP award, an honor you proudly hold?
KW: I am leaning towards Aaron. If not, I am leaning towards somebody from the defensive side for the Packers, like Charles Woodson.

PD: You retired from the NFL last year. Does the Super Bowl excitement make you miss the sport?
KW: I miss the Super Bowl and the excitement it brings this time of year. I don't miss the weekly games and everything that went into it -- like the bumps and bruises you get along the way and the grueling schedule. But the big games like the champion ones, yeah.

PD: You are the proud father of seven children with your wife, Brenda. (Zachary, 21, Jesse, 19, Kade, 12, Jada, 9, Elijah 7 and 5-year-old twin girls Sierra and Sienna).
KW: Yes.

PD: How do you remember all their names and birthdays?
KW: I may not remember other people's birthdays, but I do remember my children's (laughs).

PD: Is Super Bowl Sunday a family affair?
KW: It has become that way, especially since my kids -- especially the boys -- are really starting to get into football.

PD: What do your kids like better, watching the game or the commercials?
KW: My kids like the game. My 12-year-old likes the commercials, but overall my kids really love watching the game.

PD: How do you and your wife handle raising seven children and still find time to be alone?
KW: We make time. We do a lot of different things. We'll find a babysitter and go out for a night or take a mini vacation, because, as I explain to my kids, marriage is a priority and needs to be a priority at all times.

PD: You adopted your wife's two kids from a prior relationship.
KW: The big thing is love has no boundaries. For me, it was easy. They opened up to me, I opened up to them and it didn't take long for me to feel like they were mine. I don't look at it any other way.

PD: Do you realize you have more children than Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie?
KW: I do realize that, yes (laughs).

PD: You developed a new app for the iPhone and iPad.
KW: My first one is called Football 101, which is an instructional video for kids. Since sports are a big part of our society, especially football, I am hoping the parents will sit down with their kids and interact with one another, as well as the game. It not only helps you get closer to your children, but it also allows you to spend more time together and have fun at the same time. The other apps I am working on will help teach math and other educational tools like problem solving.


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]]>dancing with the starsDancingWithTheStarsfirefightersfootballkurt warnerKurtWarnersuper bowlSuperBowlIlyssa PanitzTue, 01 Feb 2011 14:30:00 EST'One Life to Live' Actress Bree Williamson Dishes on Motherhood, Postpartum Depression and Losing the Baby Weighthttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/19/one-life-to-live-actress-bree-williamson-dishes-on-motherhood/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/19/one-life-to-live-actress-bree-williamson-dishes-on-motherhood/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/19/one-life-to-live-actress-bree-williamson-dishes-on-motherhood/#commentsFiled under:

bree williamson picture

Actress Bree Williamson says being a mother is her favorite role. Credit: ABC

There are days actress Bree Williamson has no idea who she is.

That's because her popular "One Life to Live" character, Jessica Brennan, has been known to have multiple personalities just like her TV mom, Niki.

But off screen, Williamson, 31, knows exactly what her role is: new mom to 4-month-old McGreggor Edward Michaels, her first child with husband, Michael Roberts.

In her first interview since giving birth, Williamson sat down with ParentDish to share the joys of mommyhood and the one experience she wasn't prepared to deal with. An edited version of the interview follows.

ParentDish: Congratulations on the birth of little McGreggor Edward.
Bree Williamson: He is awesome.

PD: I love the name.
BW: Thank you. It was actually my mother's maiden name.

PD: How would you describe motherhood?
BW: It is a whole mix of things. It is really, really great and, at the same, time really, really hard. But I have to say it is so wonderful and I am having a great time.

PD: What has been the biggest shock since becoming a mom?
BW: The postpartum depression. I was so shocked. When they described it to me in the hospital, they said you are either going to leave here happy or you'll get it so bad you will need to go talk to somebody about it. What they never explained to me was the in between, middle part, where you feel crappy the first week and cry a lot. I had that. I was so shocked to get these mood swings after I gave birth.

PD: How do you know you had it?
BW: You get upset when you get home and you start thinking, "Oh, my God, I have to go talk to a therapist because maybe I will become withdrawn." No one told me it is completely normal to have this weird swinging of emotions where you feel amazing one minute and then you feel horrible the next. I think I had three big cries a day.


PD: How long did this last?
BW: About a week.

PD: Did you take their advice and reach out to someone to help you get through it?
BW: My husband was there and he was great. I had to remind myself, you are exhausted, too. I mean, don't get me wrong, I was having a great time with my son and he is such a good baby. But there was a period where I would just start crying for no reason.

PD: Is it easy to juggle the baby and your job?
BW: It is really hard. It's really hard to leave him every morning and it will be even harder when he can talk and says, "Mommy, don't go."

PD: McGreggor is only a few months old, but what milestones has he hit?
BW: The laughing and the smiling was awesome.

PD: What scares you about parenthood?
BW: I have had a couple of stress dreams, such as someone was trying to break into our apartment because we live in New York. I have that kind of anxiety and also the anxiety of him getting sick, such as a fever. But that is basically it.

PD: Have you mastered the work-baby-husband-family-friends balance thing?
BW: I don't think you ever master it, but I will say it is a work in progress.

PD: Since you are a popular actress in the spotlight, did you feel a lot of pressure to lose the baby weight quickly?
BW: Yes, I did. It was really embarrassing to gain 39 pounds on national television and, yes, the second the baby came out I was like, "Yes, I have to lose this baby weight immediately."

PD: How did you do it?
BW: I got this great meal plan called 5 Squares, where they send ready-made meals and snacks to your home.

PD: Your TV character, Jessica, also just became a mom to a little boy.
BW: She did.

PD: How do you think Jessica will do as a mom considering she has a history of having multiple personalities?
BW: She already has a daughter and, I am not going to lie, she doesn't do very well. I mean, when she is present she is a really good mom. When she is not present, she is awful.

PD: The big question: Who is her son's baby daddy?
BW: I can't tell you that.

PD: In February, there is going to be a double wedding. Is Jessica really going to tie the knot?
BW: I can't tell you that, either. What I will tell you is the wedding will be extremely dramatic.

PD: You once auditioned to be on this series back in the 1990s, but you didn't get the part.
BW: They were going to screen test me for the role of Jen, but then at the last minute they decided not to because I looked too much like actress Erin Torpey, who used to play the role of Jessica.

PD: Does it frighten you to see a lot of daytime dramas disappearing?
BW: I don't think it frightens me because they were on different networks and every network has an idea of what they want their agenda to be. I know ABC is committed to their soaps.

PD: What would you do if you learned you couldn't be an actress on "One Life to Live"?
BW: I don't know because I just want to do this.

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]]>bree williamsonBreeWilliamsonone life to liveOneLifeToLivepostpartum depressionPostpartumDepressionIlyssa PanitzWed, 19 Jan 2011 13:00:00 ESTScott Hamilton Celebrates Beating Cancer as He Readies for 25th Anniversary of Stars on Ice Tourhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/14/scott-hamilton-cancer/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/14/scott-hamilton-cancer/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/14/scott-hamilton-cancer/#commentsFiled under:

Scott Hamilton cancer

Scott Hamilton has turned his own battle with cancer into a fight to help others. Credit: Paul Morigi, Getty Images for Edge Health

As a four-time world champion figure skater and Olympic gold medalist, Scott Hamilton has bested many competitors over the years. But he's faced his share of battles off the ice, as well.

At the age of 2, Hamilton, now 52, developed an illness that impacted his growth.

In 1997, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, and, in 2004, with a benign brain tumor. Last year, he underwent brain surgery to prevent the tumor from returning.

But despite the many years Hamilton has spent in and out of hospitals, the father of Aidan, 7, and Maxx, 3, with wife Tracie Robinson, never lets a setback get him down.

Today, Hamilton not only celebrates life, but also the 25th anniversary of the Smucker's Stars On Ice Tour, a tour he created in 1986. A TV special kicking off the tour is set to air on NBC Jan. 22, with its first leg starting in San Jose, Calif., on Feb. 18.

ParentDish caught up with Hamilton and learned why he's one fighter you don't want to mess with. An edited version of the conversation follows.

ParentDish: Congratulations on the 25th anniversary of Smucker's Stars On Ice.
Scott Hamilton: I know -- it happened in the blink of an eye. On one front, in seems like yesterday, and, on the other front, it feels like this was four versions (of myself) ago. It has been a real journey.

PD: When you created the show, did you ever think you would be toasting this moment?
SH: I thought when we first started if we made it to four years that would be great. Over the years we have continued to grow and even had some great talent such as Kristi Yamaguchi.

PD: Why did you decide to start Stars on Ice?
SH: I needed a job. (Laughs.) Seriously, it was the only reason.

PD: How has the tour changed over the years?
SH: Well, you have the economic downturn, changes within the skating world and, of course, the cast. I am thrilled to say we have the Olympic 2010 winner, Evan Lysacek, and Olympic silver medalist Sasha Cohen join this installment.

PD: You retired from skating in Stars On Ice back in 2001. Do you miss it?
SH: Yeah. I had the greatest job in the world. I got to be in front of a crowd doing what I loved, which was skating and being an entertainer. I had a great role and it was great moment in my life.

PD: Have you taught your kids how to skate?
SH: My oldest has been on the ice. My youngest pretends he can skate, but I think he is too young and I don't want to traumatize him by putting him in a situation he may not be ready for. I was 4 years old the first time I was on the ice and I remember falling backwards and hitting the back of my head. I even remember saying I would never skate again and then, five years later, I was back on the ice and then they couldn't get me off.

PD: What got you interested in ice skating?
SH: They had built an ice rink where I grew up in Bowling Green (Ohio). I was also very sick as a young child, yet, once I started skating, my health began to greatly improve and it managed to fix what was ailing me. The longer they kept me on the ice, the better my health got. By that time I was committed to the sport.

PD: So you are convinced finding your passion cured you?
SH: For whatever reason, it worked. The brain tumor I was diagnosed with in 2004, I was born with. All of the symptoms I had as a youngster were the same symptoms most people have who have a tumor. The technology we have today did not exist when I was a kid, so they could not diagnose it. The only time the tumor stopped doing his mischief was when I was skating.

PD: Fans know you for your incredible talents on the ice. But you have also been in the news a lot because of your battles with cancer.
SH: The brain tumor was benign, yet it was growing, and that required radiation. Then, this past June, I went to have it removed and there were some complications from the surgery. Because of that, I was in hospitals the rest of the summer. With the testicular cancer, I had to have chemotherapy and then a pretty major surgery.

PD: Did you ever think you would hear your name and the word cancer in the same sentence more than one time?
SH: Only as someone who has battled it as a non-patient. I say that because my mother died of breast cancer. She had an aggressive form of it. But to say I would be a patient and now a survivor, no. This disease rocks your world and, in my case, for the better.

PD: For the better?
SH: Cancer is not something you wish on anyone. But I walked away a stronger and more in-touch person and, for that, I am grateful. Physically, it is hard to endure. Emotionally, it takes a toll. But you find the strength to battle it and, spiritually, it awakens something you never knew existed.

PD: How did you overcome the fear of dealing with cancer?
SH: It is a product of experience. I watched my mother battle cancer and, despite all she had been through, she always found humor, displayed dignity and a positive attitude. Those elements she displayed made her my role model and helped me handle my fight, as well. My goal was to handle it as well as she did.

PD: How did you and your wife explain your sickness to your older son?
SH: We explained to him that there was something wrong with Daddy and we were going to fix it. Then, we told him, when Daddy comes home you will have to be a little quiet around the house, but then Daddy will be back to knock you guys over soon (laughs). We didn't get into the specifics, we just focused on the end game.

PD: Your attitude is so upbeat. How do you manage to laugh while fighting something so horrible and scary?
SH: Oh, I was really scared when I went for surgery this past summer, and it was hard for me to laugh. I felt lousy. Every time I have a bout of a life threatening illness I have been able to see past it. But this one, I didn't see past it, and I was scared. However, I had to get past it so I can find the laughter again and I did.

PD: Did writing your book, "The Great Eight," help you deal with this awful ordeal?
SH: A little bit. After going through cancer and the brain tumor, I found I was better equipped to handle the challenges that life hands me. I wanted people to know, you are not alone and, when you read this book, there is a great pep talk in here to help you cope.

PD: Since cancer runs in the family, are you scared your children could be vulnerable to the disease?
SH: None of us are bulletproof. I never want my kids to get a bruise because I know that is life. The only thing I can do is be a good role model and be vigilant by getting them checked. I want to set a good example for my boys that being strong is the key.

PD: You also created the Scott Hamilton CARES Initiative. Tell me about that.
SH: When I was going through my cancer, I realized there were a lot of gaps in the cancer community and I wanted to fill those holes. I wanted to make sure that the things that didn't exist for me were there for other patients. One example was a mentorship. My idea is to put cancer patient with cancer survivor who had the same type of cancer you have and have that person be your coach and cheerleader.

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]]>cancerscott hamiltonScottHamiltonstars on iceStarsOnIceIlyssa PanitzFri, 14 Jan 2011 15:00:00 EST'Toddlers & Tiaras' Mom Talks Dressing Her Child, 3, in Makeup and Cone Brashttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/11/toddlers-and-tiaras-mom-talks-dressing-her-child-3-in-makeup/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/11/toddlers-and-tiaras-mom-talks-dressing-her-child-3-in-makeup/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/11/toddlers-and-tiaras-mom-talks-dressing-her-child-3-in-makeup/#commentsFiled under: ,


Many little girls like to put on makeup, high heels and play dress-up inside their mommy's closets.

But, on "Toddlers & Tiaras," the idea of kids getting glam is taken to a whole new level. When these pint-size beauty queens get dolled up, they're out to win -- and own -- the spotlight.

In its third season, TLC's popular reality show airs Wednesday nights, with hour-long episodes centering on families vying for sparkly crowns, major titles and cold hard cash.

ParentDish recently caught up with Tina Grande of Toms River, N.J., whose 3-year-old daughter, Mia, will be featured on an upcoming episode. An edited version of the interview follows.

ParentDish: Wow, Mia is only 3 and she's already walking the catwalk.
Tina Grande: Yeah.

PD: What attracted you to this world?
TG: I think because I had two boys before I had Mia and I was looking for girly stuff to do with her. When she was a baby and could not dance, a friend of mine told me about pageants and that is how we got started.

PD: What did you know about the pageant life before you became a part of it?
TG: I heard people say, "Those people are crazy. They put all this makeup on their kids with fake hair and a fake tan."

PD: And, yet, you entered Mia, anyway?
TG: The first pageant Mia did was a natural pageant, so she didn't wear any of that stuff.

PD: How old was Mia when she entered her first contest?
TG: Mia was 6 months old and she won for her age division.

PD: Did you get hooked when they crowned Mia the winner?
TG: Yes.

toddlers and tiaras picture

Mia Grande, 3, with Jessica, a producer, is ready for her close up. Credit: Hillary Kurtz, TLC

PD: How many pageants has Mia done since then?
TG: About 30.

PD: Does Mia wear makeup for some of these pageants?
TG: For some, yes.

PD: Don't you think 3 is too young to wear those fancy clothes with all of that makeup?
TG: Honestly, I didn't know how I felt about it for a while. But because I have bunch of nieces that are in dance and cheerleading, I see them perform in skimpy outfits with a full face of makeup. I honestly don't see this as being any different. Mia does not wear makeup to school or out to play. When she does wear makeup, it's for a pageant and it comes right off after the event ends. I don't see this as being a big deal.

PD: What does preparing for a contest entail?
TG: Making sure her wardrobe is together, if there are certain photos we need to bring and any other clothes she needs. Mia has a glitz dress for competing and she also has a coach that lives near us, who will work with her every once in a while.

PD: Glitz dress? Where did you find that?
TG: I do have stuff custom-made for Mia. There are also pageant vendors who sell glitz dresses and then there is my friend Robin who is a seamstress in Manhattan. She made Mia's Madonna and Wonder Woman outfit.

PD: Madonna and Wonder Woman? That sounds a tad risqué for a 3-year-old.
TG: I don't think they are. While I did take some slack for the Madonna costume, my thoughts are, it was meant to be funny. Actually, Mia was 2 years old at the time and it is not like she is 10 years old walking around outside with the cones on her. She was 2 and it was meant to be funny.

PD: Did you get a hard time from other parents about that outfit?
TG: Yes, I did. What works for some parents might not work for others. I am confident in my parenting and I know I take great care of my children.

PD: How do you know Mia enjoys doing these competitions?
TG: Mia has a great personality. She is always dancing and saying, "Mommy, look at the moves I am going to do for my pageant." You can tell, when Mia is up on stage, she just sparkles and loves the attention. Mia really does love being up there. If she told me otherwise, or I got the impression she was unhappy, I would pull the plug and that would be the end of it.

PD: Do you think these pageants put a lot of pressure on a girl her age?
TG: I think it depends on the parents and how far they take it. We try to make this fun and associate it as Mommy and Mia time.

PD: Do you go crazy if Mia loses?
TG: Absolutely not. I know sometimes she is going to be great and the judges will love her. But I also know that they may not like her and that is really OK.

PD: How do you find all of these pageants? Does Mia have an agent?
TG: They are all over the Internet. They also advertise upcoming pageants at other pagaents and, of course, there is word of mouth.

PD: What's the point in participating in all these pageants?
TG: Our goal is just to have fun. When Mia gets older she will have all of these memories of what we did together. Plus, I also think it builds confidence.

PD: What about making time for your other children (Michael, 12, and Talon, 5) since you are so busy juggling Mia's school and pageant schedule?
TG: Michael is very involved in sports. I go to all of his games and even drive him to practice. I am very supportive of everything he does. As for my little guy, he just started karate and I am always there for him, too. Pageants will never come before my family and family time.

PD: What happens when you have to jet off somewhere?
TG: We do local pageants that we can drive to. Only once did we fly to Orlando, Fla., to compete in one.

PD: Is your husband on board with this?
TG: He is not really involved with going to the pagaents, but he does support her.

PD: Do you require Mia to follow a special diet?
TG: No, not at all.

PD: How long do you see Mia being part of this world?
TG: If she told me tomorrow, "Mommy, no pageant," then we will call it quits.

PD: What about down time, or allowing Mia or participate in kid stuff?
TG: Mia just started tumbling and cheerleading and, as she takes on more activities, I am sure we won't have as much time to do pageants. The one thing I want Mia to be is diverse and have the opportunity to do what she wants.

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]]>beauty pageantbeauty pageantsBeautyPageantBeautyPageantschild beauty pageantsChildBeautyPageantstoddlers and tiarasToddlersAndTiarasIlyssa PanitzTue, 11 Jan 2011 16:00:00 ESTNFL Star David Garrard on Battling Crohn's Disease and How He's Helping Kids With the Illnesshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/10/david-garrard-on-crohns-disease-and-becoming-a-voice-for-the-ca/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/10/david-garrard-on-crohns-disease-and-becoming-a-voice-for-the-ca/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/10/david-garrard-on-crohns-disease-and-becoming-a-voice-for-the-ca/#commentsFiled under: ,

David Garrard picture

David Garrard visits with Dalton Spinks, 12, at Wolfson Children's Hospital in Jacksonville, Fla. Courtsey of the David Garrad Foundation


NFL star David Garrard landed his dream job when he was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2002, but despite his football success, the quarterback, who recently signed a six-year contract extension, has experienced his share of sacks off the field.

When Garrard, 32, was just 16, he and his three siblings lost their mother, a single parent, to breast cancer.

Then, in 2004, after experiencing severe stomach and chest pains, Garrard was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel disease that causes brutal diarrhea attacks.

But rather than let the disease get the best of him, the football player is giving back to his young fans who also suffer from Crohn's.

ParentDish spoke to Garrard, married to Mary, his college sweetheart, since 2003, and dad to 3-year-old Justin, about what motivates him to devote much of his free time to helping others. An edited version of the interview follows:

ParentDish: You recently suffered a finger injury and were forced to miss the last game. How are you feeling?
David Garrard: I am OK and on the mend. I had surgery and I now have a pin for about two and a half weeks and then four weeks of rehab. I am not going to let this hold me back and ruin the start of the new year.

PD: You have gone public with a very personal battle you have been fighting for years. Tell me about that.
DG: I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease back in 2004. At the time, I had no idea what it was. I thought you take a pill and it was no big deal. But then after my wife and I did research, we learned how serious Crohn's disease can be.

PD: What was your reaction?
DG: Once I wrapped my mind around what it was, I decided Crohn's was not going to stop me from playing football. Once I began to digest the fact I had this disease, I did start asking myself the following questions: Why has this happened to me? How do you get it? Can you get rid of it? Is there a cure for it?

PD: Has having Crohn's disease impacted your professional life?
DG: No, it hasn't. I have been in remission for a few years and haven't had any symptoms, so I am able to play without any problems. Right after my surgery, during off season, the doctors removed a foot of my intestines where the Crohn's was located. Following proper treatment of taking Remicade every eight weeks I was allowed to return for the new season.

PD: Any setbacks?
DG: No. I have been lucky in that I have never had a moment where I had to run to the restroom. I feel like I am back to my normal self.

PD: You have partnered with the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation to help children suffering from the disease.
DG: When I learned how many children suffer from Crohn's disease I decided I had to speak out more to raise awareness and prove to them we can fight this and win. When a kid feels like they have been defeated, I try to inspire them to keep working towards their dreams. If I won't let Crohn's get the best of me, then I certainly won't let it get the best of these kids.

PD: Describe your position on this team.
DG: My job is to keep them motivated and keep them happy so they can live their lives and achieve their dreams like I did mine. After I started getting all of these letters from kids who were hurting from Crohn's disease, I knew I had to teach them what I was taught as a player: Never give up.

PD: Some people might be embarrassed to talk about this disease, yet you aren't.
DG: It is a disease that talks about going to the restroom and all of these awful things coming out of your body. I can understand why a child would never want to talk about that. But someone needs to be a voice and help raise awareness for this and I realize that is my calling.

PD: What is your goal?
DG: To spread the word about Crohn's disease and educate the public about what it is. The more we teach the public about what it is, the more money we can raise to fight this disease and, hopefully, find a cure.

PD: In addition to being active with this organization, you also created the Zone for Crohn's campaign. Tell me about that.
DG: I just lost the company I was partnered with. But, prior to that, I spent three years putting on events at about five different camps in Atlanta, North Carolina, Michigan and California that are specially designed for approximately 200 kids who suffer from Crohn's disease. I am also the honorary chair for a 5-mile walk here in Jacksonville that raises money for Crohn's.

PD: You also created the David Garrard Foundation to promote breast cancer awareness and research after losing your mom to the disease.
DG: That was a devastating time for me and my family. When we lost my mother, who was a nurse at a VA hospital, it was tough. This is a cause that will always be close to my heart because my mother was an amazing woman. I will always continue to raise money in her honor.

PD: You and your three siblings were raised by a single mom. How did you all survive after she passed away?
DG: My oldest brother, Anthony -- he did a remarkable job of keeping everyone together as a family. My other brother, Quincy, was off to college and, although my sister and I were lucky to have an aunt and uncle that offered to take us in, my brother took the reins and kept us together. Before we lost our mom she taught us nothing is more important than family and being together.

PD: Having been surrounded by so much illness, how do you manage to wake up every day and smile?
DG: Never give up fighting the fight. The right attitude will get you anywhere.

PD: On the subject of family, you have a 3-year-old son, Justin.
DG: He is a bundle of energy and he is always into something because he loves to explore. He loves to help Daddy work around the house and he loves sports and loves throwing the ball around with me. Justin has given me a whole new outlook on life.

PD: Does he watch every game?
DG: Oh, yeah, and he even tells me, "Daddy, you played good" after every game.

PD: Are you worried Justin might inherit Crohn's disease?
DG: Yes, I do think about that. If he does get it, then that it is a bridge we will cross and fight hard to win.

PD: Breast cancer runs in families, too, and, according to the American Cancer Society, 1,970 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among men and about 390 men will die from it. Do you go for checkups?
DG: No, I have not. But I do stay on top of my wife and sister to make sure they get checked on a regular basis.

PD: So, since the Jaguars aren't in the running to win the 2011 Super Bowl ring, what is your bold prediction?
DG: The New England Patriots have put together a really good team and Tom Brady is a tough guy to deal with. I think they have the upper hand right now.

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]]>crohns diseaseCrohnsDiseasedavid garrardDavidGarrardfootballnflIlyssa PanitzMon, 10 Jan 2011 12:00:00 ESTAlison Sweeney on Her New Book, Weight Loss and 'The Biggest Loser'http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/04/alison-sweeney-on-her-new-book-weight-loss-and-the-biggest-los/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/04/alison-sweeney-on-her-new-book-weight-loss-and-the-biggest-los/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/04/alison-sweeney-on-her-new-book-weight-loss-and-the-biggest-los/#commentsFiled under:

alison biggest loser

Alison Sweeney, host of "The Biggest Loser," has written a weight loss book. Credit: Jill Johnson/jpistudios.com

Since she was a teenager, Alison Sweeney struggled with her weight.

Sweeney, 34, who has starred on the soap opera "Days of Our Lives" as Sami Roberts since 1993, recalls how it used to be tough to work in the television industry where many women, including her co-stars, are a size zero, and she wasn't.

Thanks to dedication, hard work and determination, though, the award-winning actress and host of NBC's "The Biggest Loser," is proudly showing off her fabulous size 2-4 figure after giving birth to the two children (Ben, 6, and Megan, 2) she shares with husband Dan Sanov.

In fact, Sweeney is so proud of her accomplishments that she is revealing how she got the body she wanted in her new book, "The Mommy Diet."

ParentDish caught up with Sweeney while she was in New York City and got the scoop.

ParentDish: Congrats on the new book. What a way to kick off 2011.
Alison Sweeney: I am very happy with the book and am so excited for people to read it.

PD: Why did you decide to write this book?
AS: When you are pregnant, you get so much advice from all of these women who give it to you whether you want it or not. I felt since I accumulated so much information, in addition to documenting my own journey during my pregnancies and then getting onto the journey of getting back in shape, why not share it and help others women do the same.

PD: Struggling with weight is a topic you know a lot about since you have been public about your own battle.
AS: It is something I can relate to. I am also a working mom, like millions of other women and I can understand how some people who don't have time for the gym. However, no matter how busy I am, I will always strive to maintain a regular fitness routine. You need to make being healthy your lifestyle and balance it into your life.

PD: How will this book aid other women in shedding unwanted pounds and making sure they don't come back?
AS: I got very specific about routine exercise plans I follow, what diet I followed, how to make easy and delicious recipes, what to do when a craving comes on and how to keep track of your calories. I also discuss in great detail why it is important to be healthy and why your health must be a priority.

PD: You also share tips and personal anecdotes on how to follow easy exercises to stay in shape. What are they?
AS: Make time for it. Even if you don't want to go to a gym just get up off the sofa and walk around the block a few times or do squats while you are watching TV.

PD: When it comes to food, what is your weakness?
AS: Air-popped popcorn. I love the smell of it and the taste of it.

PD: You have been hosting "The Biggest Loser" since 2007. How has your experience on the program helped you maintain your figure?
AS: I learned a lot such as calorie counting and not lying to yourself about what you are eating. It also helps that I see Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels once a week. They definitely inspire you to stay on your a game.

PD: Unfortunately, some of the contestants on the show who worked so hard to lose the excess weight put it back on. How does that make you feel to see them fail?
AS: It is hard to see people who worked so hard to achieve something fall back. People think it is so easy to lose all of this weight in one week and it is not. Wait until you see the new season and you meet Rulon. He became an Olympic gold medalist in 2004 in wrestling and yet even though he is an athlete he gained 150 pounds after that moment because he just lost control and just gave up. Now that "The Biggest Loser" has helped him, he has gained a whole new confidence.

PD: Why do people have a tendency to put the weight back on?
AS: Everyone's story is different. Some people have had a difficult childhood or they learned bad habits growing up.

PD: Big changes are in store for "The Biggest Loser." Jillian Michaels is leaving the show after season 11, which premieres on Tuesday, Jan. 4. What is your reaction to that?
AS: I am sad. I love her dearly and I am really inspired by her. On a personal level as well as a professional level, I think she is an amazing woman, and whatever she goes after in her life, I know she is going to achieve it.

PD: How will her departure change the dynamic of the show?
AS: I can't even speculate that but we still have Bob.

PD: Jillian has been public about her desire to become a parent. Will she be a good mom?
AS: Yes, she will make a great mom. Jillian is very strong, passionate and she has all of this fire inside her. Trust me -- Jillian is so smart, her kid won't be able to sneak anything by her.

PD: In addition to starring on two television shows, you are also a mom to daughter Megan and son Ben. How do you juggle working both jobs and being mommy?
AS: I have learned how to be flexible so I don't hold myself accountable at the end of the day. I review every week and ask myself: How did I do this week? What can I do better? What am I really happy with? And then I try to work on that and learn.

PD: What is your biggest challenge when it comes to this role?
AS: The biggest challenge is finding time to sleep.

PD: Are you strict when it comes to their diet and what they eat?
AS: Yes. We don't keep any junk food in our house. I mean, I'll make them mac and cheese, but they also have a protein on their plate as well as a vegetable and, believe it or not, my kids love to eat vegetables. Little things like that still make them feel like a kid and allows me to make sure they are eating healthy.

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]]>alison sweeneyAlisonSweeneyThe Biggest LoserTheBiggestLoserIlyssa PanitzTue, 04 Jan 2011 09:22:00 ESTTennessee Titan Jason Babin Talks Football, Family and Why He's Teaching His Young Sons to Hunthttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/27/tennessee-titan-jason-babin-talks-football-family-and-why-hes/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/27/tennessee-titan-jason-babin-talks-football-family-and-why-hes/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/27/tennessee-titan-jason-babin-talks-football-family-and-why-hes/#commentsFiled under: ,

Jason Babin and his family make time for fun. Photo courtesy of Jason Babin


Jason Babin, a defensive end for The Tennessee Titans, has three passions he loves talking about: sports, family and hunting.

Married to Sara Babin, his college sweetheart, and dad to two boys -- Maddux, 5, and Talan, 3 -- the 2004 first-round draft pick is known as #93 on football field, but he's also dedicated to the sport of hunting.

Babin owns and operates the Babin Ranch, 500 heavily wooded acres in Center, Texas, and home to a variety of animals, including zebras, rams, antelope, wildebeests, deer, elk and buffalo.

In a recent interview with ParentDish, Babin says he has been teaching his young sons how to hunt, and that it teaches them sons valuable lessons. An edited portion of the conversation follows.

ParentDish: Sorry about the season so far.
Jason Babin: Yeah, well, the season is not going according to plan and it does not look like we are going to make the playoffs this year. A couple teams will have to lose, which means we have to win, so, overall, I would say the playoffs are a slim chance right now.

PD: You have had quite a career with the NFL. Texas, Kansas and now Tennessee.
JB: It hasn't gone as planned, but we are on track right now.

PD: Is it hard to plant roots in one place knowing you can get traded at any time?
JB: It is uneasy, which is why I am excited to finally sign a four to five year deal. Now we can be somewhere for a while and finally start a life.

PD: How does your family handle each move to a new city?
JB: My wife has been amazing about it since she is stuck with all of the unpacking since I tend to be in training camp. As for the boys, they look at it as a long vacation.

PD: What's your take on Tennessee?
JB: We love it here because we love country music and the country scenery. We are ready to make it home.

PD: In addition to your role with the Tennessee Titans, you are also a dad.
JB: When I had my first child, Maddux, I was nervous. I was never a dad before and I knew what I did with Maddux was going to be a direct reflection of me in terms of how my wife and I parent him. Now that I have a second child, I am in the groove.

PD: Do you give your boys a special pep talk before you hit the road to play a game?
JB: (Laughs.) Yes, I do. Always. I sit them both down and say, "OK, Daddy has to go to the hotel now, which means you are the men of the house and have to protect Mommy while I am gone." They take it to heart and they take it serious when I am gone.

PD: How do you stay in touch with them when you are away?
JB: We use the iPhone face chat so we can see each other, or the webcam on the computer. I tend to read them stories when they are getting ready to go to bed.

PD: Speaking of children, when you were 7 years old, you started hunting.
JB: Yeah. I started hunting early. Actually, my mom's father was a professional fur trapper for a while and he used to hunt and fish, too. Because of that, they never went to the store for meat. They always hunted for their meals.

PD: So, when you were 7, you learned how to shoot a gun?
JB: They started teaching me with a bow and arrow because that requires more patience and you need to learn patience if you are a hunter.

PD: Don't you think that is too young to teach a kid how to fire a weapon?
JB: Absolutely not. My 5-year-old shot his first deer on a bye-week at my ranch in Texas, and then we made it into hamburger and sausage for the family. We are a pretty hands-on family.

PD: What did you hunt as a kid?
JB: Where I grew up in Michigan, it was deer, rabbit and turkeys.

PD: I find your take on kids handling weapons surprising since you graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in criminal justice.
JB: Yes, that is true. I grew up in a small town and since it was rural there wasn't a whole lot to do and hunting was common.

PD: You don't think this sends the message to children that it's OK to kill an innocent animal for sport?
JB: We are a meat-hunting family and everything we kill we eat. Look, we have a rule in our house: You do not point a toy gun at anyone. We instill the basics to our kids and, in terms of hunting, we do it because it is how we get our food. We really educate our kids about this and if you teach them the right way, they will learn those lessons early on.

PD: When did you introduce Maddux to hunting?
JB: When he was 3.

PD: Three? My daughter only played on the playground and the beach at 3.
JB: He learned how to shoot a bow and a .22, as well as (my son) Talan.

PD: And you don't think that's way too young for a kid to handle a weapon, let alone learn how to use one?
JB: Maybe it was because my mom wouldn't let me have some of that cool stuff at that age. My mom was very over-protective of me. Look, before my boys did anything, they needed to learn the proper care, such as how to clean a gun and put it away. We always promote safety first.

PD: And your wife allows this?
JB: Yeah, she is on board with it. She knows what I am doing and how I teach them the basics before we do anything else.

PD: I'm stunned other parents haven't given you a hard time about this.
JB: They do, but I don't care.

PD: What are the benefits to teaching your kids how to hunt?
JB: There are three great benefits. One, I feel it teaches them patience. It taught my 5-year-old how to sit still and not move for two hours. It also teaches them life lessons, such as finding food for survival. And, three, we get to spend lot of quality time together, which I wouldn't trade for the world.

PD: You and your dad also run the Babin Ranch Center in Texas where you serve as the owner and your dad is the manager.
JB: He fills in for me while I am gone because we have a lot of corporate outings during the fall season while I am gone due to football.

PD: Do you let kids hunt there?
JB: Yes, we can set it up to be a family atmosphere.

PD: So, at what age can kids go there with their parents?
JB: At least 12, and their parents have to be avid hunters and they always have a guide with them at all times. We always put safety first.

PD: I'm shocked PETA hasn't come after you.
JB: Oh, yeah, and I love to antagonize them. I have even saved some of the letters they sent me -- how I have made the world a darker and gloomier place and my soul will be forever blackened.

PD: Your response?
JB: I invite them to come out, but they never have.

PD: I notice you give a lot of tickets away to needy children to attend a football game.
JB: Yes. I was lucky to have good role models when it came to my parents and, unfortunately, not every child has that. The more I can do to help out children is an amazing feeling.

PD: Do you work with a particular charity?
JB: No, but I am hoping to be in one place long enough to team up with someone. Since I get tickets at face value I purchase them for the children so they can go to a game.

PD: Is it true a lot of athletes follow the same practice?
JB: Yes, a lot of guys do. I think the guys get involved because, if you read some of the bios about these players, you see a lot of them came from nothing and, in the end, made it to the NFL. I think it is a great way to give back and teach other children you can do anything you set your mind to.

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]]>huntingjason babinJasonBabintennessee titansTennesseeTitansIlyssa PanitzMon, 27 Dec 2010 16:00:00 ESTJets Wide Receiver Santonio Holmes Talks Helping Kids Be Their Besthttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/23/jets-wide-receiver-santonio-holmes-talks-helping-kids-be-their-b/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/23/jets-wide-receiver-santonio-holmes-talks-helping-kids-be-their-b/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/23/jets-wide-receiver-santonio-holmes-talks-helping-kids-be-their-b/#commentsFiled under: ,

santonio holmes picture

New York Jet Santonio Holmes brings holiday fun to young fans at an event in Times Square. Credit: James Devaney,WireImage


Santonio Holmes may have made his mark on the football field, but his path to stardom has included trouble with the law.

As a teenager, the New York Jets wide receiver was busted in his hometown of Belle Glade, Fla., for selling drugs and, years later, he was arrested for disorderly conduct and possession of marijuana.

Holmes, 26, tells ParentDish he wants to put his troubled past behind him by ending 2010 on a positive note and making 2011 all about giving back.

On Dec. 21, the football great was in New York's Times Square, where he partnered with Modell's and Reebok to spread some holiday cheer to the kids from the Renaissance Community Corporate Center, which serves families of low income housing and homeless families in the Newark and Essex County, N.J. areas.

But instead of wearing his famous Jets uniform, Holmes, a single father of three, including a son who has sickle cell anemia, traded his green jersey for a red Santa suit.

Before the athlete surprised each child at the event with a Reebok Jets Jersey featuring his number, Holmes sat down with ParentDish to talk about the mistakes he's made and why he wants to educate children.

ParentDish: Sorry you got booed by those Pittsburgh Steelers fans at the Dec. 19 game at your old stadium.
Santonio Holmes: I wasn't paying attention to them.

PD: But you got loud cheers and a standing ovation in Times Square when you played the role of Santa Claus for a group of children who came to visit you.
SH: Now, that's cool. I never considered how big this role is. To have the opportunity to brighten up somebody's day is what the holidays are all about and an amazing honor, too.

PD: Kris Kringle represents hope, magic and making wishes come true. What did you do to try and give some of that to the children you met in Manhattan?
SH: Never listen to anything negative someone says about you. You have to allow yourself to grow from the negative and turn it into a positive. You need to distance yourself from negative people who are not trying to help you and learn who your true friends are. I also tell them to believe in yourself because anything is possible.

PD: Did you believe in Santa as a kid?
SH: That is a whole other road we need to go down and one I don't want to talk about right now.

PD: Speaking of your childhood, you were caught selling drugs and later, as an adult, faced similar demons. Given your past, how do you educate children on how not to take that dark path?
SH: I try to encourage them to do positive things in their community. I try and steer them away from bad people because, in the end, they will do nothing to benefit you or your family. All they will do is lead you down a path you don't want to be on. Let me tell you, it is a quick and fast way to find yourself in jail, wind up on the streets and get involved in violence and, as a result, throw your whole life away.

PD: Your mom was a huge influence on your success because she encouraged you to play football.
SH: She really wanted me to do what I wanted to do. She was all about hard work and because of that we always had food on the table, shelter and clothes on our back. She taught me nothing comes easy and if you want something you have to work hard at it.

PD: What do you say to other parents about getting involved with their children and taking an interest in their future like your mom did with you?
SH: The little things matter to kids. You need to make the time to talk to them about their feelings. Asking them about what they learned in school today or helping them get ready for school by making sure they brush their teeth plays such a huge role in making kids think about the positive. Don't put off spending time with your children. Invest the time so they want to be successful and achieve greatness.

PD: You are also a dad (sons Santonio III, 8, Nicori, 6, and daughter, Saniya, 4).
SH: Oh, man, that takes priority over being Santa Claus or a New York Jet. My role as a father is all about taking on responsibility, and what I understand now is taking care of them.

PD: Being a father has also been heavy on your heart because Santonio has sickle cell anemia.
SH: I have always been positive about that situation. I say prayers for him and know we will overcome this.

PD: What was your reaction when the doctors told you he was diagnosed with this disease?
SH: It was the worst day because you feel helpless. You never want your child to be sick or in pain.

PD: What message of hope do you give him to continue fighting the fight?
SH: We take it a day at a time. We have no control over when he might have a crisis moment. We just encourage him to be positive about today.

PD: I know Santonio had a recent visit to the hospital, but how is he feeling today?
SH: He is doing great. Santonio is energetic, full of life. He is learning a lot and he is also very understanding of what has happened and accepts his role right now in society.

PD: Because your job keeps you on the road a lot, has that been hard in terms of being there for your children, especially since Santonio is ill?
SH: It is hard, but my son understands it and understands what Daddy does for a living and why I can't be there all of the time.

PD: Has your being away had an impact on him and your other children?
SH: I think Santonio has become a stronger kid because I am not around.

PD: Does he text you after every game?
SH: (Laughs.) Yes, he watches every game and reminds me of whom we are playing.

PD: How do you stay in touch with your children?
SH: We Skype a lot and my son also memorized my phone number and can call me anytime he needs me.

PD: Will you get to spend Christmas with them and maybe play Santa again?
SH: No, because we have a game the next day. I wish I could, but, as they say, business as usual. I made sure their mom got them whatever they wanted so their day is full of presents.

PD: What about what you want?
SH: I want to do something positive going forward, and so I started a foundation called DREAMS. Each letter stands for something that has gotten me to where I am today. D is dedication. R is for responsibility, E is for education, which is key to great success and having a strong mind, A is for attitude, which is a lesson my grandparents taught me. The right attitude in how you approach people is very important and dictates how people will respond to you. M is for motivation, to help you reach you pinnacle and where you want to be.
I really want to do some good in the world and help children be all they can be.

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]]>footballnew york jetsNewYorkJetsSantonio HolmesSantonioHolmessickle cell anemiaSickleCellAnemiaIlyssa PanitzThu, 23 Dec 2010 15:00:00 ESTLisa Gastineau on Divorce and Being in Business With Daughter Brittnyhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/16/lisa-brittny-gastineau/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/16/lisa-brittny-gastineau/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/16/lisa-brittny-gastineau/#commentsFiled under:

Lisa and Brittany Gastineau Picture

Lisa and Brittny Gastineau were reality stars before the Kardashians hit the scene. Credit: John Shearer, WireImage

Long before "Keeping Up with the Kardashians," there were "The Gastineau Girls."

The reality show, which aired from 2005 to 2006, followed single mom Lisa Gastineau and her only daughter, Brittny, and chronicled their lives in New York City.

But while Lisa Gastineau was portrayed as having the perfect life on TV, she says her real story has been far from flawless.

When she was 17, her 15-year-old sister Joanie, died following a heart transplant. At 27, Gastineau says she discovered her then-husband, Mark Gastineau who played for the New York Jets, in her bed with another woman. In 2006, the same year she lost her mother and best friend, Joan D'Amico, to cancer, Gastineau herself was diagnosed with skin cancer.

Despite her heartaches, Gastineau, 50, tells ParentDish all of the dark moments helped make her the person she is today.

ParentDish: You have taken you fair share of punches.
Lisa Gastineau: (Laughs) Yes, I have.

PD: I can't even imagine what it's like to lose a sibling at such a young age.
LG: It was my life-changing moment. You never get over it and I will never stop missing her.
When you grow up with someone who has a chronic illness, your childhood is very different than what you imagine. Times were so different back then. There was no such thing as a cell phone, BlackBerry or Internet, so we kept everyone close to home.

PD: Did a lot of the focus in your home center on Joanie's illness?
LG: My whole life was about Joanie being sick. Protecting her and taking care of her was our main focus because she needed our help. I had to grow up and mature very quickly and, as a result, it created a very different structure in my household.

PD: What was Joanie like?
LG: I was the scrappy, obnoxious, cheerleader teenager. Joanie was the kind and generous one. If someone gave her two Barbie dolls, Joanie would always offer one to me. She was so wonderful.

PD: Then you met and tied the knot with a big superstar?
LG: I was 19 years old when I married Mark, who was 23 at the time. We were married seven years before we separated and 11 years in total.

PD: Did you suspect Mark was cheating?
LG: I wanted to believe what he was saying when I had my suspicions. But, then, when I walked in on him at my house in Arizona, I remember being so raged and yelling, "What are you going to tell me now?" It was right there in front of me and now there was no way out.

PD: How old was Brittny when this happened?
LG: She was 4 years old and was with my parents in New York while I flew to Arizona.

PD: Did Brittny understand what was happening?
LG: She was smart enough to know we were fighting.

PD: And because Mark chose not to be involved in your daughter's life, you instantly became a single mom?
LG: Yes, but I was so grateful I had the support of my mom, dad and my mom's sister, Nina. I mean, Brittny never called Mark "Daddy." She called him "Mark."

PD: Was it difficult to be a single mother at a young age?
LG: What was difficult was we were still very much in the spotlight, so that was hard. People assumed there was all of this great wealth because of who we were, but that was not the case. Money was a struggle and I had to chase him into different states to get child support and alimony. And despite all of my efforts to get him to pay for school, tutors, camp, college, health insurance and clothes, I wound up doing it myself because he never gave me a dime. It was traumatic.

PD: Have you gotten over the anger of what Mark did?
LG: You never get over the anger because he deprived my child of what she was entitled to.

PD: You are like Wonder Woman.
LG: Mark being a terrible parent made me the only parent, so I had to be everything. What was really difficult was when I lost my mother. My mom, Brittny and me were a triangle and now that she is not here that part of the picture is gone.

PD: Had you not gone through a horrible divorce, do you think you and Brittny would be in business together and living together?
LG: Good question. I don't know. There are things, I think, that would be the same, but I do think Brittny and I bonded more because of what we went through.

PD: You lost your mom in August of 2006.
LG: That was devastating. She was always my first phone call of the day.

PD: Then, in December that same year, you were diagnosed with cancer?
LG: Yes. I discovered a dark spot on my leg just before I was taking Brittny to the doctor to get treatment for a fungus under a toenail. While I was there, I showed the doctor the mark and soon learned it was cancer.

PD: Do you have a family history of having melanoma?
LG: No, but I think tanning beds played a big part because not only did I have one, but I had basal cells in other places. I always say Brittny's toenail fungus was a blessing.

PD: When did you decide to form Tres Glam, your jewelry line?
LG: When I was married, I had a high-end costume jewelry and accessories store in Woodbury, N.Y., called Lisa's Pieces, and another in West Hampton with a business partner. When Brittny and I formed Tres Glam in 2006, instead of buying the items, we decided to actually design them.

PD: Who is your target audience?
LG: It is completely fine jewelry. The pieces are all 18-carat, diamond and gemstone pieces and can be found at Object 'dArts & Spirit in Los Angeles.

PD: With so many well-known designers branching out to retail giants like Target and Kohl's, is that something you and Brittny would consider doing?
LG: Yes, that is the plan.

PD: What are the pros and cons of partnering with your daughter?
LG: The pros are you are one-minded. You both want to build something together. Because we are different generations, Brittny will give her perspective from her age group, which is invaluable to making a business a success. The cons are it is your daughter, it is your mother and we sometimes have different philosophies.

PD: Now that you are in a good place in your life, do you feel like you made it?
LG: The most empowering thing I have ever done in my life was become a mother. I am also so proud to be a dedicated daughter and now have a rewarding career that gives me great pleasure and (allows me to) grow as a person.

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]]>brittny gastineauBrittnyGastineaugastineau girlsGastineauGirlsLisa GastineauLisaGastineauIlyssa PanitzThu, 16 Dec 2010 16:00:00 ESTAdrienne Maloof of Beverly Hills 'Real Housewives' Talks Teaching Her Kids to Give Backhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/15/adrienne-maloof-real-housewives/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/15/adrienne-maloof-real-housewives/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/15/adrienne-maloof-real-housewives/#commentsFiled under:

Adrienne Maloof Picture

Adrienne Maloof and her family are involved in charities. Credit: Jason Merritt, Getty Images

Adrienne Maloof of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" lives in a famous ZIP code and comes from an incredibly wealthy family.

But Maloof, 49, says money, not to mention a shoe collection that would turn even Carrie Bradshaw green with envy, does not define her.

Instead of indulging in spa treatments and long lunches at celeb hot spot The Ivy, this mother of three -- Gavin, 7 and identical twins Christian and Colin, 4 -- says she devotes her time to family and charity work.

When ParentDish chatted with Maloof recently, she made it clear there is nothing more important than raising well-mannered children.

ParentDish: Why did you decide to join "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills"?
Adrienne Maloof: I was approached by a friend of my husband's, and they said I would be perfect for the show. Although I declined at first, I later decided to give it a second thought because I thought it would be fun.

PD: Did you ever watch the New Jersey, New York, Orange County or Atlanta versions of "Real Housewives?"
AM: I really don't have a lot of time to watch TV because I am so busy.

PD: Is the reality TV experience what you expected it to be?
AM: I have had a great time so far and look forward to filming season number two.

PD: What have been the pros and cons of being on this series?
AM: The pros, from a business standpoint, are it gives you a platform for your philanthropic work, which was a big reason why I joined the show. The negatives are there are cameras all over the house and you are airing your life to the world.

PD: Did you sit down with your family to discuss how they felt about you doing the show?
AM: My husband (Dr. Paul Nassif) was very pro because he is a plastic surgeon. As for my boys, before I signed on the dotted line I spoke with the producers ahead of time to make sure my kids would not be filmed or involved in the series.

PD: Why not involve them in the program?
AM: They are too young.

PD: If you had to pick an adjective to describe yourself, which word would you chose?
AM: I am "real." What you see is what you get.

PD: How is your relationship with your castmates?
AM: I have known most of the girls for a long time and, for the most part, I have a good relationship with them.

PD: You had twins when you were 45 years old. Were you scared to be an older mom?
AM: No. I knew we wanted to have more children.

PD: Did you find yourself being more cautious this time around because of your age?
AM: You have to always be careful, whether you are pregnant with one or two, regardless of your age.

PD: How did you prepare your oldest child for having twin siblings?
AM: My oldest is two years older, and even though he was young, I tried to prepare him as much as possible. He was great when the babies first came home. But then when I was being pulled away to tend to them he was confused and maybe sad for a moment. Keep in mind he was king of the house.

PD: What did you do -- and still do -- so he doesn't feel like a third wheel?
AM: They are very close and have a great relationship. They even sleep in the same room.

PD: What was the most difficult part of having one child and then two at once?
AM: Even though I was physically fit because I try to stay in shape, I learned that I needed help. I also had to teach myself how to balance my time. I struggle and juggle to make it work just like everyone else.

PD: Although you have what some would call a privileged life, you are very involved in a lot of charity work and giving back.
AM: Yes, charity is extremely important to me, especially the ones that involve children. As a matter of fact, my family donated 100 backpacks filled with school supplies to School on Wheels, which serves under-privileged and homeless children in the Los Angeles area. I am also a supporter of Adrienne Maloof Camp Kindness program, which gives underprivileged children the opportunity to learn to properly care for animals.

PD: Do you teach your children about helping the less fortunate?
AM: Absolutely. That is an extremely important theme in this household, especially during the holidays. As a matter of fact, my boys helped stuff those backpacks for the children.

PD: Do you set boundaries for your children so they don't grow up and fit the Beverly Hills stereotype?
AM: You do have to set boundaries and be in your children's faces all of the time. There is no privacy. I am involved in whom they hang out with, what they look at on the computer and to do that is extremely important.

PD: Do you give your kids an allowance?
AM: Yes. That is very important to teach them about responsibility.

PD: What do you and your husband do to educate your children about money and spending?
AM: We give them little jobs and then have them work their way up, just like people do in the work force.

PD: What about chores? Do they have any?
AM: Yes, they have chores such as cleaning up after themselves and helping with the dishes at night. When they do a good job, we have a reward policy as a way of teaching them how proud we are of them and the benefits of working hard at something.

PD: Your husband is a plastic surgeon. Would you ever let your kids go under the knife?
AM: If it was later on, if they had issues with breathing problem, then, of course. But for a young kid, no I would not.

PD: Between filming and working at the family business, what do you do to get involved with your kids?
AM: I am such a hands-on mom and want to spend all my time with them. As a matter of fact, I take a martial arts class with them once a week. Not only does it teach them respect and self-defense, but we get to bond as well.

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]]>adrienne maloofAdrienneMaloofreal housewivesreal housewives of beverly hillsRealHousewivesRealHousewivesOfBeverlyHillsIlyssa PanitzWed, 15 Dec 2010 16:00:00 ESTDominic Zamprogna: 'General Hospital' Star Talks Fatherhoodhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/09/dominic-zamprogna/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/09/dominic-zamprogna/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/09/dominic-zamprogna/#commentsFiled under:

Dominic Zamprogna

Dominic Zamprogna has a new lady love: his daughter. Credit: Valerie Macon, Getty


Dominic Zamprogna gives true meaning to the term ladies' man.

The soap opera stud is juggling not one, but four different girls.

On TV, Zamprogna, 31, best known for his role as Dante Falconeri on ABC's "General Hospital," is currently caught between two women on the daytime drama.

While off camera, the actor and his wife, Linda Leslie, are the proud new parents to their 7-week-old daughter, Anbilliene.

ParentDish recently caught up with Zamprogna to find out how he's handling all of these gorgeous women at once.

ParentDish: What a great holiday present -- a new baby.
Dominic Zamprogna: Yes, it is pretty exciting over here.

PD: How would you describe fatherhood?
DZ: It is different in a whole lot of ways. It is nothing you expect or can prepare for. It is such a massive and colossal change in your lifestyle, but for such a cool reason.

PD: Is Anbilliene allowing you and your wife to sleep much?
DZ: My wife is the hero, really, on this front. I just earn a lot of brownie points by waking up and offering my help. I have changed my fair share of diapers at 3:30 a.m., so that accounts for something, right?

PD: Who does the middle-of-the-night feedings?
DZ: We just started pumping and putting the baby on a bottle since my wife was nursing.

PD: Did Linda assign you any baby duties?
DZ: I do diaper duty and other jobs that allow me to connect with my daughter. My wife gets to connect with her on a whole other level because she is nursing.

PD: Do you do anything special with Anbilliene when it's daddy-daughter time?
DZ: Every morning, we have our special time. For starters, at 7:30 a.m., when she is alert and in the mood to play, we go to the living room where I hold her and I let her take everything in.

PD: You have a twin sister. Were you scared your wife might be carrying two babies, instead of one?
DZ: No, because I heard it skips a generation. Because of the advances in medicine and technology that did not exist when my mom was pregnant with me and my sister, we knew there was only one baby in there.

PD: You must have a whole new respect for your mom.
DZ: I do. When I saw how my wife was pushing out our 7-pound baby, I thought, "Man, how did my mother do this with two seven-pound babies at once?"

PD: Dante, your character on "General Hospital," is reuniting with Brenda (Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo), who recently returned to the show. She's also the past love of Sonny (Maurice Corinthos), Dante's father. Sounds like a twisted love triangle.
DZ: Welcome to the world of soaps. Vanessa is awesome to work with and really brings fire back to the show. Her character and Sonny have an awesome chemistry and I am sure fans want to throw Dante under a bus for trying to come between them. Dante has been infatuated with Brenda for years and they are very different feelings than what he has for Lulu Spencer. I think Dante was just caught off guard by the whole scenario.

PD: So, will Dante and Brenda ride off into the sunset and live happily ever after?
DZ: No. I think Brenda and Sonny are really going to try and make their relationship work, and I don't think Dante will step in the middle of that and ruin their happiness.

PD: How will this impact Dante's relationship with Lulu (Julie Berman)?
DZ: It won't be too good. As for what our state is? I don't know, but what I do know is, it will be a rough road ahead for us. Maybe, emotionally, Dante is having a hard time, but I don't think he will intentionally hurt Lulu because he does love her.

PD: A little birdie is tweeting about a baby boy you fathered with Brenda.
DZ: That is part of the story that is unfolding. There is talk that there was a child and, yes, we are being lead to believe it was Dante and Brenda's.

PD: In real life, could you stay lip-locked with such jaw-dropping information?
DZ: Sure, if someone tells me to keep a secret.

PD: Since your "General Hospital" character joined the daytime series in 2009, he has been hot and heavy with Lulu, Luke and Laura's daughter. How does Linda handle watching you on TV in a romantic embrace, or in bed with another woman?
DZ: She has seen this for a long time. Besides, I have done far worse stuff on other shows than what I am doing on "General Hospital." This is nothing for her. She is not only a pro, but she knows this is only work and she is the one I want to come home to at night.

PD: You father is a famous dancer and choreographer in Canada. Did any of his fancy moves rub off on you?
DZ: Not anymore. When I grew up, I had to take ballet, tap and jazz classes because my parents were running a dance school out of the house. I like it to a certain extent, even though I got made fun of by my buddies. Rhythm is a good thing to have.

PD: Any chance you'll follow the lead of Joel Grey's daughter, Jennifer Grey, and join "Dancing with the Stars"?
DZ: No, I would not do anything like that right now. I do enjoy watching the program, and I think those people have amazing guts to go on this show and do what they do.

PD: Speaking of amazing, the holidays are upon us. I bet this year will be extra amazing for you and Linda, since it is Anbilliene's first Christmas.
DZ: I am a Christmas dork. We are going to get a tree, decorate it and then go to Canada to see my family.

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]]>Dominic ZamprognaDominicZamprognageneral hospitalGeneralHospitalsoap operaSoapOperaIlyssa PanitzThu, 09 Dec 2010 13:15:00 ESTMark McGrath on Raising Twins, Filming 'Celebrity Apprentice' and Sugar Ray's New Singlehttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/07/mark-mcgrath-on-raising-twins-filming-celebrity-apprentice-an/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/07/mark-mcgrath-on-raising-twins-filming-celebrity-apprentice-an/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/07/mark-mcgrath-on-raising-twins-filming-celebrity-apprentice-an/#commentsFiled under: ,

mark mcgrath

Mark McGrath is still rocking -- but being a dad comes first. Credit: Ethan Miller of Getty Images

Mark McGrath could likely use a few bites of the product touted during the recent Rock On with Marathon Energy Bar Festival.

In addition to headlining the two-day event held in Las Vegas Dec. 2-3, hosting the VH1 series "Don't Forget the Lyrics," releasing "Down With Whatever," the new single from his band, Sugar Ray, and starring in the fourth season of "Celebrity Apprentice," set to air next year, McGrath, 42, also is the proud father of 7-month-old twins, Lydon Edward and Hartley Grace with Carin Kingsland, his long-time fiancée.

ParentDish recently checked in with McGrath to find out why his children made him do a complete 180.

ParentDish: From one new parent to another, let me begin by saying congratulations.
Mark McGrath: Oh, my God, thank you. This is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. It is just such a blessing.

PD: Fatherhood is treating you well?
MM: You know, the last couple of years I have been at a crossroads in my life and, once these kids came into my life, I now know what I am going to do with the rest of my life. My job now is to be the best parent I can be because that is all that matters.

PD: Sounds like you're a changed man.
MM: Wow, I love connecting with them. I mean, when they laugh there is just nothing better. Being with them is the greatest moment of my life and really answers the question, "Why am I here?" I mean, I was rocking the world in my 20s and 30s and I was only responsible for me. I guess I was selfish in that way, plus, I had people doing everything for me because of who I was. Now in my 40s, I'm not only ready for this, but my kids make me feel younger.

PD: Is Hartley allowed to date when she gets older?
MM: She is my little girl and I will try to protect her from the evils of this world and shield her from a bad moment. She is the apple of my eye and, no, she can't date -- at least until she is 21 (laughs).

PD: Who taught you how to change two diapers at once?
MM: It actually came natural to me. You know, Carin had a heavy duty C-section, so it was me changing diapers for the first two days. I can now change the babies in record time. In the dark, blindfolded, I got this system down cold.

PD: Can you do it in under 30 seconds?
MM: Oh, yeah. I am a pro (laughs).

PD: I read that getting pregnant wasn't easy for you guys.
MM: I tried my hardest the conventional way, but that didn't work out for us. We did the IVF thing. It was intense and expensive, but we did it in one shot and, boom, here they are.

PD: How do you divide and conquer two little ones at once?
MM: Well, we are both home now and the twins are my entertainment. Plus, we have help because twins are a heavy load. So to have the extra hands around is great.

PD: Are they crawling yet?
MM: No, but they have got the mechanics down. They are up on all fours and rocking back and forth. We are ready to watch them take off and chase after them.

PD: Aside from your role as dad, you also host "Don't Forget the Lyrics!," airing weekdays on VH1.
MM: Think of it as karaoke on steroids with consequences. Basically, you pick a genre of music, sing along to the words you see on the screen and then when the words disappear you have to finish the song. The winner is awarded $50,000.

PD: Have any contestants tried singing a song by Sugar Ray?
MM: Absolutely. But the funny thing is, when they go to pick a song, and if one of the choices is Sugar Ray and they don't pick it, I am like, "Dude, I am standing right here."

PD: Recently, you were a celebrity judge for the Rock On with Marathon Energy Bar, a rock 'n' roll-themed competition featuring amateur stars playing the popular video game Rock Band.
MM: Yes, we were giving people the chance to let out their inner rock star and the winner of the contest gets to jam with me and my band for a day.

PD: Speaking of Sugar Ray, are you guys getting back together?
MM: We really never broke up. That has been the perception because I took a job as the host of "Extra." Actually, we play up to 40 shows a year and just released a single on our website you can now download.

PD: And you're set to star on the latest season of "Celebrity Apprentice."
MM: That was so much fun to meet Mr. Trump. I think my time on the show was the hardest I have ever worked. I mean, we put in 16 hour days, calling anyone and everyone from our Rolodexes and asking for favors, all to try and make the impossible possible. I will say, it was one of the greatest and most rewarding experiences of my life.

PD: Who is a force to reckon with on this installment?
MM: The cast is strong. Star Jones is a lawyer, Marlee Matlin is really smart, Meat Loaf is incredible, Jose Canseco was smart and look out for David Cassidy. Gary Busey has his moments of being a maniac.

PD: The holidays are now upon us. Will this year be extra special for you because it will be Lydon and Hartley's first Christmas?
MM: It is a bittersweet time because my dad passed away in the summer, but I see his spirit in the twins so that is amazing. This time of year is all about the kids and their joy. What is also a joy for me is we just moved into a new house, so I am excited to get settled, plant roots and start decorating the place in Christmas with my family.

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]]>celebrity apprenticeCelebrityApprenticemark mcgrathMarkMcgrathsugar raySugarRayIlyssa PanitzTue, 07 Dec 2010 12:30:00 EST