Goddess: celebrity moms

• 'Spotlight to Nightlight': Hollywood Fatherhood

  posted by Ali Landry - Fri Jun 19 2009, 7:41 AM PDT

  The hottest role in Hollywood these days is "World's Greatest Dad," but not just any guy can fit the bill. From Brad Pitt to Will Smith to Hugh Jackman, celebrity dads are proving that you can change diapers, go on playdates, coach little league, and still have time to save the world ... on screen anyway! From piggy back rides to premieres, today's famous fathers are as likely to be seen on a playground as on a movie set. In this episode of "Spotlight to Nightlight," Ali Landry talks to Joey Lawrence about raising a family in Hollywood and trying to keep up with an energetic 3-year-old daughter.

  
  
  Ali's Take
  I believe that fathers play such an important role in our lives because for a woman, the role of a father is essential to the way she views males. The first example a little girl has of men comes from the relationship she shares with her dad. I think the greatest gift my father gave to me was the way he loved my mother. He is a man who is honest, kind, loving, and supportive and has always been there for our family. Now that I have my own family, I see so many of those same traits in my husband. What I love about my husband as a father is that he is a man of integrity who puts our family first. When he comes home in the afternoon, he goes straight to our daughter Estela and spends an hour or so just playing with her. I always knew he was going to be an amazing dad. He was blessed to have a father who was a great role model as well and we are all thankful for that.
  
  Being a father is a tough job. Joey Lawrence and I discussed the struggles and the joys of parenting, and he stressed the importance of being present in your kids' lives. Sometimes you work so hard (believe me, dads, we notice!) and take on so much, that days and weeks go by in the blink of an eye. Sometimes our kids drive us crazy, and sometimes they are pure joy and couldn't make us prouder.
  
  Here's to all the dads, grandfathers, uncles, stepdads, and older brothers out there! Happy Father's Day!

  Joey Lawrence poses with his daughter, Charli. Courtesy Joey Lawrence
  
  Special thanks to Naked Baby Boutique
  12334 Ventura Blvd.
  Studio City, CA 91604 (818)760-8851

  Check out past episodes of "Spotlight to Nightlight":

  The Name Game

  Blowout Birthday Parties

  Mompreneurs

  Expect the Unexpected