Father knows best? When it comes to parenthood, heartfelt words of wisdom are often the root of a blossoming family tree. Before the Fox 35 news crew hits the barbeque grill for Father’s Day, Orlando Family Magazine grilled them for some insight into fatherhood.

John Brown, Co-Host of Good Day Orlando

Father to Lauren (12) & Sophia (8)

How has parenthood shaped you?

“Parenthood has helped me understand which of my activities are truly important and the things that are a waste of my time. I used to get wrapped up in things that I thought were important, but really weren’t. Now I try to focus on things that have a lasting impact.”

Advice for working parents?

“I have the same troubles as everyone else. I find myself juggling work responsibilities along with trying to find enough time for my wife and kids. I did have one of those moments recently when I realized I was losing focus. I found myself staring at my phone while out to eat with my youngest daughter. I realized that I was giving social media my valuable time, when that time should have been spent focusing on her! So, “be present.” Twitter & Facebook won’t miss me if I’m gone, but my kids will.”

What do you enjoy doing as a family?

“It’s the little things that we do that are just as much fun as the big things. I love making breakfast on Sunday morning as the whole family hangs out. I also enjoy our popcorn & movie nights. I know it sounds cheesy, but just being around them in such a busy world is quality time.”

Lessons you learned from your father?

“My dad was great about meeting people. He was able to walk into a room full of strangers and leave with a room full of friends. He taught me not to be afraid to approach people because all of us, generally, want to be approached.”

Words of wisdom for your children?

“My favorite quote is ‘Practice doesn’t make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.’”  I often remind my kids that true success is determined by what you do when no one else is watching. Did you go the extra mile? Do you help people without them knowing? Those are the types of things that will make an extraordinary life.”

How will you celebrate Father’s Day?

“We will probably go to church, then out to dinner, and maybe a round of golf. I love taking the kids out on the course with me because it’s several uninterrupted hours of just us. It’s amazing the things kids will tell you when you’re out on the course with no distractions!”

Final thoughts? 

“I do my best to make sure that my kids know ─ beyond a shadow of a doubt ─ that I always have their backs.  I want them to know that they never have to be afraid to come to me first when times get tough. I always knew that, no matter how bad things got, I could always call my dad and I want my kids to have that same relationship with me.” 

Bob Frier, Evening Anchor (5, 6, 10 & 11 pm newscasts)

Father of two teenagers (ages 13 & 15)

How has parenthood shaped you?

“Much like when you get married, having kids turns you into a person who’s more concerned about someone else’s well-being (than your own). With kids, my experience has been that it’s like a little part of your soul is walking around in the world. You’re both thrilled to see it and nervous every second about what might happen.

In regards to parenthood and my profession, I’ve always had a strong work ethic but with kids, it’s again heightened. I’m thankful to have the job I do and working hard to keep putting food on the table and provide a nice life for my family.”

Advice for working parents?

“Be kind to one another… realize it will be a tough go sometimes but don’t let pressures turn into more than they are. Find time for you as a couple ─ I think kids are happy when mom & dad are happy together.”

What do you enjoy doing as a family?

“Movies, theme parks, and playing Mario Kart! I also read Calvin and Hobbes to my daughter, and my son and I have two shows that are just ours (The Walking Dead and Daredevil).”

Lessons you learned from your father?

“My dad was always positive and never quit. He re-invented himself after 20 years in the military and, seemingly, never lost the attitude that things would always work out if he just kept at it. That attitude has served me well many times.”

What words of wisdom to your children?

“My advice to my kids is to work hard setting themselves up for the future. They have one job: to study hard and make good grades so that when they discover what they love doing, they’ll have all the opportunities to pursue it and live a happy life. And get plenty of sleep!”

How will you celebrate Father’s Day?

“This year’s Father’s Day celebration will probably be enjoying the U.S. Open… and probably checking out Jaws on the big screen.

Jayme King, Morning Meteorologist for Good Day Orlando

Father to a 3-year-old boy & 8-year-old girl 

How has parenthood shaped you?

“Personally: Parenthood has made me a softer, more patient, and understanding individual. It’s also made the relationship with my wife even stronger, knowing that we’re in this together. She’s a great mom and that has made me more conscious in making sure that I’m a great dad (not a competition though…LOL).

Professionally: Parenthood has allowed me to become more thoughtful in considering my co-workers thoughts and ideas. I work with many talented people and without them, there’s no Good Day Orlando.”

Advice for working parents?

“Make time for your children, and have a genuine interest in what they’re doing. Try to find that “balance” that seems so elusive. It can be really hard balancing a full-time job, family life, activities, etc. There never seems to be enough time in the day to get it all in. It may feel rather overwhelming but, as I’m currently learning, the payoffs can be rewarding (most importantly for the child).”

What do you enjoy doing with your family?

“A lot of different things, but it seems we always end up on a beach somewhere or on our boat. Being a Florida native, I want my kids to have the same experiences I had growing up. We live in an outdoor activity-rich environment, so from surfing to fishing to boating, we do it all. We especially love where I grew up in South Florida, The Keys, and our secret strip of beach down in southern Volusia County.”

Lessons you learned from your father?

“How to treat a lady, work ethic, accountability, being fair, and balanced with others. He’s a great man and has always been a wonderful role model.”

What words of wisdom do you have for your children?

“Do what you love! If you want to be an artist, be an artist. If you want to be a lawyer, be a lawyer. Careers can be challenging yet fun, most of the time. If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life! Also, be a good person, laugh a lot, never leave the deck of your surfboard in the sun too long, and don’t forget to call your mom and I after you move out of the house.”

How will you celebrate Father’s Day?

“TOGETHER… on the water somewhere, cookout, or maybe hit a restaurant we all love.” 

What’s your ideal Father’s Day?

“Being with the two kids that are responsible for giving me the title of “dad” in the first place.”

Anything else?

“Happy Father’s Day to all of the dads out there. Being a dad might prove to be the toughest job you’ve ever had and the rewards are worth it!”

David Martin, Features Host for Good Day Orlando & Host of The News Remixed

Father to 11-year-old son & 8-year-old daughter

How has parenthood shaped you?

“Personally: Nothing in life has touched me as deeply as parenthood as it’s an incredible blessing. I never realized how much my children would continually teach ME every day. Being a father makes me want to be a better person than I was before.

Professionally: Becoming a father made me more committed to my work than ever because it enables me to provide for my family. I’m very fortunate to have a career that I love, doing work that is profoundly enjoyable. But what absolutely drives me to give 110% to my job each day is my children.

Advice for working parents?

“Two things I find helpful: balance & reliability.

BALANCE: As hard as this one is, try to find balance between the office and home. Work hard at the office, but try not to bring it home. Do something fun with your kids every day, even if it’s just a quick 5-minute bike ride after dinner or blasting a song to sing together in the car…

RELIABILITY: Be 100% reliable, sticking to your word, both at work and at home as a parent. Be that person who follows through on what you say you are going to do ─ every time. You will be a gift to those around you by embodying dependability. Whether it’s something you said to a co-worker or to your child, follow through without fail. If you become that 100% reliable worker and parent, your co-workers and your kids will always have faith in you and will rely on you when in need, knowing that you’ll be there. What a tremendous way for you to express your love and dedication to both work and family.

What do you enjoy doing as a family?

“I’m a trained percussionist and keyboardist, and my kids and wife are all musicians; so we play drums, keyboards, and guitars together and just ham it up at home making music (noise). Also, I’ve been an avid downhill snow skier since age 2 and, thankfully, my wife and kids love skiing as much as I do. Every year, we spend a week together in the Rockies with my parents, who also ski incredibly well even in their 70s. Beyond that, we are all extreme theme park fanatics! Around the house, we love to bike and play board games.”

Lessons you learned from your father?

“Be fun, keep reading/learning, teach others, and play together as a family on a regular basis. My dad worked hard in a tough finance position, but he made time to take us skiing literally every weekend on a little hill in Ohio, and if it wasn’t ski season, we would golf or ride roller coasters. He and my mom always embodied “The family that plays together stays together” motto. Now, we play together as three generations, which is spectacular. To this day, my dad rides coasters with our family and he’s a blast! He is an avid reader and life-long learner, and has also always been a natural teacher. I love how he always teaches my kids interesting things about mathematics or outer space. On top of the fun, he volunteers in the public school system as a reading tutor. I really admire him for that. The kids respond so positively to his encouragement. He is a true literacy advocate!”

What words of wisdom for your children?

“Be KIND. Help the person to the left of you and the right of you. Tell the truth. Carry your weight and work hard. Putting forth an effort is far more important than “being smart.” Careful with what you say – you can’t take your words back. Use your talents; hone them; master them. Be grateful every single day! You live in the greatest country on earth and you are profoundly blessed. Remember always how much your mom & dad and grandparents love and cherish you.”

How will you celebrate Father’s Day?

“I like to keep Father’s Day uncomplicated. A strong coffee, a bike ride, maybe a movie and, if I’m lucky… a foot massage.”

Final thoughts?

“I’m biased about Orlando, but I believe we live in the greatest city in the USA. Go to the Public Library and experience the amazing Melrose Center for Technology that provides incredible FREE classes for kids and grown-ups. It is phenomenal. PLEASE patronize the fabulous little specialty businesses all around town. We are fortunate to have every manner of entertainment and great food available, plus the best beaches and theme parks. We live in America’s playground!”

Glenn Richards, Chief Meteorologist of WOFL/WOGX/WRBW

Father to Veronica (21)

How has parenthood shaped you?

“Being a father has allowed me to connect with a growing young lady both emotionally and spiritually. It’s been a true gift to be able to watch and influence Veronica as she has grown from a burping baby to a young woman who now is ready to take flight on her own. This connection reminds me daily that life is about HUMAN CONNECTIONS and not WORK.”

Advice for working parents?

“Take a moment and step back from parental issues/worries to just enjoy that moment. Take a snapshot in your mind. Find as many ways as you can to spend quality time with your children and keep it simple. Build a birdhouse or take an early morning bike ride together. Connect as people while still being a parent.”

What do you enjoy doing as a family?

“Our best times together always involve the outdoors. We enjoy traveling to state & national parks. We plan a trip well in advance so we can all enjoy the anticipation and dream. When not traveling, we enjoy going to our local beaches and having a beach lunch.”

Lessons you learned from your father?

“Parenting is about leadership in a loving way. A family is a team of people who are given the gift of time together. Respect it, enjoy it, and never take it for granted.”

What words of wisdom for your child?

“Always follow your heart and trust your gut. When you do, you will always sleep good at night and look forward to the next day with a spring in your step.”

How will you celebrate Father’s Day?

“We will probably go to the beach and cook up some shrimp and pasta for dinner.”