On Father’s Day, most people reflect on the impact fathers have in their children’s lives. I would like to reflect on the influence fathers have on their children’s career choices. I’m inspired by Steve Doocy, co-host of Fox & Friends, and his son, Washington-based correspondent, Peter Doocy – they’re one of the few father and son pairs on television today. Taking a look at Steve’s parenting style and his career choices, it’s clear that working parents can certainly build a strong parenting bond while forging successful careers and professionally inspiring their children along the way.
A television news anchor, journalist, reporter and commentator, Steve Doocy exposed Peter early to his career. “Peter did his first network TV in fourth grade on Take Your Child to Work Day.” Many parents take their sons and daughters to work once or twice a year, but Steve’s openness about his career with his children provided his children an understanding about the busy lifestyle.
Cute encouraging: Dog “Dino” calms nervous passengersCute encouraging: Dog “Dino” calms nervous passengers
When asked how other parents could use their careers as learning opportunities for their children, Steve encourages other parents to “…let them see what you do, unfiltered. My kids got a taste of my career the easy way, all they had to do was watch TV. It’s all they’ve ever known. They thought all dads got up at 3:30 a.m., were asked for autographs at ShopRite and got spoofed on the Comedy Channel.” While most of us are not on television, it’s interesting to hear what Peter has to say about his dad.
“As somebody who grew up watching my dad on TV, I always admired how he was able to make big news while talking to very famous people and making them laugh. ‘Hey that’s my dad WITH THE PRESIDENT! They look like frat brothers!’ when you’re a kid, that’s cool.” Cool indeed! While Steve Doocy’s job is an impressive accomplishment, it’s more impressive how he managed to still be a wonderful father. As Peter recalls, “…my dad was always able to do his job, and be home in time to pick us up from school and take us directly to Dairy Queen before dinner.” With a playful nostalgia, Steve notes that “…Peter is often our White House correspondent, standing on the North Lawn, talking about the President…but of course as his dad, I see a professional journalist, who as it turns out, used to mow my lawn.” That must be quite the feeling of pride for a dad to see his own son succeed in the same career.
