Jerry O'Connell: Stress of Parenthood Gets "Worse and Worse"
Credit: KM Press Group
Raising twins girls and managing a busy career is no easy feat -- just ask Jerry O'Connell, whose wife Rebecaa Romijn gave birth to Dolly and Charlie in December 2008.
"Everyone says to us, it gets better, it gets better. That has not been my experience. It seems to be getting worse and worse," O'Connell, star of CBS' The Defenders told UsMagazine.com at CBS' TCA presentation in Beverly Hills on Wednesday.
But that doesn't mean O'Connell, 36, doesn't love being a father -- even if it sometimes tests his marriage with Romijn.
"While I do miss my kids, they're at a crazy age. It's so stressful on my wife and I," the actor said.
To cope with the challenges of parenting, the couple relies on their shared sense of humor. "My wife and I were talking about splitting about up, except neither of us want to take the children!" O'Connell joked.
And at 19-months-old, O'Connell said the twins already have their own distinct personalities.
PHOTOS: Shirtless celebrity dads
"My wife doesn't like me saying this, but one is larger than the other one. There's a size difference there. They're just really cute and funny, and I do miss them a lot," O'Connell told Us. "They take after my wife and I in the sense that one is blonde and one is brunette. It's really incredible that they're like two totally different girls."
So what does the actor love most about being the sole male in the household? Styling his daughters' hair each morning!
PHOTOS: Hollywood's hands-on fathers
"I love doing their hair. It's so crazy, but I really enjoy it," he said. " I wanted to give them a haircut, and my wife's like, No, you've got to let their hair grow out...but I'm really into combing it and putting their hair into pigtails."
Tell Us What You Think
22I remember him saying that his wife told him that only one parent could work at a time. This was when she was working on Ugly Betty. All the early photos are mostly of Jerry and the girls. I think his biggest problem might be his wife if she's not putting in 50/50 time wise. But he's a good dad and a funny and sweet guy, so I hope they manage.
Wow! must be tough with a staff of nannies and assistants, personal chef, etc. Can you imagine how much he'd have to complain about if they were actually raising the children themselves, instead of just trotting them out for photo opps?
Very refreshing article. Thank you. Parents who are surrounded by family to help with kids have a different experience than those who are on their own. It is a scary and isolating experience when you do not have a support system. Been there.
So nice to read someone being honest about parenting - it is the hardest job ever, but the most rewarding. To those who are reading too much into his comments, lighten up!
This is the cutest story; and being honest makes him human. I am now 7mths pregnant of my 1st child and I can already imagine the challenges involving parenthood.
What adorable little babies!
Being a parent is not easy, the best times are fron when they are babies till they turn teenagers, so have fun now because it does not get better, right now is the best time to enjoy those cuties.
I normally don't comment on articles I read, but i actually thought it was funny and cute. The part about Jerry and his wife jokingly splitting but wont bcuz neither want the kids sounds like something I would say.
You need to be careful what you say, in a few years the girls will be able to read what you say. They may not see the comic humor in it. Be prepared, every age will have a new set of struggles for parents. Parenting is the hardest job in the world.
At least he is being honest, not lying and saying it's all a bed of roses like many celebrities do. Of course, those of you without children probably think that having a kid is like having a cat. Just wait until your kids go to school and you have to deal with lousy teachers, monitoring their academic progress, etc. The work never ends, but it's an adventure with positives too. This is the reality of parenthood!
It's too bad that's what you took out of the story 'Jay'! I think it's better. As parent's we all suffer through same insecurities that we're not doing a good job, and it helps when you realize that all parents, whether they are rich, poor, 1st time parents, etc all go through the same thing. I am sick and tired of people going out of their way to find something negative in a story. Be happy buddy! You catch more flies with honey than vinegar!!!
I am so tired of hearing people with kids complaining about them. Be glad everyone is healthy and shut the heck up; especially people with money.
Aw, they are too cute.
Absolutely! They are obviously hands on parents saying it like it is...the toughest job around! What a breath of fresh air!
Yeah, i'm glad he's being honest, too. It's not a picnic for any working family...especially at that age. It gets easier as far as their physical care goes but each year brings on a whole new set of challenges. It also brings lots of joy, too.
OMG, He thinks it's bad now -- he obviously has not studied up on the UPCOMING TERRIBLE TWO'S!!!
FINALLY - finally finally - a celebrity actually tells it like it is instead of making parenthood look like a 24-hr blissful Disney fantasy.
well jerry,WELCOME TO FATHERHOOD=FINALLY!
well jerry, WELCOME TO FATHERHOOD=FINALLY!
In happiness studies, having kids lowers happiness, not raises. It's not socially acceptable for people to say so because then no one would have kids.