NBC News Chief White House Correspondent Peter Alexander understands the balancing act that comes with being a working parent. After welcoming his two daughters-Ava, 9, and Emma, 7, whom he shares with his wife of ten years, Alison Starling, his priorities had naturally shifted from his decade-long career to family, per Today.
The American journalist opened up on how he juggles fatherhood and career while ensuring that he's putting his family first. The 46 years old may have chosen to stay away from his home while on assignment before; now, the anchor focuses more on staying at home as much as possible.
Alexander told the outlet that he would take the last flight home to be with his kids, sleep in his own bed, and kiss his two daughters even when they were already asleep when he gets home. He will take the earliest flight in the morning if that will let the father read and put the kids into bed the night before. He added that he would hustle back from anchoring in time to be able to watch his daughter's soccer game and his other daughter's softball game. The father says he will hustle over to practice or parent-teacher night if they're allowed to clear out of the White House before it gets late.
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Spending time with family is also important to his daughters
The weekend Today show co-anchor notices the difference with his daughter when he is around and notes that spending quality time with his family is not only special to himself but also his two beautiful daughters. The anchor said that he could see the happiness in his children's eyes whenever he was there for them and how important it was for them.
Ava and Emma are also not scared to let their father know when they want their dad around. When the two were younger, they didn't notice the journalist missing, but nowadays, the two always call him out if the juggling dad cannot come to a certain event they want him to.
The proud father admitted that given his professional responsibilities, he would sometimes miss days important to his children or days for bedtime or reading at night. He soon realized that there are also days when the thought suddenly sinks: "this is what matters." To the father, whether it's just bedtime rituals or parties, he cherishes the moments he spends with his daughters, as it is all-important for him and the two.
The anchor told Parents he is grateful to his colleagues for respecting his chosen priorities. It helped him develop a lot of his relationships professionally with other sources and others who understand that he's not a journalist first but rather a person. "I'm a dad who does this for a living."
'Put your phone down,' piece of advice to fellow working parents
Alexander realized that time became his most valuable resource; all he wants are memories and to try to make the most of each day as much as possible.
Becoming a father and embracing parenthood greatly impacted his work and the assignments he chose, but he has no regrets. "Put your phone down," the news anchor said, offering a piece of advice to fellow working parents. Being present for 20 minutes or more is much better than being distracted for an hour.
Juggling work and fatherhood gave the father a greater appreciation for all working parents. Similarly, his ability to sympathize has expanded dramatically since becoming a father. He admitted that he feels telling stories much more deeply, specifically about sacrificing for families or parents making the best for their young ones, per Closer Weekly.
