Let’s talk about a truly special day in the life of James Van Der Beek. On Sunday, March 8, the beloved actor turned 43, and there’s no doubt where he wanted to be for this milestone: surrounded by his family at home. Picture this: James, his incredible wife Kimberly Brook, and their five beautiful kids—Olivia (9), Joshua (7), Annabel (6), Emilia (3), and Gwendolyn (1)—all gathered together for a celebration that truly mattered. It’s moments like these that remind us of the importance of family and staying grounded, no matter how big your world gets.
James shared a heartfelt Instagram post that perfectly captured the essence of his birthday. He wrote, “43 candles, five kids, an amazing wife… and more questions now than when I was half my age and thought I knew everything.” Wow, right? That’s such a relatable sentiment for anyone who’s ever felt the weight of life’s lessons. He went on to thank everyone who’s been a part of his journey, emphasizing the power of love, creativity, and vulnerability. His message was simple yet profound: “Life is a team sport, and we’re all on the same team.” It’s a reminder that we’re all in this together, no matter how different our paths may seem.
View this post on Instagram43 candles, five kids, an amazing wife… and more questions now than when I was half my my age and thought I knew everything. Thank you to everyone who’s contributed along this crazy journey. Thanks for your love, your creativity, your compassion, your vulnerability… and most of all for daring to live in your heart. #LifeIsATeamSport #AndWeAreAllOnTheSameTeam
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Being a Dad of Five: The Journey of Raising Tiny Humans
James isn’t just a TV star from shows like Dancing With the Stars or Dawson’s Creek; he’s also a dad who’s deeply committed to raising his kids the right way. In a recent Instagram post, he opened up about the challenges and joys of parenting. He admitted that there’s no one “right way” to raise children, and that’s okay. “Kids will teach you how to raise them,” he said. “It’s not about how you think they should be raised or what that book you read says. It’s about listening to them and connecting with them every chance you get.”
James shared this wisdom after reflecting on his own parenting journey. He explained that each child is unique and requires a different approach. “They’ll make it clear what their needs are,” he noted, “and then they’ll change those needs as they grow.” It’s a beautiful reminder that parenting isn’t about following a rigid formula—it’s about being present, adaptable, and open-hearted. And honestly, who better to learn from than someone who’s raising five little humans?
View this post on Instagram43 years on this planet. Still learning how to live in the present moment. (Note: having a kid on your shoulders helps 👍🏻)
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The Power of Connection: James’ Best Parenting Advice
James’ advice on parenting boils down to one key idea: connection. He believes that every moment with your kids is an opportunity to bond and understand them better. Whether it’s through play, conversation, or simply being present, these moments add up to create a strong, lasting relationship. “It’s all about connection,” he said. “That’s the best parenting advice I’ve ever received.”
When you think about it, James is onto something big here. Life moves so fast, and before you know it, your kids are grown up. So why not take every chance you get to connect with them, learn from them, and grow together? It’s a lesson that resonates with parents everywhere, no matter how many kids they have.
James Van Der Beek may be known for his roles on screen, but off-screen, he’s proving to be just as impressive as a dad. With five kids under his belt, he’s learned that parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about love, patience, and connection. And as he approaches his 44th year, we can’t wait to see what wisdom he’ll share next!

