From 'Dawson’s Creek' to Parenthood: James Van Der Beek's Reflections
Let me tell you, folks, sometimes life throws you a curveball that reminds you how much we grow through our kids. Take James Van Der Beek, for instance. The beloved star of Dawson’s Creek took to Instagram on Friday, March 12, to share a heartfelt moment with his fans. On his son Joshua's 8th birthday, James revealed a powerful life lesson he's learned from this little guy. It’s not just about raising children; it’s about becoming a better version of yourself through them.
A Birthday Lesson Like No Other
In a world where we often talk about what we teach our kids, James flips the script and shows us how much we can actually learn from them. He wrote, “I can’t believe he’s turning 8 today. My little guy. We can learn so much from our sons if we just listen. If we throw out whatever dated idea of masculinity we inherited and instead open our hearts. If we dare to show up vulnerable, honest and human. If we give our sons the space to be themselves … they’ll unlock within us the man we’ve always wanted to be.”
James, now 43, went on to say, “That’s what this little guy has done for me—and then some.” It’s not just a birthday post; it’s a call to action for all parents out there. It’s about embracing vulnerability, being present, and letting our kids guide us toward the best versions of ourselves.
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View this post on InstagramCan’t believe he’s turning 8 today. My little guy. We can learn so much from our sons if we just listen. If we throw out whatever dated idea of masculinity we inherited and instead open our hearts. If we dare to show up vulnerable, honest and human. If we give our sons the space to be themselves… they’ll unlock within us the man we’ve always wanted to be. That’s what this little guy has done for me – and then some. I love you, dude… I love your deep questions, your crazy sense of humor, your profound sensitivity, and literally every single thing about you. You’ve taught me more about what it means to be a man than anyone on this planet, and I am filled with gratitude for the honor of being your dad. Happy birthday, bud.
Being a Dad: More Than Just a Title
James and his wife Kimberly are proud parents to five beautiful kids—Olivia, 9; Joshua, 8; Annabel, 6; Emilia, 3; and Gwendolyn, 1. In his post, James doesn’t just express gratitude for Joshua; he talks about the profound impact his son has had on his life. “I love you, dude,” James gushed. “I love your deep questions, your crazy sense of humor, your profound sensitivity, and literally every single thing about you. You’ve taught me more about what it means to be a man than anyone on this planet, and I am filled with gratitude for the honor of being your dad. Happy Birthday, Bud.”
This isn’t just fluff; it’s a genuine reminder that fatherhood is about growth, love, and connection. And who better to teach us that than our own kids?
Learning from the Little Ones
James isn’t one to shy away from sharing the wisdom he’s gained from his children. On February 26, he revealed the best parenting advice he’s ever received came straight from his kids. “Kids will totally teach you how to raise them. I swear. It’s not about how you think they ‘should’ be raised, or how that book you read says to raise them, or how your parents raised you, or even how you raised their sibling—because each kid is different,” James noted on Instagram.
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His advice? “Connect with them every chance you get. Because it’s all an opportunity for connection.” Now that’s something we can all take to heart, right?
James’s words resonate deeply with anyone who’s ever been a parent—or even just someone who loves deeply. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best lessons come from the least expected places, like an 8-year-old boy teaching his dad what it truly means to be a man.
