When it comes to parenting advice, sometimes the best tips come from the people who know you best. For Craig Melvin, his Today show family has been a wellspring of wisdom. In a candid conversation on Southern Living’s “Biscuits & Jam” podcast, the 44-year-old broadcaster opened up about the invaluable lessons he's learned from his colleagues, especially his good friend Carson Daly.
Quality Over Quantity: Carson Daly’s Parenting Mantra
Craig revealed that he turned to Carson Daly, a fellow dad with four children, for guidance on how to balance a demanding career with family life. It was during a shoot when Craig was reflecting on his frequent travels and the impact it had on his ability to be present for his children, Delano and Sybil, whom he shares with his wife, Lindsay Czarniak. At the time, Craig was grappling with missing key moments like soccer games and dance recitals, which left him feeling guilty and disconnected.
Carson's response was simple yet profound: focus on quality over quantity. "You’ve gotta accept the fact that you’re not gonna be able to be there as often as your wife because you’re working, and the work is important," Craig recalled Carson saying. "You gotta make peace with it, or you’re gonna be guilty for 18 years at least. Focus on quality over quantity." These words resonated deeply with Craig, who has since made it his mission to be fully present when he is with his kids.
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Being More Than Just Physically Present
Craig took Carson's advice to heart and has worked tirelessly to ensure his children know they are his priority. "So when I am there, I’m not just physically present, I am emotionally present," he emphasized. Craig has blocked out certain days and activities where, unless something catastrophic happens, he is committed to being there. "I try to make sure my children know that," he said, highlighting the importance of letting kids feel valued and seen.
Coaching Basketball and Building Bonds
One of Craig's most cherished roles is coaching his son Delano's basketball team. Although he jokes about the team's mediocre performance, he acknowledges the joy it brings him and his son. "It’s a mediocre squad, probably a result of the coaching more than anything," he quipped. "But anyway, he enjoys it. I enjoy coaching." Craig has been coaching the team for the past three seasons, with the help of a trusted friend who serves as his assistant coach. This setup ensures that even if Craig has to travel last minute, his son's team remains in good hands. "I block out Wednesday evenings during basketball season so I can always be at practice," he shared.
Lessons from the ‘Today’ Show’s ‘Dad’s Got This’ Series
Craig also reflected on the valuable insights he gained from the Today show's Dad’s Got This series. He shared how he tries to be physically present as much as possible, realizing that as kids grow older, they often don't care about the things adults think they do. "They don’t really remember a lot of the stuff that we think that it’s gonna stay with them forever," he said. "They remember, like, looking out from that stage, seeing mom, seeing dad during their play. They remember being at that basketball game and dad was the coach, they remember that." These moments, according to Craig, are what truly matter in the long run.
