An experienced dad of two, he shared with us how he parents.
A little band that people dont know much about called The Beatles dominated my whole childhood.
I did not even know that The Beatles had other records until I was five!
I loved the way they took me on a journey into a surreal visual world onSgt.
Peppers,and that tone dominates my own songwriting to this day.
Tell us a little bit about your family and your career.
Did life happen mostly as planned or were there surprises?
The whole thing has been a surprise.
The career and the family took off at the same time so everything changed all at once.
It was pretty disorienting but also thrilling.
The adrenaline carried me through those sleepless nights and rock-and-roll touring for a few years.
Take us through your morning routine.
Those were the greatest moments of my life as a parent.
These days, with the kids grown and gone, my routine is a bit different.
Rise up around 7:30 a.m., then I do Qigong for 30 minutes, and then a light breakfast.
It is a lot less memorable than my days with the newborns.
Do you involve your kids in your work?
Later, they wrote songs with me and helped me out by selling merchandise at my shows.
What are your favorite family rituals?
Then we let out that breath and lower our hands.
It separates the making from the eating and gets us grounded.
I do mediation and take walks in the woods and eat really clean food.
I find that doing something good for my body helps me relax.
Whats been your proudest moment as a parent?
Watching my kids take off and become independent humans is my proudest moment.
My kids are just starting that part of their lives and it is my proudest moment watching that happen.
What do you want your kid to learn from your example?
That is what I struggled to do and finally achieved and I hope they learn by my example.
How can parents spark a love for music in their kids early on?
Just playing music around the house is the best way.
Making up silly ridiculous songs with the kids is another great thing that we did.
Has anyone ever given you a piece of parenting advice that has really stuck with you?
Really hearing some ones needs even if they are unrealistic and unattainable makes that person feel heard.
That makes a kid feel powerful even if they do not get what they want.
It also makes them feel safe and cared for even if they do not get what they want.
First, you have to learn who you really are, of course!
Know yourself and your offspring will follow suit.
