Seal talks fatherhood, music, and marriage
Seal and Heidi Klum have both spoken of how happy they are together as a couple and as parents, raising three kids under the age of 3. It’s no surprise then that Seal wrote a song, A Father’s Way, which has been nominated for a Golden Globe (the song is featured in the film The Pursuit of Happyness). He says that he wanted to write this song for their children to help them understand what it means to be a parent.
"My wife has a good relationship with her parents – that’s one of the gifts I inherited by marrying her…We have great help. My in-laws are an integral part of our family life…But I don’t have that kind of communication [with my mom and dad]. I wish I understood then what I know [now]: that parents, no matter how functional or dysfunctional, are trying the best they can."
And just how do he and Heidi keep their marriage strong with three little kids? Seal says, "I don’t profess to hold any secrets. I am of best service to my wife when I am respectful of who she is. And my wife is still romantic. When I’m traveling she hides pictures of her and the kids [in my suitcase] so I can discover them later one."
When asked for a moment that drives him crazy as a parent, Seal shared a sweet story reflective of his family’s down-to-earth life. "Try getting Leni and Henry to brush their teeth. I have a better chance of becoming the next President of the United States than achieving that on a regular basis!"
On the differences between his work as a singer and as a father, Seal says, "You don’t get a second chance [to be a dad]. There’s no rehearsal. And it’s your most important gig."
Seal and Heidi have been married since May 2005. They raise three children together: Leni, 2 1/2, Henry, 16 months, and Johan, 2 months.
Source: People, January 22, 2007 issue, page 28
