The world lost yet another famous entertainer this year, this time, one of TV’s most beloved father figures.
Alan Thicke, who played Mr. Seaver on “Growing Pains,” passed away earlier this week at age 69, playing hockey, very fittingly, with his son. While the sitcom he was most famous for had several cheesy bits of wisdom, here are five pieces of advice from on-and-off-the-screen Alan Thicke on how to attain work-life balance.
Your Career Is Never More Important than Your Family (or Friends)
Alan Thicke’s character as Mr. Seaver practiced psychiatry so he could work out of his home office to spend more time with his children and allow his wife to resume her career. Both moves showed his devotion to his family and provided him with work-life balance. Meeting planners who can work from home can see the same benefits.
Stay Close with Your Kids
On and off screen, Thicke proved to be a good father. Thicke was quoted saying that he was in touch or engaged with at least one of his two sons every single day. Both sons released statements after his death saying he was their “best friend.” Just a simple phone call can really help when work gets you down.
Fights May Occur with the People We’re Most Like
Mr. Seaver and his son Mike (played by Kirk Cameron) had quite a lot of father-son arguments, but when they went to an intrafamily communications seminar in the episode “Like Father, Like Son,” they realized that they share similar personality traits. At home or at work, if you find yourself in constant conflicts with someone, stop to think about what similar traits you both might be bringing to the table.
Don’t Gossip
In the “Awful Truth” episode of Growing Pains, the kids believed Mr. Seaver was married before and that Mike was a product of that marriage. It doesn’t turn out to be true, but the lesson learned is to address a conflict head-on to avoid unnecessary anxieties—easier said than done.
Be Silly
Thicke was famously quoted saying, “We are humans. There is a finite end to this life, and we’re all going to face it and a little silliness can help.”
’Nuff said.
