Our favorite new TV dad, Will Arnett, talks about his real-life parenting experiences in the November issue of Redbook Magazine.
While Arnett's role as a stay-at-home dad on "Up All Night," (watch our favorite clip from last week's episode here), is a departure from the more eccentric characters he's played on "30 Rock" and "Arrested Development," his character, Chris Brinkley, has much more in common with the real Arnett. “I've historically played people who are damaged and dumb. That's funny, but this time I wanted a part I could relate to, and it also happens to be very close to my own life," he tells Redbook.
Arnett has two young children with wife (and fellow comic actress) Amy Poehler, and although he doesn't stay home with them, he's well-versed in the joys and challenges of being a dad. When discussing the inevitable anxieties that come along with parenthood, Arnett says Poehler is the calm one when it comes to their kids -- but he's mellowed out since his second son, Abel, was born last year. "You're nervous with the first one," he tells Redbook. "You remember all the stupid stuff you've done, and you think: 'Who put me in charge?' You think they're going to chase you down and take that baby back."
And just because Poehler and Arnett a celebrity power couple, it doesn't mean they're above using creative childcare tactics, just like the rest of us. "Two nights ago I had to bribe my 3-year-old, Archie into finishing his dinner with a King Cone," Arnett says. Of course, all good things come with a price. "That thing is half his body weight, so he was going on chocolate and sugar until 10 p.m."
In 2009, Poehler shared some similar (and really sound) advice with The Daily Beast:
Always remember your kid's name. Always remember where you put your kid. Don't let your kid drive until their feet can reach the pedals. Use the right size diapers ... for yourself. And, when in doubt, make funny faces.