This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Simon Pryce, who will be touring the US and UK with “The Wiggles” later this year. It has been edited for length and clarity.
During the 14 years I’ve been performing as one of “The Wiggles,” I’ve watched thousands of kids sing along with us and do the movements that go with our songs. It was cute, but I didn’t fully understand the significance until I had my son Asher, who is now 5.
As a parent, when you see your child clap along with a song for the first time, that’s a major milestone. That’s why “The Wiggles” have been so popular for 35 years now: we’re connected with child development. The way that kids watch TV has changed, but the way they develop hasn’t. We’re able to tap into that with catchy tunes, helping parents and kids celebrate those developments, while having fun along the way.
My son doesn’t watch small screens, but he watches TV
My son just started school, but he’s never watched a video on a phone. My wife Lauren and I made that decision right from the beginning. We want him to see the phone as a device for communication and information gathering.
He only gets to watch the iPad if he’s on the plane or in the hospital (which he’s been in a few times). Sometimes that backfires — on a long-haul flight last year, the flight attendant told me Asher had been awake longer than anyone else on the plane, because he was so excited to watch the iPad. More recently, Asher had a minor cough and suggested I take him to the hospital, but I know he just wanted some screen time.
Courtesy of The Wiggles
Although we’re pretty strict with small screens, Asher watches a fair bit of TV. He’s not into “The Wiggles” though. Because I tour so much — about four months out of the year — I think he associates the Red Wiggle with me being away. He doesn’t get comfort from seeing me on the screen, but he does love coming to live shows.
We want our only child to have close relationships with his peers
My wife Lauren and I met through “The Wiggles.” The show was putting together a circus skit, and I was the ringmaster, while Lauren was a gymnast. She was also teaching gymnastics to the kids of other Wiggles.
We’ve been together nearly 16 years now, and married for nine. I think her father was surprised when I finally proposed. For a long time, Lauren and I spent up to nine months each year touring with the group. That delayed our plans to have a family, because I didn’t want Lauren to feel like a single mom.
We intended to have more than one child, but it hasn’t worked out that way. As the parents of an only child, you think all the way down the track: who will Asher have when we’re gone? We’ve been intentional about surrounding him with other children his age, including friends and cousins. That’s important developmentally, but we also hope it will cement lifelong bonds.
I believe success is having solid relationships
Becoming a dad has reminded me to bring more fun and playfulness into my work. Listening to Asher make up words and stories, I’m reminded of the beauty of a child’s imagination. The other day Asher was singing “It’s raining pajamas.” How silly and fun is that? As adults, we’re only limited by ourselves.
Today I’m 54. I can’t believe that when it comes out of my mouth. When you’re younger, you perceive what a certain age might be like, and it’s nothing like that when you arrive. But I’m happy, and that’s what matters most.
As adults, we automatically equate success with finances, but I want Asher to know that success comes in many different forms. My grandparents — who taught me to sing — only wanted me to be happy. I think success is seen in your relationships with your loved ones and your ability to try something new. If you can work through solutions in good times and in bad times, you can get through anything in life.
