Advice for new fathers

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Advice for new fathers

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My advice for young fathers out there--and I was one of them, so I'm going to talk to myself, if I can for a second--is don't sweat the small stuff, and it's all small stuff. I know there's a book named after that, but I'm going to steal that title because it's so true. I got caught up in all the minutiae of raising my kids--was this the right diaper for them, is it cloth or is it disposable--all the little things will work their way out in time. Babies aren't as fragile as you think they are--you can handle them almost holding them like they are crystal glass. Learn patience, and what it's like, as a father, to be patient. Let things sort of come to you. You can't force this. As a father, you're way in the back now. Your moment has gone; you're in the supporting cast. The light shines down on the mom, the light shines down on the babies, and you're back there being the provider. Take pride in that--take pride in the fact that I'm here, I'm the glue, the bond that holds this family together. I'm a leader, and I'm a quiet, silent leader--that I've set an example every single day. I think about that with my kids--that I want to lead by example. I forgot that early on. That transition is difficult when you're young and starting a family. You still have to find your place in that family, because it's changed a little bit. Especially if you have boys, like me--as they get a little bit older, you become important again. You become the leading character. My kids, now who are 10 and 11, want to learn how to work all the power tools that I work with; they want to know how to do all the "cool guy stuff." They've lost a little of the connection between the females--the grandparents and the wife and people like that. I would say, "You just have to be patient with them."

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Mark Steines

TV Host & Journalist

Emmy award-winning journalist Mark Steines hosts Hallmark Channel’s Emmy-nominated "Home & Family."  After more than 17 years on "Entertainment Tonight," Steines and his co-host Cristina Ferrare entertain and inform their audience daily with an array entertaining and relevant lifestyle topics, do-it-yourself projects, cooking, celebrities and experts.

From small town Iowa to the red carpets of Hollywood, three-time Emmy winner Steines has established himself as one of the most trusted and charismatic figures in entertainment news.  During his tenure at "Entertainment Tonight" he interviewed 100s of A-list actors, producers, musicians and athletes. 

Recently, Steines has received rave reviews as a photographer.  His appreciation for all things beautiful is captured in his portraits and majestic landscapes.  His artwork can be seen on the walls inside many exclusive Hollywood homes and offices.  His photo book "See The Light: A Passage To Sierra Leone," documents the Light House Medical Mission’s trip to raise awareness for fresh water in impoverished countries.

Other hosting credits include the "2008 Miss America Live!;" VH-1’s   "Greatest TV Rock ‘n’ Roll Moments;" VH-1’s "The 25 Sexiest;" the "Golden Karma Awards," recognizing international philanthropic efforts; Mark Burnett’s AOL interactive online game "Gold Rush" and the legendary Hollywood Christmas Parade. He was also a celebrity guest judge on "HGTV Design Star."  

He received an Emmy award for the KCAL-TV special "Beyond Endurance: Madagascar;" an Emmy and Golden Mic award for "Beyond Endurance: Borneo;" an Emmy as host of the 2005 Hollywood Christmas Parade, and a National Iris Award for the special "The Big Business of Sports Endorsements" and national recognition by the Women’s Sports Foundation for his fair and impartial reporting on the Women’s National Football League.

As an actor, Steines has guest starred on television shows including "CSI: NY," "The Practice," "Medium," "Half & Half," "America’s Next Top Model," "Handy Manny" and Sony Pictures' feature film "Nixon."

Steines studied comedy at The Groundlings, the renowned school of improv, and earned a degree from JoAnne Baron/DW Brown Acting Studio’s Meisner Technique training.  His vocal skills training were fine-tuned at the Kalmenson & Kalmenson Voice Over School for Actors.

A born fitness enthusiast, Steines was featured in People Magazine's coveted "Sexiest Man Alive" issue and Men’s Fitness Magazine's "25 Fittest Men in America."  Currently, he is working with fitness expert Tony Horton and Beachbody showing people how to stay in shape with the "10-Minute Trainer" program. 

Born and raised in Dubuque, Iowa, he attended the University of Northern Iowa on a full football scholarship and graduated with a degree in Radio and Television. Steines began his broadcast career as a regional television sports reporter, which later brought him to Los Angeles and national television.  Not one to forget his roots, Steines established a mentorship program with his alma mater, equipping students with the tools necessary to successfully transition from the classroom to a career.

An avid hands-on do-it-yourself guy, Steines enjoys spending his free time fixing, remodeling and restoring all things in disrepair.  He resides in Los Angeles and Ojai, California with his two sons.

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