Actor Tom Beck has opened up about his fears and reflections on fatherhood in a recent interview, revealing the anxieties he faces in raising his two young children with wife Chryssanthi Kavazi. Beck, 47, has been with Kavazi, 36, since 2015, and the couple married in August 2018. Since welcoming their son in 2019 and daughter in 2024, Beck has been grappling with his role as a father, striving for a balance between discipline and freedom in their upbringing.
In a candid conversation with GALA moderator Annika Lau, Beck shared, "Ich habe ständig Ängste, als Vater zu versagen. Ich glaube, die größte Angst ist, dass deine Kinder irgendwann mal sagen: 'Du warst ein beschissener Vater'" (translated: "I constantly have fears of failing as a father. I think the biggest fear is that your children might someday say, 'You were a terrible father'"). This heartfelt admission sheds light on the pressures many modern parents feel, particularly in an age where information about parenting is abundant, yet often conflicting.
Despite the weight of his fears, Beck acknowledges that no parent is perfect. "Wir versuchen das. Und ich glaube, wir in unserer Generation sind ja sehr reflektiert. Und durch diese ganzen Sachen und Einflüsse auch von außen beschäftigen wir uns wahnsinnig mit dem Thema und kriegen auch gefragt oder ungefragt sehr viel Input, was Kindererziehung betrifft" (translated: "We try. And I think we in our generation are very reflective. And through all these things and influences from the outside, we are deeply engaged with the subject and receive a lot of input, both asked and unasked, regarding parenting").
Beck's reflections also include thoughts on how his upbringing influenced his parenting. He remarked, "Es war wichtig, dass ich funktioniere. Dass ein Kind auch folgt und ein gewisser Gehorsam da ist und da war sehr viel Disziplin und sehr wenig Freiraum für kindische Albernheiten" (translated: "It was important that I functioned. That a child also follows and that there is a certain obedience, and there was a lot of discipline and very little room for childish nonsense"). This perspective highlights a shift from traditional, strict parenting models to a more understanding and flexible approach, which many parents share today.
Tom Beck strives to adapt his parenting style, aiming to create a nurturing environment for his children. He approaches parenting with a mindset that balances being relaxed about some matters while being more stringent about others. He explains, "Ich bin jetzt nicht super streng, aber mir sind Dinge schon wichtig" (translated: "I’m not super strict, but some things are important to me"). This nuanced approach reflects his desire to foster individuality and independence in his children while ensuring they understand the boundaries that come with family life.
As evident from Beck's reflections, the parenting journey is filled with challenges, and the fear of failing can weigh heavily on the minds of many parents. Beck expresses a hope to support his children as they grow, saying that he wants to "always be there and stay involved" in their lives, allowing them to develop their own unique characters and identities.
Viewers can catch the full interview airing on GALA on RTV channel this Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 17:45. The show will also be available for streaming on the RTL+ platform for seven days following its broadcast, allowing audiences to gain deeper insights into Beck's thoughts on modern fatherhood.
Tune in to experience a heartfelt dialogue that reflects the real concerns of today's fathers, as Tom Beck navigates the sometimes rocky path of parenthood amidst the joys and trials of raising children in a complex world.
