Henry Winkler Shares Parenting Insights from Five Decades of Fatherhood

Henry Winkler has opened up about the valuable lessons he has learned through five decades of parenting. The iconic star of “Happy Days” recently appeared on the “Today” show, where he was surprised with a heartfelt Father’s Day video message from his children, which deeply moved him.

During the segment, Winkler’s daughter Zoe, 45, expressed gratitude for the nurturing environment their father created. She reflected on his own upbringing, saying, “The way you were raised and in the household you came from, where you weren’t allowed to be yourself and you weren’t allowed to question or speak your mind. You did the exact opposite, and you raised us in the most loving home where we could be ourselves.”

This emotional celebration continued as Winkler’s stepson Jed highlighted the many incredible memories they have shared as a family. Jed remarked, “Fifty years of incredible memories, which is unbelievable.” Meanwhile, Winkler’s son Max, 41, conveyed his love for his father, wishing him the happiest Father’s Day.

After the video concluded, Winkler was visibly moved, thanking the production team for compiling such touching clips from his children.

Finding the Heart of Parenting

Jenna Bush Hager, one of the hosts of “Today,” was equally touched by the video and asked Winkler a compelling question: “What did you do to raise such beautiful children?”

Winkler responded with insight drawn from his experiences, stating that the essence of all relationships lies in listening. He emphasized, “The center of all relationships is the ear. It is not how you meant it; it is how it landed. It’s how it’s heard.” This perspective reveals the importance of communication in parenting. Winkler stated that he was not able to express his thoughts or opinions growing up, and he prioritized ensuring his children felt heard.

Overcoming a Challenging Upbringing

The actor has been candid about the struggles he faced as a child. His parents, who were Jewish immigrants fleeing Nazi Germany, were particularly strict and often did not recognize his individuality. Winkler has previously mentioned this in various interviews, revealing the profound impact it had on him.

On the “How To Fail” podcast with Elizabeth Day, Winkler reflected on his childhood. He discussed the challenges that came with his upbringing, stating, “I don’t think ‘strict’ properly describes them—I was a strict parent, but my own parents did not see me. They did not acknowledge who I was as a human being.”

Acknowledging Parental Trauma

Winkler acknowledged the trauma his parents experienced as immigrants. He explained, “They literally saw me as an extension to making them grander. I had to do well. If I didn’t do well, I embarrassed them. That is a tragedy—one of the cardinal sins of being a parent is to ignore the child in front of you.”

He urged parents to see their children for who they are, highlighting the critical importance of recognizing their struggles. Winkler elaborated, “If you see your child is having a problem, it is your job to ensure their self-image does not plummet to the bottom of the ocean.”

Coping with Learning Disabilities

Even as he faced challenges in his personal life, including dealing with dyslexia, Winkler remained committed to being a good parent. He struggled with the condition throughout his childhood, facing adversity that was compounded by a lack of understanding from his parents. In a conversation with Howard Stern in 2020, Winkler shared his painful childhood experiences, where his parents referred to him using derogatory terms.

As a new father, Winkler felt uncertain about his ability to parent effectively. He admitted, “I didn’t know if I could be a parent; I just knew that I was duty-bound, and I was going to get this right. Of course, you know you never get it right—you try.” This honesty reflects a universal truth among parents: the constant pursuit of doing what is best for their children.

Winkler’s Lasting Legacy as a Father

Through his insights and experiences, Henry Winkler emphasizes core values in parenting. He advocates for the importance of communication, empathy, and understanding as essential qualities for effective parenting. His journey from a strict upbringing to fostering an open and loving environment for his children serves as a poignant reminder of the power of unconditional love and acceptance.

Winkler’s story underscores the idea that parenting is not about perfection but about learning and growing together with one’s children. His experiences reflect the transformative power of empathy in shaping not just a family, but the next generation of compassionate individuals.