Late Blooming Dads: Keven Undergaro Shares His Playbook for Parenting at 58
Keven Undergaro may be better known as the husband of TV host Maria Menounos, but he’s recently taken on a new title: proud dad to their 18-month-old daughter, Athena. In a candid essay reflecting on fatherhood at the age of 58, Undergaro dives into the unique experiences and challenges that come with being an older dad. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about knowing when to yell, “Get off my lawn!”
Born in 1966, Undergaro recognizes that his age has come with some amusing, if slightly awkward, assumptions from onlookers—yes, he really is the dad, not the granddad—much like journalist Hoda Kotb experienced with her own daughter. He recalls the couple’s long journey to parenthood, marked by devastating health challenges, including the loss of Maria’s mother and Maria’s battles with brain and pancreatic cancer. Tough times pushed their parenting dreams to the back burner (but thankfully, Maria has emerged cancer-free and thriving).
Fast forward to now, and Athena has brought joy into their lives, with Undergaro relishing every sleepless night he spends as her self-proclaimed night nurse—sure, who wouldn’t want to kick off the day by belting out “Sesame Street” tunes at bath time? However, Undergaro does grapple with the reality of being an older father, contemplating what his future role in Athena’s life will look like as she grows older. At 88, will he be nostalgic about her first house or too frail to navigate the renovation? Better brace for the inevitable retirement community!
Undergaro’s essay also explores the critical lessons he wants to impart to Athena. With thoughts of providing financially for her future and ensuring she’s savvy enough to manage it, he emphasizes the importance of independence and resilience. By prepping her early on, he wants to make sure she’s a powerhouse—proving that parenting, much like life, requires some strategic planning.
Parents, young or old, can probably glean a little wisdom from Undergaro’s narrative. It’s not just about surviving toddlerhood; it’s about equipping your child for a world that constantly tests resilience. Guess we all have a little to learn from the older dads—who knew being “old” could come with such wisdom?
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and People Magazine, Heal Squad Podcast, Hoda Kotb’s experiences
