Michael Strahan is sharing insights into the distinctions between raising a son and three daughters.
“Girls are much more emotional. I’ll probably get in trouble for saying that, but boys are just easier,” remarks the ex-New York Giants star, speaking with PEOPLE. “Boys are sort of like, ‘Oh, okay, yeah.’ Very straightforward.”
“I believe girls are a little more emotional and seek more explanation on things,. It’s a bit different when it comes to the follow-up questions,” he continued.
The co-host of Good Morning America is the father of 12-year-old twins, Sophia and Isabella, as well as son Michael Jr., 22, and daughter Tanita, 25. He points out that beyond the behavioral distinctions between his son and daughters, there are also difficulties in how he should communicate.
“When you have a son, you’re like, ‘How are you doing? You have a girlfriend? Are there cute girls? How’s your dating life? When [you have] a daughter, you’re like, ‘Boys are bad. Stay away. No dating until you’re 80 years old.’ It’s a totally different mentality. It just seems much more protective over the daughter than the son,” said Strahan.
In addition to being a father to four kids and co-hosting GMA, Strahan also hosts the revival of the legendary game show The $100,000 Pyramid. He reveals that his choice to continue working after retiring from the NFL is heavily influenced by his children
“They’re the reason I wake up and work so hard. I’m not working hard to pay for things, I work hard to be an example. I retired from football when I was 36, and my twins were 3, and here they can grow up and I can talk to them about hard work and show them highlights from my football days or I can show them in the real world and they can see it now. And my older kids as well. I try to be an example of hard work and where it gets you, and hopefully that inspires them,” said the former athlete.
While Strahan is a hardworking man, he always prioritizes his kids’ wellbeing and happiness above all else.
“I think we put so much value on success and achievements and that’s all good and great, but life is not just meant to be about where you went to school or all these superficial things or what you have. You are meant to be happy, and to do something that inspires you and drives you. I hope all my kids find something that they wake up excited to do, and with the mindset of being the best. If I can get that, that’s the best,” said Strahan.