In a hilarious and relatable exchange with her husband, Brian Fichera, TODAY co-host Dylan Dreyer gave fans a glimpse into her modern and flexible approach to parenting. The exchange, which revolved around their morning routine of getting their three sons off to school, took an unexpected turn when Dylan received a photo of broken glass—a reminder that raising young children is never a dull moment. But beyond the mishap, this candid interaction highlights the evolving, balanced methods that define their parenting style.
A Modern Parenting Exchange
On that particular morning, Dylan reached out to Brian to check in on how things were going. His initial response was positive: “Boys are great!! Morning’s good!” But shortly after, the tone shifted when Brian sent a photo of shattered glass on the dining table. Dylan, in her signature humorous style, captioned the image, “Well that took a turn! #boys.”
This moment captures the unpredictable nature of parenting. For Dylan and Brian, having three energetic sons—Calvin (7), Oliver (4), and Rusty (2.5)—means that every day is filled with unexpected challenges, but they seem to approach it with laughter and understanding.
Different Styles, One Parenting Team
Dylan and Brian’s parenting styles reflect a healthy balance between fun and discipline. In her email to TODAY.com, Dylan shared that Brian typically takes charge of the morning routine, getting the kids up, fed, and dressed for school. While Dylan admits to being the more relaxed parent, allowing the kids to engage in playful activities like jumping off the couch or kicking a soccer ball indoors, Brian tends to be stricter, ensuring that the children don’t engage in risky behavior.
The soccer incident, however, served as a reminder that sometimes, Brian’s rules may be the wiser choice. While Calvin was happily kicking a ball indoors—a practice Dylan tends to indulge in—he accidentally struck the chandelier, causing the glass shade to shatter. The result? A broken light fixture, but a valuable lesson for the family.
The Unexpected Parenting Lesson
Dylan’s reaction to the incident was one of practicality mixed with a touch of humor. While she was at work, blissfully unaware of the chaos unfolding at home, Brian quickly cleaned up the broken glass. Dylan’s first concern was about replacing the shattered glass, and she reached out to Brian for guidance, asking, “Well that’s an old light, how do we replace the glass shade???” Brian’s simple response, “I don’t know, I’m cleaning up glass,” encapsulated the candid nature of their communication.
Despite the mishap, Dylan took the opportunity to reinforce responsibility with Calvin. As a result, Calvin faced consequences for his actions—his Fitbit, which he is obsessed with, was temporarily taken away until after school. Dylan humorously added, “Maybe I can finally win steps today!” This playful banter not only reflects their parenting dynamic but also showcases Dylan’s belief in setting boundaries while maintaining a sense of humor.
Parenting Through Laughter and Consequences
Dylan Dreyer’s approach to parenting is a prime example of how modern parents balance flexibility with responsibility. Her and Brian’s differing styles—fun vs. discipline—complement each other, allowing their children to learn from their mistakes while still having the freedom to explore. While the broken glass might have been an unexpected twist in their morning, it served as a reminder that modern parenting involves a mix of letting go, setting boundaries, and, above all, maintaining a sense of humor.
Ultimately, Dylan’s parenting philosophy demonstrates that being a good parent today isn’t about being overly strict or permissive; it’s about finding the right balance between enjoying the chaos of family life and teaching valuable lessons along the way. And while the shattered glass may have been a small setback, it’s clear that Dylan and Brian are navigating parenthood with humor, love, and a healthy dose of modern thinking.