In the vast realm of television, there are few characters that capture our hearts as profoundly as the portrayal of the character “Flex Washington” by Flex Alexander, a single father navigating the challenges of parenting to his on-screen daughter, played by Kyla Pratt, on the hit show “One on One.” But what lies beyond the scripted lines and captivating performances is a real-life role that Flex embodies with remarkable dedication and love to his children. His commitment to fatherhood extends far beyond the realm of fame and fortune, as his unyielding devotion to his children is evident in every moment he spends with them, cherishing and nurturing their growth with immense love and care. Whether it’s engaging in joyful activities, sharing heartfelt conversations, or simply being there as a pillar of support, Flex leaves no stone unturned in creating lasting memories and fostering a strong family foundation. From his heartwarming moments on-screen to the genuine love and care he exudes off-camera, we witness a remarkable individual who embodies the qualities of a fun, attentive, and loving father. Notably, Flex’s partnership with his wife, Shanice, is a testament to their unwavering unity in raising their children. Together, they have created an environment that prioritizes love, laughter, and mutual respect, serving as a source of inspiration for countless families, in REEL life and in REAL life.
Strong Home: What do you hope your children will remember most about you as a father, and what legacy do you hope to leave for them?
Flex: I hope my children remember most that I wasn’t an absent father, never missed important milestones for them; that’s always been important to me. And as far as the legacy I’d like to leave…I’m still working on that, but I honestly never like to talk of myself in past tense. I just focus on being here and continuing to work hard.
SH: How has being a father influenced your creative work, in entertainment?
Flex: Being a father has influenced my creativity in a great way! For example, in my stand up I can be me, I can be honest, and they’re old enough to hear it, understand it, and even laugh at it. When I’m acting/working they give me my drive.
SH: So many fathers feel the pressure of balancing the time to provide, financially and emotionally, for each of their children. What are some of the ways you try to find time to make each child feel special and loved and what do you do with or for them to ensure that they feel it?
Flex: I show my children with action and energy that they mean the most to me. When they were younger, I’d take a day with each of them just for us to hang out, but now that they’re older, I’ve gotta beg to hang out! I’m just joking! We still find ways to spend time and continue to grow and learn more about each other. I’ve been super busy lately, which is great, and they understand having to work to provide so I’m glad about that.
SH: According to a recent study, it was found that approximately 67% of fathers neglect their own self-care needs despite acknowledging the importance of self-care for their overall well-being. How do you prioritize self-care and mental health as a busy father and public figure?
Flex: Self care is definitely a priority for me, whether it be playing golf, meditating, working out, reading, putting my phone down, or just plain doing nothing. I do have a therapist, and that helps me in a huge way with no shame at all for me. I sincerely suggest that everyone gets one; it has made such a difference for me.
