Joe Lando: Fixer Parent

I've been a Fixer ever since I was a child. Whether it's something in the house that's broken or a problem in real life, I try to fix it. I fix things so I can figure out how they work. I find comfort in that. (So much so that some of my friends used to call me MacGyver!)

With four kids, auditions, appointments and everything else, life can get really hectic. In our house, we have a master schedule so we always know where to be. I also like to-do lists; I love to make them and then check all of the things off as they're finished. I create to-do lists with my family all the time. At the end of the day, we just check everything off that we did to make sure we didn't forget anything. It's the best.

Like a true Fixer, I also like to know what's ahead so I can plan for what I need to get done. I bought a house and hired contractors to fix it up. But when they ended up being too busy, I learned how to fix things myself: plumbing, plaster, paint, electrical wiring. ... Then I used everything I learned to fix up seven homes—and my kids have seen me do it. I want them to know that they can fix things up, too. I just moved into a house that I'm still fixing. You know, as an actor, idle time can get you in trouble. Fixing things keeps me busy!

Besides being a parent, actor Joe Lando is best known for his role as Byron Sully on the TV series Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.

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Read what Joe Lando says about:
Spoiled Kids
Living the Simple Life
Garlic Knots