Quick Read
- Chris Pratt bonds with his four children by watching Seattle Seahawks football and Los Angeles Dodgers baseball games.
- His eldest son, Jack, 13, met NFL star Marshawn Lynch at a Seahawks game, described as “absolutely epic.”
- Pratt and Jack also attended a Dodgers game in 2024 where Pratt threw the opening pitch.
- Pratt candidly calls parenting his blended family of four children “beautiful chaos.”
- Katherine Schwarzenegger hired a step-parenting coach to navigate her role, citing the lack of a “handbook.”
- The family maintains a harmonious co-parenting relationship with Pratt’s ex-wife Anna Faris and her husband Michael Barrett.
Hollywood star Chris Pratt, known for his blockbuster roles, has revealed a heartwarming and surprisingly simple strategy for uniting his four children: a shared passion for sports. This ritual not only fosters strong bonds within his blended family but also creates unforgettable memories, demonstrating that even amidst a demanding career, intentional family time remains paramount.
The Shared Roar: Sports as a Family Cornerstone
For Pratt, 46, family bonding often revolves around the thrilling world of professional sports. During a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, he shared how his household transforms into a hub of excitement, whether cheering for the Seattle Seahawks in football or the Los Angeles Dodgers in baseball. This tradition actively involves all his children: his eldest son, Jack, 13, from his previous marriage to Anna Faris, and his younger children, Lyla, five, Eloise, three, and Ford, one, with wife Katherine Schwarzenegger.
The ritual, as Pratt describes it, is less about the intricacies of the game and more about the shared experience. Even his youngest, Ford, enthusiastically participates. Pratt fondly recounted a humorous moment where his toddler, caught in the fervor, would spontaneously shout, “Go Dodgers!” during a Seahawks game. “It’s a Seahawks game, but that’s okay, you’re doing just fine!” Pratt would playfully respond, highlighting the innocent joy and camaraderie that transcends team allegiances. This dual fandom, embracing both the Pacific Northwest’s gridiron might and Southern California’s diamond legends, underscores a flexible and inclusive approach to family interests.
Creating Epic Memories: Father-Son Moments on the Field
Beyond the living room, Pratt ensures these sports passions translate into tangible, ‘epic’ experiences for his children. He vividly recalled a particularly special day when he took his eldest son, Jack, to a Seahawks game. The atmosphere was electrifying, moody with the rain, yet brimming with excitement. It was there that 13-year-old Jack had the thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet his idol, NFL legend Marshawn Lynch. “That was absolutely epic,” Pratt exclaimed, emphasizing the profound impact such moments have on a young fan. Jack, a dedicated Seahawks supporter since childhood, undoubtedly cherishes that memory, a testament to Pratt’s commitment to nurturing his children’s passions.
Another treasured memory involved a Dodgers game in 2024, where Pratt and Jack witnessed a triumphant win against the New York Yankees. Pratt captured the exhilaration on Instagram, detailing a day filled with classic ballpark delights and unique opportunities. “What a day!” he posted, recounting how he and Jack got to “hit the mound together, eat our bodyweight in Dodger Dogs, and delivered the game opening announcement!” This experience, culminating in Pratt throwing the opening pitch on “Faith and Family Day,” wasn’t just about watching a game; it was about active participation, creating a powerful narrative of shared achievement and father-son bonding that extends beyond typical spectating.
Navigating the ‘Beautiful Chaos’ of a Blended Family
While the joy of shared sports is evident, Pratt is also refreshingly candid about the complexities inherent in raising a blended family of four children. He describes the experience as “beautiful chaos, man,” a phrase that perfectly encapsulates the hectic yet profoundly rewarding nature of his home life. “Absolutely hectic, and wonderful, and I’m drinking up every moment I can when I’m able to be home. It’s been glorious, we feel very blessed,” he told E! News. This perspective highlights the deliberate effort required to manage a busy career while remaining deeply engaged in family life, finding blessings in the everyday whirlwind.
His wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger, 36, has also openly addressed the unique challenges and nuances of step-parenting. Recognizing the absence of a clear roadmap, Schwarzenegger proactively sought guidance. She revealed on the Parenting & You with Dr. Shefali podcast that she hired a “step-parenting therapist or coach” early in her relationship with Pratt. This decision, she emphasized, has been “incredibly helpful for me and also just understanding my role as a step-parent.” She articulated the common dilemma faced by many step-parents: “Because step-parenting, like parenting, has no handbook. You have responsibilities in all of those areas, but you’re not either of them. It’s a confusing thing to navigate where you fit in.” Her candidness provides invaluable insight and validates the experiences of countless others navigating similar family structures.
A Harmonious Co-Parenting Ecosystem
A significant factor in the smooth functioning of their blended family is the harmonious co-parenting dynamic established with Pratt’s ex-wife, Anna Faris, and her husband, Michael Barrett. Katherine acknowledged this collaborative environment as a “huge blessing,” underscoring the importance of mutual respect and cooperation for the well-being of the children. This supportive ecosystem has allowed Jack to adapt seamlessly to his role as an elder brother, a transition that could otherwise be challenging given the significant age gap between him and his younger siblings.
Pratt himself has spoken to Entertainment Tonight about Jack’s natural affinity for his younger siblings. Despite the age separation, Jack excels in his role, displaying a tenderness and affection that deeply touches the entire family. “He does a great job, he’s so sweet with them. And they love him so much, and they miss him when he’s gone,” Pratt shared. This mutual adoration underscores the success of their family’s intentional efforts, creating a loving and cohesive environment where each child feels cherished and connected.
Ultimately, Chris Pratt’s approach to family life, characterized by intentional sports bonding and candid discussions about blended family dynamics, offers a compelling narrative of modern parenting. It demonstrates that with open communication, proactive support, and a shared commitment to creating joyful memories, even complex family structures can thrive, fostering deep connections and resilience for all involved.