Danica McKellar, the former "Wonder Years" star, talks about how her faith has guided her parenting and helped her overcome the pitfalls of child stardom.
Danica McKellar's life took a different path when she found faith. The former child star, best known for her role as Winnie Cooper in the television series "The Wonder Years," now credits God with guiding her parenting decisions and providing her with unwavering support through life's challenges.
"Faith guides everything, including parenting," McKellar told Fox News Digital. "For me, my faith journey has led me to the most comforting place of knowing that I can consult with God at any time."
Danica McKellar: Faith Guides Parenting and Life After Child Stardom
McKellar's belief in a higher power became a guiding force in her life after she attended a church service with fellow actress Candace Cameron Bure. She described the experience as life-changing.
"All I can say is that something happened . . . I was flooded with this love and understanding," McKellar recalled. "Everything I always thought about there being some higher power and wanting to do the right thing, just because it's the right thing, when no one's watching, why that matters, and it all just came into focus."
Danica McKellar: Faith Guides Parenting and Life After Child Stardom
Since embracing her faith, McKellar has found a renewed sense of peace and purpose in her daily life. She believes that having a relationship with God has alleviated her worries about the future and empowered her to navigate challenges with greater ease.
"Knowing it's in God's hands means that even when things happen that I don't think I want to have happen, I can say, 'Well, let me just be curious about this. I wonder what the big plan is that I can't see,'" she explained.
Danica McKellar: Faith Guides Parenting and Life After Child Stardom
McKellar's newfound faith has also impacted her parenting approach. With her ex-husband Mike Verta, she shares a 14-year-old son, Draco. She is currently married to attorney Scott Sveslosky, who also has a son from a previous relationship.
"Having that relationship, having that faith means that when trials and tribulations happen, because they still happen, there's like all that in-between time," McKellar said. "It's incredible what that perspective shift does for you."
Danica McKellar: Faith Guides Parenting and Life After Child Stardom
McKellar acknowledges that she once spent a lot of time worrying about the "what ifs" in life, but now she feels comforted knowing that her family's well-being is ultimately in God's hands.
"Two and a half years now since I found the Lord," she remarked. "And it's been incredible."
Danica McKellar: Faith Guides Parenting and Life After Child Stardom
McKellar's faith has also taught her to appreciate the little things in life and to find joy in the present moment. She attributes her son's remarkable growth to God's intervention.
"When your son gets taller than you, it's like 'What is this incredible experience?'" she marveled. "It's like when you give birth, it's the most amazing experience in the whole world."
Danica McKellar: Faith Guides Parenting and Life After Child Stardom
As a working actress with over 100 credits to her name, McKellar has witnessed firsthand the challenges that come with pursuing a career in entertainment. She offers sage advice to her son, Draco, who has expressed an interest in performing.
"Find something else that you also love to do that you can make money at, because this business is not reliable," she said. "For me, that thing was writing math books."
Danica McKellar: Faith Guides Parenting and Life After Child Stardom
McKellar graduated summa cum laude from UCLA in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in Mathematics. She believes that having a backup plan is essential for mental health and financial security in the unpredictable entertainment industry.
"Having something that you're more in control of is vital for your mental health," she explained. "You just don't know what you're going to be doing this time next year. You literally have no idea."
Danica McKellar: Faith Guides Parenting and Life After Child Stardom
Despite the challenges of child stardom, McKellar maintains a positive outlook on her life. She credits her parents for instilling in her a strong work ethic and a sense of self that is not dependent on fame.
"I took a break, and I really just got away from Hollywood, and I really explored my brain, and it was incredibly satisfying and important for my own development and important for not having my sense of self so connected to success in the business," she explained.
McKellar's journey from child star to a woman of faith is a testament to the transformative power of belief. Guided by God, she navigates the complexities of parenting, the uncertainties of the entertainment industry, and the joys of everyday life with grace and unwavering optimism.
