Tom Brady Got Real About Why It "Sucks" To Be One Of His Children

    "I want him to know that his dad's got his back."

    Tom Brady is not holding back when it comes to his experience as a parent.

    Tom Brady in sunglasses with short hair, wearing a shirt and  tie, smiles outdoors

    You probably already know that the legendary former NFL player is a parent to three children: 17-year-old Jack, 14-year-old Benjamin, and 11-year-old Vivian.

    Tom Brady in a beige coat over a suit, holding a sports jersey and waving at an outdoor event or stadium

    While speaking at the Fortune Global Forum earlier this month (via E! News), Tom reflected on his own experiences as a parent — as well as his perceived shortcomings.

    Tom Brady in a casual suit speaks passionately on stage at a Fortune event, seated with hands gesturing in conversation

    "Being a parent is probably the hardest job all of us have," he told the audience. "And we screwed up a lot and I've screwed up a lot as a parent."

    Tom Brady in a formal suit with a polka dot tie, looking serious, at what appears to be a formal event or gathering

    Later in the event, Tom admitted that "to be a boy, it sucks to be Tom Brady's son, in so many ways," while discussing Jack's own athletic ambitions.

    Tom Brady wearing sunglasses and a beige jacket, smiling outdoors

    "Unfortunately he jumps as high as I do," Tom noted. "But I tell him, 'Dude, you're gonna be a stud.' I said, ‘Wait till you hit your growth spurt, you're gonna be jumping higher, you're gonna be dunkin'.'"

    Tom Brady with short hair and a confident expression wears a light jacket

    Tom also emphasized the importance of being "dependable and consistent" for his children — and to be there for them when they need it, too.

    Tom Brady wearing sunglasses and a suit smiles outdoors

    “My kids naturally are gonna be faced with their own challenges, and they gotta figure out how to overcome them, too. And I’ll be there to support them a lot like my parents did. And I’ll be learning along the way right there with them."

    Tom Brady in a suit and tie smiles, facing sideways, in a professional setting

    For all the parents out there — how have you struggled, and what adjustments have you made in your own behavior to be more supportive? Tell us in the comments!