I've been part of The Wiggles for 14 years, making kids' content. My son doesn't watch videos on phones.

Courtesy of Simon Pryce 2026-04-01T12:03:01.248Z Share Copy link Email Facebook WhatsApp X LinkedIn Bluesky Threads lighning bolt icon An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt.

Impact Link Save Saved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? Log in. Simon Pryce, better known as the Red Wiggle, met his wife while working on the show. Their five-year-old never watches videos on a phone, and barely uses an iPad. He's intentional about helping his only child build lasting relationships, he says. AI-generated summary Summaries are generated by an AI model trained on Business Insider's articles. AI may make mistakes or provide inaccurate/incomplete information. We're unable to load that answer right now. Please try again. How did Simon Pryce become a Wiggle? How do only children form social bonds? How does touring affect Pryce's family life? What role does technology play in parenting? What defines success in family life? This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Simon Pryce, who will be touring the US and UK with "The Wiggles" later this year. It has been edited for length and clarity. Loading audio narration... During the 14 years I've been performing as one of "The Wiggles," I've watched thousands of kids sing along with us and do the movements that go with our songs. It was cute, but I didn't fully understand the significance until I had my son Asher, who is now 5.As a parent, when you see your child clap along with a song for the first time, that's a major milestone. That's why "The Wiggles" have been so popular for 35 years now: we're connected with child development. The way that kids watch TV has changed, but the way they develop hasn't. We're able to tap into that with catchy tunes, helping parents and kids celebrate those developments, while having fun along the way. My son doesn't watch small screens, but he watches TVMy son just started school, but he's never watched a video on a phone. My wife Lauren and I made that decision right from the beginning. We want him to see the phone as a device for communication and information gathering.He only gets to watch the iPad if he's on the plane or in the hospital (which he's been in a few times). Sometimes that backfires — on a long-haul flight last year, the flight attendant told me Asher had been awake longer than anyone else on the plane, because he was so excited to watch the iPad. More recently, Asher had a minor cough and suggested I take him to the hospital, but I know he just wanted some screen time. Every time Kelly publishes a story, you'll get an alert straight to your inbox! Stay connected to Kelly and get more of their work as it publishes. Sign up By clicking "Sign up", you agree to receive emails from Business Insider. In addition, you accept Insider's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Simon Pryce has been the Red Wiggle for 14 years. Courtesy of The Wiggles Although we're pretty strict with small screens, Asher watches a fair bit of TV. He's not into "The Wiggles" though. Because I tour so much — about four months out of the year — I think he associates the Red Wiggle with me being away. He doesn't get comfort from seeing me on the screen, but he does love coming to live shows.We want our only child to have close relationships with his peersMy wife Lauren and I met through "The Wiggles." The show was putting together a circus skit, and I was the ringmaster, while Lauren was a gymnast. She was also teaching gymnastics to the kids of other Wiggles. We've been together nearly 16 years now, and married for nine. I think her father was surprised when I finally proposed. For a long time, Lauren and I spent up to nine months each year touring with the group. That delayed our plans to have a family, because I didn't want Lauren to feel like a single mom.We intended to have more than one child, but it hasn't worked out that way. As the parents of an only child, you think all the way down the track: who will Asher have when we're gone? We've been intentional about surrounding him with other children his age, including friends and cousins. That's important developmentally, but we also hope it will cement lifelong bonds. I believe success is having solid relationshipsBecoming a dad has reminded me to bring more fun and playfulness into my work. Listening to Asher make up words and stories, I'm reminded of the beauty of a child's imagination. The other day Asher was singing "It's raining pajamas." How silly and fun is that? As adults, we're only limited by ourselves.Today I'm 54. I can't believe that when it comes out of my mouth. When you're younger, you perceive what a certain age might be like, and it's nothing like that when you arrive. But I'm happy, and that's what matters most. As adults, we automatically equate success with finances, but I want Asher to know that success comes in many different forms. My grandparents — who taught me to sing — only wanted me to be happy. I think success is seen in your relationships with your loved ones and your ability to try something new. If you can work through solutions in good times and in bad times, you can get through anything in life.