Former ‘American Idol‘ star Clay Aiken decided to take a step back from music nearly a decade ago to focus on raising his son, Parker, who is now 16-years-old.
Clay talked to PEOPLE recently and explained he has zero regrets. He wanted to be a full-time father, and he’s incredibly grateful he got the opportunity to do it.
I’d say the most wonderful part has been watching him grow into a young man. He is an incredibly respectful and smart and responsible young man, and that is something that I’m incredibly proud of.
But there’s also heartbreak that comes with your kid getting older, “It’s heartbreaking because they grow into little, mini adults and they change,” Aiken told the publication.
Now that his son is becoming his own person, Aiken is ready to get back into the music business. He just released a holiday album titled, Christmas Bells Are Ringing.
Still though, his primary concern is Parker. His son will always come first. Aiken admitted he had no idea he’d be so worried as a parent…
I’m much more worried than I thought I was. I was not a horribly anxious person. I was not a person who worries. But now I check my phone when I see that he’s in the car to see where he is and that kind of stuff. I mean, it’s brought out some anxieties that I did not realize I had.
Yeah, kids will do that to you!
