Photo Credit: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Adopt Together
She has two children of her own, but make no mistake: Lindsay Price is a huge advocate of adoption. The 41-year-old actress, who stars on ABC’s “Splitting Up Together,” even co-hosted the Baby Ball in Los Angeles last weekend with husband Curtis Stone for AdoptTogether, a non-profit, crowdfunding platform that bridges the gap between families who want to adopt and children in the world who need loving homes. We chatted with Price—whom fans will recognize from shows like “Beverly Hills 90210” and “Lipstick Jungle”—about the importance of the organization and her own adoption plans, as well as how she and chef Stone keep their romance fresh amidst the constant demands of career and parenthood.
Photo Credit: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Adopt Together
Tell us how you and Curtis came to be involved in the Baby Ball and why the event is so important to you.
We met Hank Fortener and his wife Sueann when our oldest son started preschool. Our kids were in class together and we became fast friends. When they told us about Adopt Together I instantly became focused on helping them with the cause because of my background. My mother was orphaned during the Korean War and adopted at age 13. If it hadn’t been for my grandparents adopting her she would have a very different and heartbreaking life, I would not exist and my children would not have been born. The ripple effect of one couples true love for an unwanted child is so deep. Having worked with Adopt Together for 4 years now, I have seen what love does to a person who has never felt wanted before. I have seen families be born. I feel passionately about saving lives and making parents out of people who desperately want to have children. Family is everything.
Do you have plans to adopt in the future?
We don’t have an immediate plans but I always wanted to adopt, yes.
Do you and Curtis have plans to expand your family otherwise, or do you content with your foursome?
We have such full lives. Modern families have so much in the day to day. Our boys are now 4 and 6 and we finally feel we are out of the weeds a bit. Curtis has like 10 full time jobs and I’m working and managing the house and schedules of 4 people. The week goes by at breakneck speed. We often say we are good with just us 4. Like, we are good parents to 2, but we’d demote to average status with 3. We fantasize about doing something as simple as watching a movie together. But who knows…
Let’s talk season two of “Splitting Up Together.” Why does the premise work as modern day family model?
“Splitting Up Together” is an amazingly modern and relatable premise. After kids and years of marriage, I’d say every person could admit that they have at least once wondered what it would be like if they didn’t have their partner in their lives. Would it be easier? Would they get you more? We get so caught up in the demands of kids and life that we forget each other and somehow start to build resentments. These days people don’t “stick it out” like they used to so divorce is staggeringly common. Lena and Martin are the avatars for most couples in their position in life. The thing I love about it is you really see how much they love each other. That maybe with a week of every other week somehow it all works!
Photo Credit: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Adopt Together
Each week on “Splitting Up Together,” the parents learn a little more about what it is they’re lacking in the parenting and romantic parts of their lives. Does this resonate with you personally?
I totally relate. There are basic things that men and women do differently. There are many stressed and demands that take you away from your basic original state of joy. There seems to always be a lack of time! I think by stepping away from any situation you get perspective. The important thing, whether or not you get a actual week off duty like Lena [Jenna Fischer] and Martin [Oliver Hudson], is to ask yourself the questions about your marriage and parenting that help you grow. It’s very easy to blame the other person for the tricky and controversial things in your relationship that go wrong. Usually placing blame gets you nowhere but a big fight. But I never regret stepping outside myself for a minute to reflect and grow. See where I could do something to improve myself. I am always trying to improve. I have so much to learn. I always will be learning and hopefully gaining wisdom and peace as a wife and mother.
What values do you try to teach your kids? What structures do you implement that you find work?
We teach our kids that kindness is king, that empathy is a practice that hopefully becomes a way of life, and to not take themselves too seriously. Life is meant to be lived fully. Also, Curtis has taught them that Stone boys never give up, which is wonderful (unless they are asking Mommy for the 159th time for another race car at Target). We try to stick to our word. We are open with them about feelings and encourage them to express themselves. However we are old fashioned in our values and manners and might be on the stricter side of Los Angeles or Western parenting. There are clear boundaries. But, we are so proud of them. They are great respectful and kind kids.
Photo Credit: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Adopt Together
As parents and professionals, what do you and Curtis do to add romance to your relationship?
We have to extract the moments in simple ways everyday. It’s a matter of making the other person feel appreciated and valued. A post it note on the bathroom mirror, a surprise bunch of flowers for no reason, an easy forgiving heart when mistakes are made. That kind of thing. And we do a few staycations here and there. A full 8 hours of sleep, a pillow fight and a long, uninterrupted conversation in a fluffy bed can do wonders for a marriage.
What to you is the greatest luxury in life?
The greatest luxury is travel. It’s more of that “stepping away” concept I was talking about before. You see yourself in the world in a more connected way. I always come home more inspired and more grateful, which is the whole point basically in life. It’s the key to happiness.
