Neil Patrick Harris Doesn’t Want to Know Which Twin Is Biologically His – Meet His 14-Year-Old Children
Despite their concerns, the actor and his girlfriend have decided not to confirm which child is biologically theirs. Now, as their children traverse adolescence, the couple considers parenthood and the lessons they have learned.
For David Burtka and Neil Patrick Harris, family has always been more about love than biology. Through surrogacy, the couple became parents to twins, although they never decided which child was biologically related to whom.
Their attention has instead been on raising their kids, teaching them moral principles, and adjusting to the always shifting demands of parenthood.
Take a closer look at the couple’s lovely family and their thoughts on the challenges and rewards of fatherhood.
From Affection in Hollywood to Starting a Family
Kate, a mutual friend, introduced the pair on a street corner in New York City in 2004. At first, Neil, a well-known actor from “Doogie Howser, M.D.” and “How I Met Your Mother,” thought David was seeing Kate.
David, a gifted actor and chef who has achieved success in both fields, was discovered to be seeing someone else. Neil was unable to ignore the gloomy, leather-jacketed James Dean-type, though.
When they chose to become parents, they embarked on a new chapter in their long-term relationship.
Neil found himself tripping anxiously over his words in front of David during their first genuine chat, which took place at a party. They kept spending time together, but they didn’t go on their first formal date until weeks later.
There was no denying their bond after that. They moved in together just months after falling in love. Later, on the street corner where they first met, David proposed, and on Valentine’s Day, Neil reciprocated the gesture by proposing.
When they chose to become parents, they embarked on a new chapter in their long-term relationship. On October 12, 2010, Harper Grace and Gideon Scott, the couple’s twins, were born through surrogacy.
In an interview, Neil reflected on their path to parenting, saying that they hoped at least one of the two embryos they implanted—one using David’s sperm and one using his — would take. The development of both embryos led to the birth of fraternal twins in a lovely turn of events.
However, there were both hardships and excitement in acclimating to life as new parents. According to the “How I Met Your Mother” star,
Following the event, everyone remarks that it’s a complete blur. Trying to understand it is something I do all the time.
“Harper was a little fussy, but Gideon was the easiest baby in the world,” his partner continued. At this point, they recognize us and smile, which is the greatest sensation.
The well-known parents of Harper and Gideon, who are now teens ten years later, have talked about their experiences adjusting to this new phase of parenthood.
Their choice to forego identifying which twin is biologically related to which parent was one of the most talked-about parts of their experience as they adapted to motherhood.
Neil stated that they had no plans to take a DNA test in an interview with Barbara Walters. “We are their parents, and I love them implicitly,” said he.
The behavior and personality of their children, however, gave the parents reason to suspect who might have been whose biological child.
“The boy is his, and I believe the girl is mine. He needs to read people, so he’s a little more cerebral and sophisticated, while she’s just saying, “Hey, everybody, I’m here!” In 2015, David told a laughing audience in an interview.
The well-known parents of Harper and Gideon, who are now teens ten years later, have talked about their experiences adjusting to this new phase of parenthood.
As Neil explained, their parenting approach has taken on additional dimensions as they have seen their kids grow into their own individuals:
Being a parent means spending a lot of time with children, attempting to inculcate in them morals, humor, and agency. One can observe how that unfolds now when they are older and no longer like you.
Along with emphasizing setting an example, the actor frequently taught his kids about karma. “I remind my children that they have the option to make wise or poor decisions.
“You want to be a nice person, so hold the door open for someone who has bags in their hands, not because you want something in return,” he continued.
Another delicate balance between Neil and David has been maintained in the home through discipline.
Another key component of the well-known couple’s parenting style is adaptability. As a father, I sort of take a ‘Let’s see how it goes’ approach. More trouble arises from rigidity than from flexibility. We have our standards and limits, but being overly strict causes needless strife,” Neil said.
He added that parenting is a process of constant adjustment. The shocking thing, in my opinion, is that children develop in a way that necessitates parental adjustment. It’s about changing diapers and putting newborns to sleep. The Hollywood actress went on to say:
They start crawling all of a sudden, so you have to climb into that and clear the floor of everything. Then they begin to move. ‘Wait, what’s happening?’ crosses your mind after you believe you understand. Their intelligence increases with age.
Another delicate balance between Neil and David has been maintained in the home through discipline. The latter clarified that in order to prevent their children from adjusting to a single parenting style, he and his spouse use distinct techniques to discipline.
They have developed a close and affectionate bond with their kids thanks to their active parenting style, which guarantees Harper and Gideon a home full of love, laughter, and unshakable support as they grow up.
He feels that respect and love should accompany punishment and that boundaries are crucial. He frequently uses their complete names to gain their attention, which always makes them pause.
It has also proven difficult to navigate the digital world. “As a parent, we don’t want them to be constantly attached to an iPad, and yet with few options, that’s kind of all they want to do,” Neil explained.
“I really enjoy playing video games, so that’s difficult for me. I can’t decide whether to be the strict boss who orders you to paint those screens or not. In addition, he laughed, “and being the dad who says, ‘Wait, what’s this cool new game, show me.’”
Neil and David still enjoy raising their kids in spite of all the difficulties, though. Their experiences of raising Harper and Gideon were reflected upon at the 2023 God’s Love We Deliver Golden Heart Awards. Neil made a joke.
They keep telling us that they will despise us eventually. That still hasn’t occurred. So far, so well!”
David went on, “They’re decent kids. We performed well. When you put forth the effort, you reap the rewards. They have developed a close and affectionate bond with their kids thanks to their active parenting style, which guarantees Harper and Gideon a home full of love, laughter, and unshakable support as they grow up.
“You must be available to your children if you want to spend time with them. David said, “They can open up more the more access they have.” The celebrities’ candidness goes beyond their personal lives, as they have posted pictures of their family times on the internet.
Regarding the marriage of Neil and David, the couple dated for ten years before being married in 2014.
In 2022, Neil celebrated the twins’ twelfth birthday on Instagram, writing, in part, “Twelve years old today.” Without a doubt, Harper and Gideon are the two best things that have ever happened to me. They give me a sense of inspiration, make me laugh, let me be a flawed father, and give me a kind of love I never imagined was possible.”
He partially disclosed two years later, on their 14th birthday: “Today is Harper and Gideon’s 14th birthday. Nothing in my life has ever made me feel more proud, and I doubt I ever will.
“Gosh! Their maturation is accelerating! “,” a fan said in a comment on the post. Another said, “Wow! Already grownups! ❤️❤️,” a third said, “What wonderful kids! They look just like you! ❤️.
Neil posted a picture of his lovely family on Instagram in November 2024 as a Thanksgiving tribute. One commenter said, “Harper looks like Neil, Gideon looks like David.. happy Thanksgiving y’all ❤️.”
Someone another commented, “Your son looks like David, and your daughter looks like Neil. “Happy Thanksgiving!” Three people typed, “They are the perfect mix of the two of you.”
The “How I Met Your Mother” star posted a photo dump of himself and Harper having fun during a basketball game at the beginning of February this year. One admirer commented, “She’s your twin.”
Another said, “She looks like you ,” and a third said, “Twins .” “Woww, she is like a female clone of you ,” said another.
Regarding the marriage of Neil and David, the couple dated for ten years before being married in 2014. Intimate and joyful, their wedding took place in Italy and was attended by close friends and family.
It was presided over by veteran director of “How I Met Your Mother” and close friend Pam Fryman. Sir Elton John’s performance at the reception added to the evening’s charm.
As their relationship grew closer, the pair concentrated on keeping their foundation solid. David stressed the value of communication when asked what the key to their enduring relationship was. He said:
“Well, obviously, communication is very important. We see a couple’s therapist; we’re no strangers, after all, and we’ve said this before. I mean, we started couple’s therapy before issues arose, but it’s simpler to discuss issues with a mediator when they do arise.”
Neil Patrick Harris and his spouse have established a family based on mutual respect, love, and ideals. Instead of concentrating on biology, they have made it a priority to raise their twins in an open and encouraging environment.
As Harper and Gideon maneuver through their adolescent years, their well-known fathers embrace the ever changing path of fatherhood, which is based on unshakable dedication, trust, and direction.
