Teddy Swims is opening up about how becoming a father has changed his outlook on life.
“Being present in so many situations has been more, more important, you know? Like, I find that being where my feet are is now the most important thing to me,” the “Mr. Know It All” singer, 33, exclusively tells Us Weekly while promoting his partnership with White Claw. “There’s so much more intention in every step I take, and the things I do.”
Swims welcomed son Theodore, 13 months, with ex-girlfriend Raiche Wright in June 2025. Earlier this month, Swims revealed that he and Wright split while releasing his new song “Break Up in Reverse.”
The musician shares that he knows he can’t be there for all of his son’s milestones, so he really wants to immerse himself in those special moments when he can.
“I feel like I’m the same as I was a year ago, in so many regards. And he’s completely changing every day,” Swims recalls. “So seeing that passage of time … how minuscule time is, and seeing how finite it is … it’s such a scary, crazy thing.”
Swims adds that his new philosophy is making him appreciate the little moments with his son.
“There’s so many times where I’m sitting with him and he’s doing nothing at all and this is the most productive thing I could do, just giving my time and not be on my phone and just be there,” he explains. “I look at him when I talk to him, and he just wants you to look at him in the eyes. He just wants you to be there and see what he’s doing, and he looks back over his shoulder if he’s doing whatever, and it’s just like, ‘Are you watching?’ And that’s become the most important thing to me.”
Swims confesses he knows it might sound “cheesy” to feel this way but he truly wants to “make the time count” and “celebrate those little wins.”
“My son has just done so much of that for me to just slow me down and give me that real time,” he shares with Us, noting that it can be easy to feel like everyone has it all together as people often post their highlight reels online. “I think, in an age of social media … you’re constantly comparing yourself to other people and their accomplishments, or whatever fake life that they’re kind of portraying, that it’s all good all the time, and everything’s wonderful. It can be really kind of draining on you.”
On the days where Swims is on the road and can’t physically be there with his son, the “Bad Dreams” singer says he hops on a video call to spend time with his little one.
“I miss him, but I’m on Facetime with him every day I can,” he tells Us. “We’re like five hours difference in a lot of these places, I’m getting him when he’s eating his breakfast, lunch and dinner, just trying to hop on and see him. With a 1-year-old, you’re getting like, maybe a minute and a half of his attention, and he’s on to something else, but at least he’s stoked to see me.”
Swims acknowledges that he knows others in his scenario don’t get the luxury of being able to check in with their families on a daily basis.
“There are guys doing my job that don’t get to talk to or see their kid at all, you know, so I’m super grateful that we can be face to face in some regard,” he points out.
In addition to being on his international The Ugly Tour, Swims has teamed up with White Claw to get in the summer spirit. The partnership includes a limited-edition collection that includes a bear-shaped pool floatie, hoodie and T-shirt. The pool accessory incorporates Swim’s punk-rock style while also having a built-in waterproof Bluetooth speaker, center cooler and cup holders.
“I’m really pumped about the floaty, he’s really cool,” Swims tells Us. “He’s got a big bear with a mustache, he’s got a cooler, so you can put your white claws in, something you could stick them into if they’re already open, of course, some cup holders, and there’s also like this waterproof Bluetooth speaker in there, so you know it’s got everything you need for the hangs, for the pool hangs, put it in your bathtub if you want, I guess.”
Swims adds that the opportunity to work with White Claw was a perfect fit as he’s embracing the little moments with loved ones.
“White claw [is] like the perfect situation, because it’s all about that, just being where your feet are,” he explains. “Being with those people, and making that time so valuable, because you know, time is just that thing, especially watching this little creature grow so fast.”
Swims’ collection will be available exclusively at whiteclaw.com on Thursday, July 16, at 9 a.m. ET, available while supplies last.
