Q & A with Survivor, Gervase Peterson.

Say Gerv? My seven year old wants to play football and I want him to play too, but my wife doesn’t because of concussions. How can we settle this?
– James, Marlton, NJ

James, that is a tough one. Your wife has a right to be concerned about concussions. They are a serious health issue for kids playing sports. They’re not just relegated to football either. Kids get them in baseball, soccer, basketball and hockey too. It’s always about safety first. Teaching the right way to tackle and block. Respecting your opponent on the field. And when it’s done right you can still get hurt. It’s just a risk you take. It’s also a sport that you either like to play or don’t like to play. Getting hit on every play isn’t for everyone. I say let your son play, and this way he can decide if he wants to continue playing as he gets older. My son, Gunner, wanted to play football so we let him and he loved it! And I can tell you this. There’s no greater feeling then cheering your son on as he’s running for a touchdown. That’s a proud parent moment that you’ll never forget.

Say Gerv? I work a lot of hours and I love my job, but I’m not as passionate about it like before. How can I get my passion back?
– Geno, South Philly, Pa

Geno, why did you fall in love with your job when you started doing it? What is it that excites you about your job? If you can answer those questions then you should know why you lost your passion. Maybe you’ve outgrown your position. If that’s the case, then it could be time for an upward movement. Maybe you’ve accomplished what you set out to do with your job when you started it. So now you’re fulfilled. If that’s the case, then it’s time for a new goal which will lead you to a new job. After working a job for years, sometimes you can become complacent. You just go through the motions. The idea of leaving and looking for something new can be scary. Geno, evaluate your situation. Maybe you lost your passion because it’s not your true passion anymore.

Say Gerv? My wife and I are struggling to pay the bills and she keeps telling me to get another job and throwing it in my face that I don’t make as much money as her. Is she right or is she being a jerk?
– Rick, Collingswood, NJ

Rick, if you’re struggling with your finances, then yes, you getting another job could help to fix it, but if your wife got another job that would fix it too. I think your wife could be ego tripping and drunk with the power of making more money. She shouldn’t be throwing that in your face, that’s not cool. Just because you make more money than your spouse doesn’t give you the right to make all the rules and decisions. That’s just a jerk move. Now on the other hand, if you’re not pulling your weight in the marriage and putting the burden on your wife to handle things financially, then you need to man up, Rick. Look for a higher paying job or get a part-time job. You have to do whatever you need to do to take care of the family. That’s your responsibility, Rick. I know the times have changed, but some things will never change. And one of those things is “a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do.”

Say Gerv? My 19-year-old daughter just had a daughter and made me a grandfather sooner then I planned. The wife and I don’t want to raise any more kids. Are we wrong for feeling this way?
– Charles, Swedesboro, NJ

Charles, first off, congratulations! Do you want to be called G-Pop, Pop Pop, or Granddaddy? I went with Granddaddy, it’s a classic. Ok, so you and the wife aren’t wrong for feeling that way, but you’ll probably change your mind soon. Just think back to when your daughter was born and how you felt about her. Well you know what? You’ll feel the exact same way about your granddaughter with a bonus. She’s technically not you’re responsibility, so you can give her all the love and affection and spoil her rotten. Then at the end of the day, you can give her back to her parents. That’s a win-win situation! But honestly Charles, if your daughter and granddaughter need you, why wouldn’t you want to be there for them? You can set some ground rules like how much you babysit and how often they come to visit, so you and your wife can have your “me time,” but again I ask, why? Family is the most important thing. And let’s not forget that you and the wife are getting up there in age. You might want to spend as much time with family as you can before St. Peter checks you in at the Pearly Gates. And the only way to get into that club is if your name is on the VIP list.

Gervase Peterson was a cast member on the reality series “Survivor” and is an actor and entrepreneur. He keeps busy fulfilling personal appearance requests and speaking engagements across the country.