Working in the security department of Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH), Christopher Flix sees children with various medical issues daily.
But how many TCH visitors actually see him?
Flix faithfully serves in one of those jobs that many people treat as invisible because it lacks the high profile of a career in sports or entertainment. But what those people are blind to is that Flix’s on-the-job dedication doesn’t see that he’s a superstar father.
And though he’s far more worthy of social media likes and clicks than most “influencers,” Flix is content with the influence he and his wife Nicole have had and continue to have on their eight children.
All eight children, ranging in age from 16 to 32, have enjoyed incredible academic success and, according to Flix, are just good, wholesome people. And that’s absolutely a win in today’s society.
Danielle is the oldest by 10 and a half months over her immediate younger brother, Christopher Jeremiah. Both Yates alumni, Danielle graduated fourth in her class, while Jeremiah was valedictorian of the Class of 2001.
Homeschooling
Flix credits his wife with homeschooling their children, starting with Danielle, while their family resided in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
“Being in a place like that, we [Black families] were few and far between,” said Flix. “It wasn’t really a good environment for our daughter. We knew Danielle was a very smart child, but she was just in a very hostile environment with the way her teachers and her classmates treated her.”
It was then that a friend suggested homeschooling as an option.
“[Homeschooling] ended up helping out a lot, and it made it so much better for our children,” added Flix.
While Nicole focused on the academics, Flix focused on shoring up their children’s character-building and mental wellness.
“I provided them with a solid foundation regarding how to treat people and carry yourself, but also, I helped them with their emotional needs,” stated Flix.
Back in Houston, though the entire family experienced a challenging transition, with their children leaving school at home and going to HISD schools, the children and parents adjusted and thrived.
Jasher (22), the third oldest, was an honor roll student at HCC. He was the only one of the eight children to homeschool all the way through high school graduation.
Destani graduated from Cy Lakes High School with a 3.9 GPA. Jan-Ai graduated from Cy Lakes this year Magna Cum Laude with an Associate’s Degree in hand. She will be a freshman at the University of Houston this fall.
Journey, a dual-credit student at Cy Lakes, will graduate in 2026, followed by the twins, Joy-Tenee and Raine-Grace, who will finish high school in 2027.
And the Flix children haven’t merely excelled in the classroom; they each played sports – football, track, volleyball, softball, baseball and basketball. Jan-Ai not only ran track and played softball, but she was also an All-American softball scholar.
Emotional support
Though Flix appreciates the work he and his wife put into raising their children, he is quick to give credit where credit is due. He says there is no secret to raising such accomplished children.
“I would have to just contribute that to having a relationship with God, because, honestly, without Him, we wouldn’t be able to do it,” he said.
“Because it’s a lot, not only having that many children and some of them close together, but just in general with the world we live in and the things they have to experience today,” said Flix, whose family is a member of World Changers Church Houston. “It takes Him to give us that mind and fortitude to be able to stay the course.”
Flix’s example of dedicated fatherhood is apparent to those who know him, including a work friend of his, Kalvin “Smoove” Young.
“Flix is just a really solid brother, who is serious about his marriage, his kids and just being an example of what it means to be an up-right brother,” said Young. “He reminds me of the song ‘Still Waters Run Deep.’ You don’t know the depth of him until you talk to him.”
Young, who was a football star at Yates and is a dedicated lifelong learner who takes reading and education seriously, was floored when he learned Flix had eight children.
Young was even more impressed when he learned of their academic accomplishments.
“Flix is serious about his kids getting that education,” added Young.
Fatherly advice
Flix’s main advice for young fathers, in addition to facilitating their children’s relationship with God, is to show up.
“Be there and be personally involved with them and find out, emotionally, what they are going through,” said Flix. “Talk to them. Give them an opportunity to express what they’re feeling, what they’re thinking so that you can be the support they need.”
Flix also challenges young fathers to be vulnerable and show their emotions.
“Give them the love and affection they need. Hug them, tell them you love them, and that you’re there for them even when they don’t feel like talking about what they’re going through,” he added.
He also shared a special word for fathers of sons.
“As a Black man, I think it’s so important for our sons to know that they have our undivided attention,” said Flix. “Because mental health is such a challenge these days and times because of all the stuff that our children have to deal with, social media or just life in general.
“Check on them, and ask those hard questions because many times we don’t want to talk about mental health because it’s so personal.”
