“It’s Loud, It’s Messy, It’s Love”: Maksim Chmerkovskiy Jokes That Life With Peta and the Kids Feels Like Raising 7,000 Children

Fatherhood might be one of Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s greatest joys — but that doesn’t mean it’s always a walk in the park.

In a hilarious and heartwarming recent interview, the Dancing With the Stars pro opened up about life at home with wife Peta Murgatroyd and their growing family — joking that some days, it feels like they’re parenting “7,000 children.”

“I don’t even know how many snacks I’ve opened today,” Maks laughed. “Somehow the math doesn’t math — two kids, but I’ve done 34 rounds of cleanup already.”

From the Ballroom to the Playroom

Maks and Peta, who share two sons — Shai, 7, and Rio, 1 — have been candid about the ups and downs of balancing career, parenthood, and marriage. But through the chaos, Maks says one thing is clear: he wouldn’t trade this life for anything.

“It’s wild. It’s loud. It’s messy. And it’s perfect,” he said. “Well… as perfect as life with a toddler who thinks crayons belong on the wall can be.”

 

He added that while he used to measure his day by rehearsals and routines, now it’s nap schedules, bottle rotations, and the occasional impromptu dance party in the living room.

“She’s the MVP”

Maks was quick to praise Peta for being the anchor of their household, calling her “a superhero in sweatpants.”

“I’ve danced with the best of them,” he said with a smile. “But nobody moves through a day like Peta does. She’s got a baby on one hip, breakfast on the stove, and still somehow remembers picture day at preschool. I don’t know how she does it.”

Despite the exhaustion, Maks says they’re in a “golden season” of life — even if it means less sleep and more laundry.

Not Ruling Out Baby #3… Maybe

When asked if they’re done expanding their family, Maks laughed again.

“I mean, never say never,” he shrugged. “But right now, we’re good. Very outnumbered, but good.”

He also joked that adding one more might officially tip them over into “minivan territory,” which he's still “emotionally processing.”

Dancing Through It All

While life has changed drastically since their DWTS glory days, Maks says the love between him and Peta has only grown — tested, stretched, and strengthened by parenthood.

“We dance less in ballrooms and more in kitchens now,” he said. “But the rhythm we’ve found? It’s ours. And it’s better than any trophy.”