MAKS TALKS DAD LIFE

The new father admits he’s more confident on the dance floor than he is changing diapers

Maksim Chmerkovskiy gushes about baby boy Shai to In Touch.

As one of Dancing With the Stars’ most seasoned pros, Maksim Chmerkovskiy has taught his fair share of celebs how to tango, jive and waltz. But these days, he’s thinking more about first steps than dance steps — the 37-year- old and his DWTS costar and fiancée, Peta Murgatroyd, 30, welcomed a son, Shai, in January. “It’s not like anything I’ve felt before,” Maks says of fatherhood, “but it’s also terrifying. I’m so concerned about doing the right thing!” The bad boy of the ballroom, who has partnered with Swiffer to celebrate its 18th birthday, recently returned to DWTS after recovering from surgery for a torn calf muscle earlier this season. Here he talks to In Touch about fatherhood, date nights and his surprising celebrity crush!

What’s the scariest part of being a new dad? MC: Everything has a residual effect. It’s not like I’m walking on eggshells, but I have to be responsible with my actions and my words.

Has having a baby changed the way you see Peta? MC: I am more in love with her today than I was yesterday, and it just keeps growing. She’s the mother of my child but she’s also my person, and it will always be all about her. Aww! What kind of mom is she? MC: Incredible. I think some people are just inherently amazing parents, and that is Peta. She was born to be an incredible mom.

How are you helping her out? MC: I am picking up whatever slack I can, sweeping up spills with the baby in my hand — it’s the little things in life!

What is the best part about being a dad? MC: Just having that connection. It changes everything. I will inevitably be happy as long as Shai and Peta are happy, but if they are not, I will never be happy.

Do you hope Shai will grow up to be a dancer like you and Peta? MC: Whatever he wants to do with his life, professionally, is up to him. I just want him to be an educated, smart, athletic, kind, polite, empathic person.

The first few months of parenthood are crazy. Have you and Peta been able to go out at all, just the two of you? MC: We’ve started going out a bit, yes. But to be honest with you, we can’t wait to get back to the baby! ◼

SOFTIE AT HEART “I’m intense when I work,” says the often outspoken dancer. “But I’m a sweet guy.”

PROUD PARENTS in “I now have a bigger purpose life,” says Maks (with son Shai and soon-to-be wife Peta). TUNE IN! Dancing With the Stars airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC

BACK ON THE DANCE FLOOR Maks and DWTS partner Heather Morris were recently eliminated.