Admired By The Public
Celebrities are frequently admired by the public, and their opinions on various topics, including parenting, are often sought after. We’ve compiled some of the best parenting tips straight from the stars themselves.
Whether it’s from Hollywood icons like Dwayne Johnson or seasoned actors like Brad Pitt, this list of parenting dos and don’ts has something valuable for every parent. Get ready to pick up a few new insights!
A Unique Approach
Dwayne Johnson takes a unique approach to parenting, emphasizing independence, responsibility, and self-confidence from an early age. He sets clear expectations for his daughter, Jasmine, encouraging her to develop strong communication skills and a sense of pride in her abilities.
From teaching her to look people in the eye with a firm handshake at 5 to guiding her through fishing, driving, and cardio by 8, Dwayne believes in instilling practical skills. By age 10, he envisions her confidently offering constructive feedback, saying, “Great job, I like it a lot, but let’s see how we can make it better.” This approach blends life lessons with a focus on continuous improvement.
A Recent Interview
Nicholson gives his children what he called "unconventional love." In a recent interview, he shared his approach to fatherhood, saying, "I’m always present for my kids, offering them unconditional love. I also encourage them to express themselves and provide practical advice, especially when they open up about their challenges. Having faced many struggles myself, I can relate to their concerns."
He emphasized the importance of giving his children diverse experiences, aiming to instill in them a sense of inner peace. He wants them to understand that happiness is natural and that they don’t need to create problems where none exist.
Great Importance
Ice Cube places great importance on his active role in his children's upbringing, viewing himself not only as a parent but as a guiding fatherly figure. He believes that fatherhood requires more than just physical presence; it demands emotional and practical engagement.
He emphasizes that fathers should never leave the responsibility of raising their kids solely to the mother. Being there in body is not enough—fathers must be fully involved, contributing to the nurturing and shaping of their children's lives. He encourages fathers to step up and actively participate, rather than standing on the sidelines.
His Large Family
Brad Pitt has plenty of experience as a father, especially with his large family alongside Angelina Jolie. In a recent interview, he shared his approach to parenting, emphasizing the importance of understanding his children's needs.
He explained that while it's essential to tailor conversations to their age, he and Jolie make an effort to be open and transparent with their kids. They want their children to feel comfortable asking questions and know that nothing is off-limits.
Household Issues
Blake Lively has a unique approach to handling household issues, one that most people probably wouldn’t consider: a suggestion box for her kids. She believes it could be a game-changer in encouraging open communication within the family.
"I think having a comment box at home would be amazing," she shares. "It would let the kids leave feedback on what they could improve or how their siblings could do better—kind of like leaving a suggestion at a restaurant for management. I’m really hoping my sister will try this with her kids too!"
Thoughtful Approach
Barrymore has developed a thoughtful approach to help her child understand her work schedule. In an interview, she explained, “I wanted to provide her with a tool that would help her grasp the concept of time and my whereabouts while I’m working.”
She added that this system allows her child to visualize her departure, the middle of her workday, and her return. Thanks to a globe, her child now has a better understanding of where she is at all times and knows when she leaves and when she comes back home.
Balancing Work
Melissa McCarthy proves that balancing work and family is possible, even with kids in the mix. She ensures that her children follow the same demanding routine she sticks to, no matter how tough it may seem.
In an interview, she shared, "We go all out around 4 p.m., like an early bird special, and by 8 p.m., we get the kids settled for bed."
Easily Distracted
It’s easy to get distracted when playing with young children, especially when the same story is repeated over and over. However, the key is to truly be present. If you’ve committed to spending time with them, then focus on the moment. Don’t let your mind wander to work or technology.
McGregor emphasized the importance of disconnecting from distractions, like your phone or emails, to fully engage. Even a brief, undistracted interaction can make a significant impact on both you and your children, creating meaningful moments together.
Parenting
What can Spider-Man teach us about parenting? Tobey Maguire, known for his iconic role as Peter Parker, has some insightful thoughts on fatherhood. He advocates for RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) parenting, which emphasizes respecting babies as individuals.
In this approach, parents are encouraged to avoid behaviors like rocking or singing to their babies, instead allowing them to experience natural stimuli. Playpens, mirrors, and hanging mobiles are also discouraged, as the focus is on providing babies with a calm and engaging environment that supports their development through real-life experiences.
Mark Hamill
Mark Hamill believes in honesty more than anything else. He revealed in an interview, "All the basics. It is not reinventing the wheel. Honesty, the golden rule, treating people the way you would want to be treated."
"All those sorts of things like kindness and selflessness, trying to do the right thing. It sounds corny when you put them into words, but I have been very lucky. It is not an easy journey. They go through the arc of life, and there could be troubling times, but you stick with it, and they come through."
Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood has no delusions that he's the only teacher around. He knows that his children can teach him a thing or two about
"Children teach you that you can still be humbled by life, that you learn something new all the time. That's the secret to life, really — never stop learning."
Christina Aguilera
She told interviewers at Us Weekly, "I think it's important that he sees mommy not be ashamed of her sexuality."
"I mean, he's 2. We're art collectors. There are a lot of female nudes around the house. Max will be growing up in a house where it's just the norm. It's only weird when you shame it."
Elizabeth Banks
Elizabeth Banks doesn't beat around the bush. She knows exactly how a modern mother should be, and the word perfect doesn't describe it.
"Be open to any help. Many moms today feel they have to be super moms, while historically, we've always had a village to pitch in. I think it's really important to know when to ask for help."
Hilary Duff
Duff has learned from her past experiences and is happy to pass on her advice to any mom that needs it. This tip will make sure that you're always prepared on a plane.
"He had an extra outfit, but I didn't. That was an interesting last hour and a half of the plane ride. He was clean, he was good, I wasn't. So I've shoved an extra T-shirt into my bag ever since."
Debra Messing
Debra Missings has found a way to make sure that her children's tantrums don't blow out of proportion. She has an odd trick that doesn't seem like it would work, but it really does.
"Singing Broadway musicals are a really great distraction from temper tantrums," Debra Messing said.
Chance the Rapper
Chance The Rapper has some parenting hacks that will make sure no little girl gets hurt by a comb ever again. It requires a bit of prep but is well worth the payoff.
Said on Twitter, "Doin' yo lil baby's hair without that comb hurting her head cheat code: 1. Water 2. Argan Oil 3. Shea Butter 4. WIDE tooth comb."
Kristen Bell
Kirsten Bell has a fun way of making sure her children are safe during road trips, which she revealed on Instagram. It's something that more parents should do.
"The phrase we say as we jump out of the car, 'Hands on the circle' (the circle is the gas cap), was invented by my brilliant sister-in-law and has thus far kept all kiddos safe from any oncoming traffic while I unload the trunk."
Tina Frey
Tina Fey has advice that isn't intuitive to most parents. She thinks it's okay not to get to everything on your to-do list as long as you're getting a good night's rest.
"You just have to go to sleep. There's a strong desire to get stuff done and be an adult but just go to bed. Blow off sending your family birthday cards or setting the table for Thanksgiving – just go to sleep whenever you can. I just go to bed all the time."
Jada Pinkett Smith
Jada Pinkett Smith is a big believer in giving her children privacy and independence. She doesn't like helicopter parenting and thinks it actually makes children less responsible.
"Staying out of kids' space can teach them to be responsible for their own decisions and mistakes. Is it their room, or are they borrowing the space while they're living in your house? If it's theirs, then they should be able to do whatever they want with it. If it's their clothes, they have the right to do whatever they want with those clothes."
Busy Philipps
Philipps believes that a great way to encourage her children to behave is to use their siblings as competitors. That way, they will always be trying to see who is best behaved.
"I use sibling rivalry. I'm like, 'I feel like Cricket's going to finish her broccoli first,' and then Birdie's like, 'I can finish it first.'"
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Here's something unconventional for most parents. When her child wastes their food, they have dire consequences. Gellar makes her children actually pay for food waste.
"My daughter was doing this thing lately where she was asking me for a cup of milk and not drinking it. So I told her that every time she'd ask me for a cup of milk and not drink it, I would take a quarter out of her piggy bank. Someone has to pay for that milk," Gellar said.
Gisele Bündchen
Gisele Bündchen managed to "potty train" her son at a record pace, all due to something she calls "elimination communication." Something unheard of normally.
She said that her son would need the bathroom right after his meals every day. As part of her strange method, she would carry him around and take him to the bathroom after a few minutes, "Give it about five minutes, and bang," she said.
Jennifer Garner
Jennifer Garner seems like the quintessential supermom from Hollywood. Her newest piece of advice is to let children feel their feelings.
"Our kids need to be allowed to have a bad day. And you need to show them that it's okay to have a whole range of emotions. You should have it all — rage and anger and sadness, so there is a lot of room for joy and happiness as well."
Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie is another mom that believes in mistakes. No mother can be perfect despite trying their best. It's about giving it your all as a mother.
"It is a lovely thing to discover that your children don't want you perfect. They just want you to be honest. And do your best." She said in an interview.
John Krasinski
Who knew the likable Jim from The Office would turn out to be an excellent father? Well, Krasinski has some dad advice that really hits home.
"I'm a big fan of being open about the truth and how you really feel and not putting on a pretty face for everybody. No one really tells you that it's hard and there are sleepless nights. Kids get sick, kids fall down and get hurt, and all these things are really intense and really emotionally difficult."
Jay-Z
Jay-Z, in an interview, shared some fundamental goals on what parents should be trying to achieve with their kids. His words are an inspiration to any parent.
"We just need to make sure we provide a loving environment and be very attentive to who they want to be. It's easy for us as human beings to want our children to do certain things, but we have no idea. We're just guides."
Michelle Obama
The former first lady of the White House is sure to have some great tips for looking after children. Michelle Obama talks about giving children an early advantage.
"If you are looking for a child to be self-reliant when they're 21 or 22, you have to make them practice that as early as 5 or 6 or 7 years old. If you don't teach a kid how to wake up on their own when they're young, yeah, you could be waking them up for the rest of their lives because you don't make them practice it."
Mindy Kaling
Mindy Kaling doesn't think that it's a problem being a single mother. She believes that it's okay to ask for a little help from the community.
"As a single mom, it really does take a village. Yes, I am the parent of my two children — but there are all these other caregivers in the form of family, friends, and nannies," she told Today. "I couldn't do it without the village. Absolving myself of guilt for depending on others has been the biggest piece of advice that has helped me."
Viola Davis
Viola Davis is another Hollywood mom that seems to know what she's doing. Her advice extends beyond that of just a general lifestyle. Her parenting advice is also solid.
"I will not be a mystery to my daughter. She will know me, and I will share my stories with her — the stories of failure, shame, and accomplishment."