In a refreshingly candid revelation, Academy Award-winning actress Julia Roberts has shared the cornerstone of her parenting philosophy: she is a mother first, not a friend to her three children.
The Pretty Woman star, who shares 19-year-old twins Hazel and Phinnaeus and 16-year-old son Henry with her husband, cinematographer Danny Moder, believes that setting clear boundaries is the key to navigating the turbulent teenage years.
The Foundation of Respect
Roberts elaborated on her approach, stating that her role is not to win a popularity contest. "I'm very frank with my kids. I'm not their friend; I'm their mother," she declared. This mindset allows her to make tough decisions and establish rules without the pressure of being liked, fostering an environment of mutual respect rather than casual familiarity.
Navigating the Teenage Landscape
She admits that parenting teens is a complex journey, one that requires a delicate balance of guidance and independence. "I think it's healthy for them to know that they can have their own ideas and thoughts and opinions, and that they don't have to be me," Roberts explained. Her strategy focuses on empowering her children to become their own individuals while providing a secure and structured home base.
The actress emphasises the importance of open communication, ensuring her children feel heard even when they disagree with her decisions. This, she suggests, is more valuable than attempting to be a peer.
A Life Out of the Spotlight
Despite her global fame, Roberts and Moder have been fiercely protective of their family's privacy, raising their children away from the Hollywood glare. This conscious decision to provide a 'normal' upbringing has undoubtedly played a significant role in her hands-on, principle-led approach to motherhood.
By choosing authority over amiability, Julia Roberts champions a timeless parenting style that prioritises responsibility, respect, and preparation for adulthood, proving that sometimes, the toughest love is the most valuable.
