In a refreshingly honest revelation, Academy Award-winning actress Julia Roberts has detailed her decidedly 'not cool' approach to parenting her three teenage children. The Hollywood A-lister, known for her roles in Pretty Woman and Erin Brockovich, consciously rejects the typical celebrity parenting model in favour of being a deeply present and sometimes uncool mother.
Roberts, who shares 19-year-old twins Hazel and Phinnaeus and 16-year-old son Henry with her husband, cinematographer Danny Moder, explained that her parenting philosophy is built on a foundation of genuine connection rather than digital distraction. She proudly stated that she doesn't even know how to use the popular video-sharing app TikTok, a fact that likely contributes to her 'uncool' status in her children's eyes.
The Power of Presence Over Popularity
The key to her method, Roberts elaborated, is simple yet profound: being physically and emotionally available. She emphasised the importance of sitting down with her children and engaging in real conversation, a practice that seems increasingly rare in the age of smartphones and social media.
'I'm just so interested in them and their personalities and their little lives,' she shared, highlighting her focus on nurturing their individuality. This intense interest and involvement mean her children never have to seek her attention; she is already fully engaged.
A Deliberate Choice for Family Life
Roberts's approach is a deliberate choice that has shaped her career decisions for nearly two decades. She has famously scaled back her acting workload since becoming a mother, prioritising a stable and normal home life in Malibu, California, over constant film sets and premieres.
This commitment to normalcy extends to her self-perception as a parent. She doesn't see herself as a 'cool mom' but rather as a committed and loving one. Her strategy is less about being a friend to her children and more about providing a grounded, supportive foundation as they navigate their teenage years.
Her candid comments offer a relatable glimpse into the challenges and joys of parenting teens, proving that even one of the world's most famous women faces the universal struggle of staying connected with her children in a rapidly changing world.
