Nicole Kidman Opens Up on Parenting Philosophy and Surprising Future Plans
Academy Award-winning actress Nicole Kidman has publicly shared the candid, tough-love advice she imparts to her two teenage daughters, whom she co-parents with her former husband, country music star Keith Urban. The 58-year-old Hollywood icon made these personal revelations during a speaking engagement at the University of San Francisco's Silk Speaker Series this past Saturday, as reported by The Daily Mail.
Guidance for Her Daughters: Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret
Kidman, who finalized her divorce from Urban in January, emphasized the importance of emotional stability and perspective when discussing her approach with her daughters, Sunday Rose, aged 17, and Faith Margaret, aged 15. "I told them that the decisions you’re making now will affect your life, but also things will change as nothing is set in stone," she stated during the event. The actress elaborated that fostering emotional resilience is crucial, noting, "And primarily trying to create emotional stability is important for them so that they can feel like the world is your oyster."
She concluded her advice with a blend of encouragement and realism, telling her daughters, "I told them you’re going to have an incredible future, but it can be incredibly overwhelming." Sunday Rose has already embarked on a modeling career, making her runway debut at Dior's Paris Fashion Week presentation in November 2025.
Reflections on Her Own Father's Wisdom
Beyond her role as a mother, Kidman reflected on the enduring influence of her late father, Antony Kidman, who passed away in 2014. She recounted his straightforward counsel from her youth: "He said you need to have grit; you’re not going to be the smartest person in the room, so you have to use your wits." Dressed in a pale pink pantsuit for the occasion, the actress highlighted how this advice has shaped her resilience throughout her life and career.
Personal Growth and a Surprising New Ambition
Kidman also spoke about her personal development, drawing from challenging experiences. "Sometimes you’re going to have to take it on the chin, and that’s OK. It’s your life, and you define it. Who cares what someone else thinks? Don’t give your power to anybody else. They don’t get to define you," she asserted, underscoring her philosophy of self-empowerment.
In a surprising turn, the actress revealed a heartfelt new career aspiration: to train as a death doula. This decision was inspired by the passing of her mother, Janelle, in September 2024. "I am looking to expand myself. I am looking to become a death doula," Kidman announced, acknowledging that it "sounds a little weird" but stems from a deep desire to support others during their final weeks.
Understanding the Role of a Death Doula
A death doula, as defined by the International End Of Life Doula Association, is a non-medical professional who offers holistic, emotional, spiritual, and practical assistance to terminally ill individuals and their families. Kidman explained her motivation, recalling, "My father was very involved with palliative care. There are birth doulas, and recently I learned about death doulas. As my mother was passing, she was lonely, and there was only so much the family could provide."
The Moulin Rouge star detailed how she and her sister, both busy with their careers and numerous children, hired a death doula for their mother. "That's when I went, 'I wish there were these people in the world that were there to sit impartially and just provide solace and care,'" she shared. Kidman emphasized the significance of such support, stating, "I feel it’s really important to have care on earth for the beginning and the end."
In addition to her two daughters with Urban, Kidman is also mother to Isabella, 33, and Connor, 31, from her previous marriage to actor Tom Cruise. Her candid discussion at the University of San Francisco offered a rare glimpse into her personal values, family dynamics, and evolving aspirations beyond the silver screen.
