Drew Barrymore became emotional while reflecting on how her troubled childhood has affected her as a mother. The 46-year-old actress broke down in tears during a conversation on the podcast Raising Good Humans, where she discussed the concept of boundaries.
Barrymore described the word 'boundaries' as 'triggering', explaining that she lacked such experiences growing up. 'I didn't grow up with them, so I had no resources or experiences to pull from,' she said, choking up. The star, who shares daughters Olive, nine, and Frankie, seven, with ex-husband Will Kopelman, admitted feeling like an outcast when others discussed parenting.
In a separate interview with The Mail on Sunday, Barrymore said her chaotic upbringing has made her a better mother. She also revealed that her 2016 divorce triggered fears of repeating her own childhood experience. 'Divorce was my worst fear,' she said. 'I felt broken.'
Barrymore's parents divorced when she was nine. Her father was a violent alcoholic, and her mother, an aspiring actress, struggled with parenting. At age 13, Barrymore was placed in a psychiatric institution by her mother, which she now says 'taught me boundaries'. She legally divorced her parents at 14.
Despite the challenges, Barrymore is determined to be a present parent. 'I've got love and humour, but we're all learning on the job,' she said. 'I don't want to be my kids' friend – I am their parent.'
