In the world of parenting, even the ‘rich and famous’ like to lay down boundaries and rules with their children. Despite their active schedules, even celebrities have the time to maintain order around the household. What we see on the screen is just one side of these individuals, who at the end of the day, have spouses and children of their own back home who need tending to.
Parenthood varies from couple to couple, as each brings forth its own approach. There isn’t a specific mould or standard to abide by, and you have the freedom to be the parent you want to be. The result of your child is a reflection of their upbringing, and the approach you take with them. Celebrities are not any different when it comes to being stern and disciplinary, maintaining involvement in their children’s lives and how they ultimately may turn out.
Some of the biggest names in the media and entertainment, from movies, television, music, and politics, might surprise you when it comes to their approach to parenthood. Outside of the lights, camera, and action, these people are still people, with their own morals and responsibilities. You may find that some of these individuals are many different parents than the people we see behind our screens.
1. Denzel and Pauletta Washington
Raising 4 children who are now adults, it seems as if the couple has done its job, with none of their children ever being involved in a scandal, or mentioned on the media for anything negative. According to Woman’s Day, they laid out a strict set of rules in the household to be followed, and made sure their kids were polite, saying “ma’am” and “sir.”
2. Barack and Michelle Obama
Proud parents of two daughters, Sasha and Malia, the former President and First Lady take their parenting seriously. While they were privileged to live in the White House while growing up, a proper upbringing was still maintained. Although having security guards and butlers wherever they went wasn’t typical, it kept them grounded, and secure. They revealed to People magazine that when it comes to television, the girls are only allowed six hours a week, and any misbehaving would see them lose that privilege entirely.
3. Jessica Alba
The bubbly Hollywood actress is known for her charm on the screen, but when it comes to being a mother, she puts her charm on hold. In an interview with People, Alba revealed that she disciplines her daughters appropriately. When it comes to punishments, “it’s stand in the corner and put your nose against the wall!”. She is very strict about things happening at a certain time, so when it’s time to eat, it’s time to eat, and if you don’t like it, you get a time out!
4. Julia Roberts
When it comes to her three children, Hazel, Phinnaeus, and Henry, Roberts can be strict when it’s time to be. The actress told People magazine that she doesn’t allow junk food, or anything that contains sugar, however, this rule is bent at times on special occasions.
5. Bill Gates
The Microsoft founder finds the time to lay down the law in his household and keeps an eye on his three children’s activities and internet time. During an interview with The Mirror, he admitted to being opposed to children having a phone under the age of thirteen. He only allows limited television and internet time and has made sure that they have been raised as independent people.
6. Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis
Each known for playing fun and lovable characters on screen, it’s not all fun and games when it comes to raising their two children right away. According to ET Online, this year, they even took it to the extent of not rewarding their children with Christmas gifts, in the hopes that it would allow them to appreciate what they already have, and enjoy the holiday for its non-materialistic value.
7. David and Victoria Beckham
The former soccer star and ex-Spice girl have collaborated to form quite the parenthood. Their four children are all well-mannered, and grow up in a household that follows rules and discipline. David told Man About Town that manners and politeness are enforced. Although there are rules, the children still have the freedom to play, and Victoria told Good Morning America that she can’t stop them from playing soccer around the house.
8. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
Although they have split up, they once welcomed six children into their household, each of which has been known to be well behaved in public. Angeline once told OK! Magazine that Brad was the stricter of the two and would play the role of ‘bad cop’, while she was easier going.
9. Jennifer Lopez
The versatile celebrity who’s graced the screens in a variety of ways is a proud mother of twins, named Emme and Max. Her balance of rules, discipline and rewards has resulted in well-mannered kids. According to BabyGaga, during the week, if they are on their best behaviour, they are rewarded accordingly on the weekend, being able to use media platforms of their choice, and fun trips.
InStyle
10. Gwyneth Paltrow
When it comes to being a mother, Paltrow knows when it’s time to be strict. Her two children, Apple and Moses, are met with discipline in the kitchen when it comes to what they consume. As per BabyGaga, she takes their diets very seriously and lives a gluten-free, carb-free diet, rid of junk food.
11. Kate Winslet
The Titanic star is far from the typical easy-going celebrity mother. Though her three children are the result of three different marriages, she maintains the same mothering for each of them, and they get along very well. She believes in routine and gives her children a very strict one to follow. According to The Richest, she is against jumping on beds, believing it’s too dangerous.
12. Madonna
Madonna has graced the stage for decades, known for putting on an entertaining show, but when it comes to being a parent, she makes sure she runs the show. A mother of six children, Madonna never plays favourites. According to a Fox News report, Madonna told British publication Harpers & Queen that if her children leave their clothes on the floor, they go right in the trash!
