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Julia Roberts, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in films such as Pretty Woman and Erin Brockovich, has recently shared insights into her parenting philosophy with her husband, Daniel Moder. As parents to three children—twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, both 20, and their younger son Henry, 18—Roberts and Moder have adopted a distinct style that emphasizes stability and consistency.
In a landscape where parenting approaches vary significantly, Roberts’ perspectives offer a glimpse into their structured yet nurturing environment.
Setting Boundaries in Parenting
In a candid interview, Roberts reflected on their parenting approach, noting that their children were among the last in their peer groups to receive smartphones.
This decision underscores a deliberate choice to prioritize their children’s emotional well-being over technological convenience. “When they were younger, certainly, Danny and I would have been considered some of the stricter parents,” she remarked, highlighting the importance of clear rules and boundaries.
Consistency is a cornerstone of her philosophy: “These are the rules, and they don’t change. Here’s the boundary of your life, and it does not shift.” This fixed structure, according to Roberts, creates a foundation of security for her children.
Roberts further elaborated on the importance of unified parenting, explaining that their children are not allowed to seek differing answers from her and Moder. “You don’t ask me and get an answer, and then go ask Dad and get a different answer.
That doesn’t happen,” she stated firmly. This method nurtures a sense of trust and stability in their household, enabling their children to navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence.
Maintaining Privacy and Family Values
Throughout their children’s upbringing, Roberts and Moder have made a conscious effort to shield their family life from public scrutiny.
“We try to protect our kids,” she told a media outlet in 2013, emphasizing their desire to maintain a normal family life. This commitment to privacy has been integral to their parenting approach, allowing their children to grow up away from the intense spotlight that often surrounds celebrity families.
In recent discussions, Roberts has reiterated her and Moder’s intent to reduce their children’s dependence on technology, underscoring the importance of face-to-face interactions. They have instituted simple household rules, such as establishing a designated charging station for devices and prohibiting phones at the dinner table. “There’s no phones at the table, certainly,” she affirmed, highlighting the value they place on family conversations during mealtimes. This practice not only fosters meaningful dialogue but also strengthens the family bond over shared experiences.
Fostering Family Connections
Roberts described the joy of family life devoid of technological distractions, suggesting that being together without devices can lead to richer interactions. “I think of a family coming together at the end of the day, and you actually have things to talk about at dinner because you haven’t been in contact all day long a hundred times,” she quipped. This sentiment encapsulates the essence of their family dynamics—valuing quality time and emotional connection over digital distractions.
As Roberts continues to navigate her dual role as a celebrated actress and a devoted mother, her insights into parenting reveal a thoughtful approach that prioritizes stability, privacy, and meaningful family interactions. This blend of strictness and love forms the foundation of her family values, illustrating that even in the fast-paced world of Hollywood, nurturing family bonds remains paramount.
