While the saying "celebrities are just like us" isn't exactly true, we'd argue they face the same challenges when it comes to parenting. Kids can be unpredictable, and parenting is a difficult task that can only be gained through experience. It never hurts to get some input from other parents, even if they are famous celebs. So here are 20 celebrities who actually gave good parenting advice you might want to follow.
1. Michelle Obama
Take it from the former First Lady herself - the home is truly where the heart is. Never underestimate the power having a healthy home environment can have. If your kids feel like they're safe, that's how they'll grow and thrive. Michelle Obama has made it clear that as parents, it's your job to make your home a place where your children can feel happy and loved by everyone in it.
Pete Souza on Wikimedia Commons
2. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
It might sound a bit cliche, but "I love you" is truly just three little words that can make anyone's day. And for kids, it's important that they hear it every day. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson once mentioned in an interview with Oprah just how crucial it is that kids feel unconditional support and love from their parents. And it's true, your children should know you'll always be behind them no matter what.
David Shankbone on Wikimedia Commons
3. Kristen Bell
Parenting is no easy task, and no one has voiced that sentiment better than actress Kristen Bell. She's been very open about sharing her struggles with parenting and her belief that reaching out to your support group is a necessary step in becoming a good parent. It's truly great advice - don't be afraid to reach out to your friends and family when you get overwhelmed.
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America
4. Ashton Kutcher
This one's just for the parents. Are you struggling to maintain your relationship when having to balance work and looking after the kids? Ashton Kutcher's got an answer for you. His advice to all you parents is to find one day in the week where you can have alone time with just you and your partner. It's about self-care and relationship maintenance - parents need to look after themselves and each other too.
TechCrunch on Wikimedia Commons
5. Reese Witherspoon
Sometimes, a little tough love is important for kids. That's what Reese Witherspoon will tell you anyway! She firmly believes in the importance of having your children go through failure. It may be hard to sit on the stand and watch as a parent, but it's a necessary step for your kids to experience so that they become stronger, more resilient, and mature.
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6. Will Smith
While you might've once wished that your child would follow your own set of dreams and goals, it's important that you never push that on them. Will Smith knows how important it is to let your kids dream. Let them do what feels right for them and let them pursue their dreams knowing they'll have you supporting them along the way. That's something Will has always been a firm believer in.
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America
7. Serena Williams
Turns out she's not just Queen of the Court, she's also a queen when it comes to parenting. Serena Williams has a few insightful words to say when it comes to being a parent: be your kid's biggest cheerleader! As your children grow and slowly discover what it is they like and what they want to do, make sure you're always there cheering them on and encouraging them to follow their interests.
Doha Stadium Plus Qatar from Doha, Qatar
8. Jennifer Garner
Actress Jennifer Garner has always "garnered" (ha!) a lot of positive buzz about being a good parent. And with this piece of advice, we can see why. One tip she'd like all parents to remember is that you are your children's first role model. They learn everything from you, so it's important that you model the behaviour you want them to follow. Always aim to be the best version of yourself, if not for you, for your kids!
Karon Liu on Wikimedia Commons
9. Neil Patrick Harris
According to Neil Patrick Harris, "life is best done in moderation." It's an interesting time for many parents; having your kids grow up in a society where screens are everywhere is unlike anything anyone has experienced before. That's why it's important to do it in moderation - while you don't have to completely eliminate screens from your household, encourage your kids to take part in other activities like playing outside, trying new hobbies, or spending time with the family.
vagueonthehow from Tadcaster, York, England on Wikimedia Commons
10. Blake Lively
Laughter can truly be the best medicine. It's the perfect way to bring up the mood and keep everyone happy. And if there's one celebrity couple we know have got it down pat, it's Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively. Blake has expressed the importance of humour and laughter in their household, stating that it makes their home more lively, energetic, and lighthearted. Maybe a little dose of laughter is something your own family could benefit from!
Georges Biard on Wikimedia Commons
11. Angelina Jolie
If there's one thing Angelina Jolie wants all you parents to do, it's that you should teach your kids about diversity at a young age. Teach them that we should be celebrating differences, not fighting over them. There's beauty in being unique and being from different parts of the world, and it's important that your kids recognize that too.
VOGUE Taiwan on Wikimedia Commons
12. Ryan Reynolds
It's safe to say that Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively are such a good parenting duo, we had to add them both individually onto this list! We just have to know what else they have to say about parenting. And here's another gem from them: always prioritize work and family life balance. Don't let work take time away from being with your kids. As famous actors, the two have made it clear that they'll never work during the same schedule. This ensures the kids will always have at least one parent at home.
Sgt. Michael Connors (302nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) on Wikimedia Commons
13. Beyoncé
International superstar Beyoncé has a few things to say about being a good mom. Although she tends to be quite private about her personal life, she has shared a few wise words of advice that we think you'll appreciate. One of the most important tips she's given is to be wary of social media. While it might be different given her pop star status, it is true that there are a lot of things online that aren't healthy for kids to see. Always stay attentive of your kid's screen time and what they browse - some things are more damaging than educational.
14. Jessica Alba
No matter what society says about therapy, don't be afraid of it. Take it from Jessica Alba, after constantly fighting with her pre-teen, she decided to take matters into her own hands. Taking her child to therapy, it was the perfect place to talk things out and have both sides share their feelings. After it helped her reconnect with her child, Jessica has since encouraged other parents to do the same.
JD Lasica from Pleasanton, CA, US on Wikimedia Commons
15. Chris Hemsworth
Chris Hemsworth would like to send a message to all you parents: put the phone down. We know how addicting social media is, but think about your kids and the time you have with them. You don't want to lose the chance to make precious memories with them, so instead of mindlessly scrolling on your phone, spend time with them instead. Chris seriously encourages other parents to follow in his steps, so that they can be more receptive and present with their kids too.
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America
16. Chrissy Teigen
Don't overlook the special bonding time you get with your kids when you tuck them in at night. That's something Chrissy Teigen has learned after having four kids. Getting to read bedtime stories, talk about each other's day, and get in a few cuddles is the best way to make some beautiful memories together. Sometimes it's the little things about each day that we remember the most fondly.
Mike Cucinotta on Wikimedia Commons
17. Ellen Pompeo
Ellen Pompeo has a few words about mother-shaming that everyone should follow: don't judge, be kind. When we said a few words, we really only meant a few! It's short but powerful. Don't judge other people's parenting techniques; everyone has their own behind the scenes story that you'll never know about, so be kind and don't be judgmental. We're sure plenty of moms would appreciate that.
lukeford.net on Wikimedia Commons
18. John Legend
For mothers going through post-partum depression, John Legend has a couple of words to say to his fellow father-to-bes. During your wife's time of need, be there for them. Be reliable, be consistent, and be supportive. Having kids is no easy task, especially for mothers who have just gone through a lifechanging experience both mentally and physically. And after having four kids with wife Chrissy Teigen, John Legend definitely knows a thing or two about being a good husband during this time.
19. Jennifer Lopez
When your kids finally hit the dreaded teen years, parents will finally understand why their own parents were so rough with them during this time. With her kids now at the teenager stage, pop star Jennifer Lopez is starting to realize this herself. Her advice to parents is to understand that your kids aren't bad, they're simply at an age where they want answers and are learning more about themselves. Remember to be patient during this time and that being the "bad cop" is okay if you're just looking out for them.
John Bauld from Toronto, Canada on Wikimedia Commons
20. Keanu Reeves
If there's one guy in Hollywood that'll teach you that a bit of positivity can go a long way, it's definitely Keanu Reeves. He has an unbelievably positive mindset when it comes to looking after newborn babies. While most parents will sigh and groan at the thought of getting up in the morning to a crying baby, Keanu has a different approach. Enjoy this little time you have with your child at this age and do whatever you can for them. See the bright side of things and it won't be so rough.