Scorecard Research Beacon
Search Icon
Culture November 28, 2018

Reese Witherspoon's tough love approach to parenting

WATCH: Reese Witherspoon talks new book, throwing ice cream at Meryl Streep

When it comes to parenting, Reese Witherspoon believes in full transparency.

The 42-year-old mother-of-three recently discussed her "tough love" approach during an interview with Fast Company.

"I feel like I’m constantly counteracting pressure from the parents who want to make the lives of their kids golden and magical at all moments!" she said.

View this post on Instagram

Celebrating all the mothers around the world! You are ALL my heroes...You have the hardest job on earth- to care for, nurture and give love to the next generation! It’s my greatest joy being a mom to these 3 wonderful kids and so I share this day with you ALL! #MothersDay ????????

A post shared by Reese Witherspoon (@reesewitherspoon) on

She also mentioned that she prefers to tell her kids the truth, no matter how harsh it might be.

"Guess what, kids? You’re going to be disappointed and uncomfortable once in a while," she said.

PHOTO: Reese Witherspoon and kids Ava Phillippe and Deacon Reese Phillippe arrive for an event in Los Angeles, Oct. 30, 2015.
Steve Granitz/WireImage via Getty Images
Reese Witherspoon and kids Ava Phillippe and Deacon Reese Phillippe arrive for an event in Los Angeles, Oct. 30, 2015.
MORE: Reese Witherspoon shares career advice she learned from 'The Rock'

"I remember Ava crying in bed in third grade — she was on JV basketball and she was the only kid on the team who didn’t score. I said, 'Aves, maybe you’re bad at basketball.' She thought that was mean. I said, 'Mean or true? 'Cause, guess what? Your mom’s bad at basketball, too.'"

Editor's Picks
View this post on Instagram

Happy Birthday to my wonderful, creative, kind, talented boy @deaconphillippe! Everyday you teach me something new about beats, Fort Nite dances, fantasy football and cool sneakers. What a gift to be your mom. I ??you, buddy! (P.S. When did you get so tall!?) #Thisis15

A post shared by Reese Witherspoon (@reesewitherspoon) on

Witherspoon is also quick to offer up adoring remarks to her children.

In October she wrote a special message about her two sons for “#NationalSonsDay.”

“How could I not shout out these 2 guys who fill my life with laughter, sports equipment, & amazing music?! Guys, you have taught me so much… Because of you, I can name about 17 players in the #NFL and around 6 #FIFAplayers, too!” she wrote on Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

Did I miss #NationalSons day?? How could I not shout out these 2 guys who fill my life with laughter, sports equipment, & amazing music?! Guys, you have taught me so much… Because of you, I can name about 17 players in the #NFL and around 6 #FIFA players, too! ??

A post shared by Reese Witherspoon (@reesewitherspoon) on

The actress regularly posts adorable snaps of her family on her social media accounts.

MORE: Reese Witherspoon talks new book, throwing ice cream at Meryl Streep
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Reese Witherspoon (@reesewitherspoon) on

“So proud of my kids for working so hard and always bringing their best selves to each challenge,” she wrote alongside a snap of the three in June. “All those early morning wake ups and late night study sessions paid off! Congrats to my super stars! (pre-schooler had no study sessions but he’s really cute)”