Drew Barrymore Unveils Transformative Parenting Tip While Discussing Daughter’s Character

Moms and fathers understand that the journey of parenting is continuous, with its share of highs and lows. Few individuals can relate to this sentiment as deeply as Drew Barrymore, who recently discussed a challenging phase in her relationship with her daughter Olive.

In a recent episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, the 48-year-old actress shared insights on how she evolved as a parent, joined by parenting expert Dr. Aliza Pressman.

Reflecting on a pivotal moment, Drew recalled, “You specifically changed my life. When my daughter Olive, whom Aliza knows well, was going through a phase years ago, my instinct was to rush to her and try to fix things when she was upset.”

Realizing that her approach was ineffective, Drew explained, “Aliza taught me the importance of self-regulation. She advised me to calmly acknowledge the situation by saying, ‘I understand we’re having a moment. I’m here on the other side of this door for you, waiting. When you are ready, I am here.’”

This shift in perspective, responding to her daughter’s distress with patience and empathy, yielded significant improvements in Drew’s parenting journey, she shared.

Dr. Aliza emphasized the common parental fear of addressing intense emotions, often leading to a tendency to “fix” or avoid them. Drew admitted to initially resorting to chasing her daughter to resolve conflicts.

The parenting expert highlighted the significance of parents demonstrating emotional resilience and acceptance, stating, “Feelings aren’t dangerous. It’s crucial for us, as adults, to regulate ourselves and help our children navigate their emotions without trying to control them.”

Drew, reflecting on the evolutionary aspect of parental instincts, agreed with Dr. Aliza’s insights. She acknowledged the importance of teaching children to manage their feelings effectively, emphasizing that experiencing emotions is natural and survivable.

Drew, who shares daughters Olive, 11, and Frankie, nine, with her ex-husband Will Kopelman, opened up about the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, drawing from her own experiences. Despite her past struggles with her mother, Drew expressed a newfound understanding and reconciliation in their relationship.

Navigating the challenges of generational dynamics, Drew shared, “Daughters often expect their mothers not to be selfish. I carried the burden of my mother’s actions, acting as a wounded child forced to mature prematurely, grappling with the complexities of the parent-child relationship.”

Despite the hurdles, Drew has made strides in reconciling with her mother, emphasizing the importance of communication and mutual understanding in their renewed connection.