Matthew McConaughey recently appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show and shared his approach to connecting with his teenage children.
“I’ve got teenagers. Hey, Vida [his daughter], ‘what’s it like being a teenager these days?’ instead of ‘Vida, how are you doing?’” he explained. “The second one’s tough—it’s personal, right?”
He emphasized the importance of listening without judgment. “Keeping access to the kids… I had to almost be less of a dad in some ways and be less judgmental. When they’re saying something as it’s coming out of their mouth I’m already ready to go, ‘You did what?’ or ‘You know better than that.’
“I try to sit on that, listen, and let them keep sharing. I’d rather know and not judge right now than not know and wonder later what I’m supposed to judge, you know what I mean?”
McConaughey added, “I think what I’m finding is there’s a bridge between being a parent and a big brother to them. So far, the big brother thing with teenagers is working so far so good”.
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The actor has three biological children with his wife, Camila Alves McConaughey: Levi (born 2008), Vida (2010), and Livingston (2012). His family now resides in Austin, Texas after relocating from Los Angeles until 2012.
Fans have praised his method on the Instagram post.
One commented, “Love his approach—getting to know your child’s thoughts and feelings without prejudging but rather listening and empathizing.” Another shared, “I’ve raised two kids and I used this. It works! You want the kids to keep coming back to you.”
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A third fan added, “The balance between being a parent and confidant to your teenager. Scaffolding vs helicopter parenting. People need to grow up learning to fly on their own when they are ready but know they are loved and supported.”
