Julia Roberts Reveals She and Husband Danny Moder Were ‘Disciplinarian’ Parents
Julia Roberts imparted some insightful parenting wisdom to her friend and fellow actor George Clooney, offering a rare glimpse into her journey as a mother.
Us Weekly has the exclusive first glimpse of Roberts’ conversation with Clooney, 64, in Edward and Akua Enninful‘s new print publication, 72 Magazine, where she talks about parenting her three children: twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, 20, and son Henry, 18, with husband Danny Moder.
Roberts, 57, noted that they were often seen as among the “stricter parents” in their neighborhood during their children’s upbringing. This remark came after Clooney — who is a father to 8-year-old twins, Alexander and Ella, with wife Amal Clooney — inquired about how Roberts managed screen time and internet use when her kids were younger.
“I don’t know how to do it,” Clooney admitted regarding her social media presence. “I’m not on any platforms, mainly because I find life simpler without them. But I worry about kids. I worry about my kids, obviously. And I was curious if you share that concern regarding values,” he added.
Clooney continued to express his concerns, reflecting on how, at 12, mistakes he made wouldn’t “follow [him] to college or [his] career,” unlike today where the internet captures every moment.
“The stakes are much higher now, and consequences linger far longer,” he elaborated. “I’m anxious for my kids; we restrict their internet usage as much as possible. Yet, some of their assignments require a computer, and they enjoy watching a good Snoopy movie now and then. But what are your approaches? Did you set limits or did you focus on discussions instead?”
Roberts responded, “They were definitely among the last in their peer group to get phones. During their younger years, Danny and I were regarded as some of the stricter parents. Not in a draconian way, but with established rules that didn’t waver. Here’s the boundary, and it remains firm. You can’t ask me for an answer, then go to dad hoping for a different one. That’s not how it works.”
She concluded, “That’s what fosters the stability that helps them feel secure, knowing that a consistent world of love and safety exists unconditionally.”
Roberts has shared her thoughts about raising children in the age of smartphones, stating in a 2023 Today interview that she and Moder, 56, adhered to “simple rules,” such as keeping devices at a “charging station” at home and enforcing “no phones at the table.”
However, she acknowledged the necessity of technology at times.
“I approach parenting them outside the home as I do inside, checking if they’re getting enough sleep, if they sound unwell, ensuring they’re drinking tea, and reminding them to text me when they arrive home safely,” she explained, noting that they regularly FaceTime each other when apart.
“I genuinely appreciate both my older kids for allowing me to remain the same mom to them,” she expressed, “with no eye-rolling, just a considerable amount of understanding.”
In another part of their 72 Magazine interview, Roberts and Clooney explored the pressure of imparting “values” to their children, especially given their celebrity lifestyles.
“You and I have discussed this often,” Roberts remarked to Clooney, who mentioned that his son has recently inquired about the meaning of “famous.” “We all aspire for our kids to grow up with strong values. As parents, that’s our goal. Danny and I have always been aligned in our core values. Young children only know what we allow them to know; I couldn’t even tell you how old my kids were when they truly understood my professional standing.”
Clooney praised Roberts for being a wonderful mom and commended her for raising “such great kids.”
“It’s truly a joy watching them with you,” he added, “They support you, and you support them.”
Roberts is preparing to step back into the limelight with Luca Guadagnino’s new film After the Hunt, which follows a college professor (Roberts) facing personal and professional challenges when her star student (Ayo Edebiri) makes an accusation against a colleague (Andrew Garfield), threatening to reveal a dark secret from her past.
The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival earlier this month and will be released in theaters on October 10.
The timing is perfect as Roberts graces the cover of 72 Magazine’s inaugural issue, set to launch on September 12, supported by the digital EE72 platform. The magazine blends global fashion, beauty, luxury, and culture, heralding an exciting new chapter in storytelling and representing a significant change in the media landscape.
Roberts was the ideal choice to inaugurate “the start of an exciting chapter,” said Sarah Harris, the editorial director of 72 Magazine, in a press statement.
“Julia Roberts has always been a defining figure in our cultural fabric; she refuses to be confined to any singular moment or role,” Harris noted. “She constantly evolves yet stays true to herself, embodying the essence of the modern woman that 72 Magazine celebrates: unfiltered, genuine, and timeless.”
