Kate Hudson’s parenting approach is refreshingly unconventional. In a candid conversation with AOL, the actress, entrepreneur, and mother of three shared her thoughts on how she balances motherhood, wellness, and self-care, all without relying on punishment. Hudson, who has always been open about her holistic approach to life, stresses that effective parenting is more about teaching and guiding rather than disciplining.
Hudson’s unique perspective on parenting and wellness reflects her broader philosophy on life, which centers on flexibility and balance. According to Hudson, finding structure in life actually gives her more freedom. “When I started structuring my life a little bit better, I actually felt more freedom,” she said, emphasizing how important it is to find the right balance between discipline and flexibility.
The Oscar-nominated actress, who also serves as an ambassador for WW (formerly Weight Watchers), credits the company’s program for helping her find that balance. “WW has done so much research, they really know how to create the right kind of structure that helps you live a more flexible lifestyle,” Hudson said, adding that the supportive community within WW has been especially helpful. “It is a community where people want to help people. And I think things like that are really needed right now.”
Hudson’s views on structure are closely tied to her upbringing and experiences in adulthood. She admits that structure was a valuable lesson for her as she transitioned from adolescence into adulthood. However, she stresses that too much structure can be counterproductive, creating unnecessary pressure that ultimately leads to stress and unhappiness. “Mentally, we need the ability to be flexible,” she said. “If you’re too structured, if you start creating too much pressure on yourself to stay so structured, you’re probably not going to be so fun.”
In her own parenting, Hudson takes a thoughtful approach that avoids traditional punishments. She focuses on teaching her children through actions rather than reprimanding them for their mistakes. “I like creating a world where ‘I understand and you do by action’… for me, it’s more about what you’re teaching them versus what you’re punishing them for doing that’s wrong,” she explained. This philosophy underscores her belief that emotional learning is more impactful than simply punishing a child’s behavior.
Hudson’s children—sons Ryder Russell (16) and Bingham Hawn (9), and daughter Rani Rose (2)—are learning from their mother’s hands-on approach to parenting. She encourages her children to understand their emotions and behaviors rather than focusing on food-related discipline. Hudson is stricter when it comes to emotional and behavioral lessons, an approach that has proven especially effective with her daughter, Rani. According to Hudson, Rani often joins her in yoga practice and meditation, picking up on her mother’s healthy habits through observation and participation rather than enforcement.
The actress makes a point of balancing discipline with fun in her household. For instance, her family celebrates “Friday funday,” a day when the kids can choose whatever they want to eat. This often leads to indulgent meals, including the family’s West Coast favorite, In-N-Out burger. Hudson believes that allowing her children these moments of indulgence helps them develop a healthy relationship with food and freedom. “You want your kids to feel the freedom that they can enjoy and do things that they see other people doing,” she said. “I want them to have fun in their lives. I want them to be happy and I want them to know what it is to be healthy.”
This open, flexible approach to wellness is something Hudson learned from her own mother, Goldie Hawn. Hudson recalls how her mother experimented with wellness practices long before they became mainstream. “I was raised with a mom that was bringing home crazy mushroom tinctures from China because they helped her immune system back in ’87 when that was sort of very fringe,” Hudson recalled with a laugh. “But now we know how mushrooms are amazing immunity support… it’s like science catches up, as it should, as it does.”
The pandemic has been challenging for Hudson, just as it has for many others. The actress openly admits that the past year has taken a toll on her emotional and mental well-being. “I’m optimistic by nature, it’s just in me,” she shared. “But that being said, I can’t help but feel so much loss. Sometimes I’ll go out and I’ll look around, and I’ll be like, ‘Wow, this is weird. This is really weird.’ And I don’t want to be in denial of that.”
Despite the difficulties, Hudson remains focused on maintaining positivity and staying connected to her family. She is determined not to take her blessings for granted, especially during such a challenging time. “We want to try to count our blessings and feel the love of our immediate family and closeness and not take those things for granted,” she said. However, she also acknowledges the heaviness of this moment in history. “At the end of the day, I really do feel a weighted-ness to this year… we just keep moving, hopefully, towards better days and more connectivity.”
Looking ahead to 2024, Hudson emphasizes the importance of sending healing energy to those in need and staying optimistic about the future. She believes that with a focus on family, wellness, and emotional growth, it’s possible to emerge from challenging times even stronger.
Hudson’s approach to parenting and life, which blends structure with flexibility and emotional awareness, is a refreshing reminder of the importance of balance, especially in a world that often feels chaotic. As she continues to navigate the complexities of motherhood, wellness, and self-care, her insights offer valuable lessons for anyone seeking to create a healthier, more balanced life.
