8 nuggets of parenting wisdom from Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie

It’s tough enough to be working parents raising six kids. Add to that: being Hollywood’s biggest stars. But, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie-Pitt seem to be taking it all in stride.

The celebrity power couple, who are succeeding impressively at parenthood, has given us many things to be inspired about over the years. Here are just a few of them.

Home is where your children are

Jetting off to exotic locations to shoot blockbuster films or grace red carpets is the norm when you’re part of Hollywood’s elite. But despite the many places they’ve lived in, being together is what home truly means.

Love your children fiercely—and equally

Raising both their adopted and biological kids (Maddox, 14, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and seven-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne) with love and care is truly inspiring. They don’t really distinguish between any of them. They’re not a fan of playing favorites.

photo: angelinajolie.me

raising both their adopted and biological kids (Maddox, 14, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and seven-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne)

All parents must exhibit self-control and critical thinking

They both agree that parents must know what to do in critical situations, always favoring diplomacy to force. Above all, they respect their kids’ right to express themselves and to exhibit their individuality.

Vanity has no place in a family

For two parents who are global superstars, it may be tough to raise kids who are totally immune from all the perks and privileges that come with a life in the spotlight. But Brad believes that fatherhood “tamed his ego”. Angelina also feels like becoming a mother changed how she perceives what true beauty means.

More Brangelina parenting wisdom on the next page. 

Let them chose their future profession

Brad himself grew up idolizing John Travolta as a dancer, but then he also fell in love with photography and architecture later on. These various passions taught him how to value a child’s ability to dream.

Angelina believes in encouraging their kid’s curiosity and imagination outside the classroom.

“We travel and I’m the first person to say, ‘get the school work done as quickly as possible because let’s go out and explore’,” Angelina told The Independent in June 2011. “I’d rather them go to a museum and learn to play guitar and read and pick a book they love.”

If you must argue, do it privately

Angelina has opened up in previous interviews about how Brad Pitt is the logical one while she is the impulsive one. Whenever they disagree on something, they make sure that they discuss it out of earshot from their kids.

Their kids respect them even more for always taking time to discuss whatever issues arise.

“When I tell Maddox that he’s not allowed to get on a motorcycle with my dad, he will never complain to Brad in the hope of having the ban lifted,” reveals Angelina.

photo: Vogue magazine

Do not force your faith upon your children

Brad was raised as a Baptist. His family was deeply entrenched in the church. Though Angelina was raised differently, they both agree that imposing their religion or beliefs on their children is not an option.

You must have parental ambitions

Though Brad and Angelina seem to have achieved the pinnacle of success, they still have hopes and dreams—mostly for their kids. They want to raise them well; even if they have access to practically everything (including a famous name), they want their kids to carve out their own place in the world and to be able to give meaningful contributions to society.

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