Reese Witherspoon [1] certainly feels the pressure when it comes to raising her kids [2]. But unlike many other parents, the mom of three doesn't have any issues letting her children go up against adversity [3]. In a recent interview with Fast Company, the 42-year-old actress admitted that she's often brutally honest with her kids [4] — and that's completely fine.
"I feel like I'm constantly counteracting pressure from the parents who want to make the lives of their kids golden and magical at all moments!" explained Reese. "Guess what, kids? You're going to be disappointed and uncomfortable once in a while."
Reese pointed to an example that's particularly relatable for any moms or dads who have children in after-school activities.
"I remember Ava crying in bed in third grade — she was on JV basketball and she was the only kid on the team who didn't score. I said, "Aves, maybe you're bad at basketball." She thought that was mean," said Reese. "I said, 'Mean or true? 'Cause, guess what? Your mom's bad at basketball, too.'"
Consider yourself a lawnmower parent [6]? Although her philosophy isn't for everyone, think about implementing Reese's approach the next time your child experiences failure firsthand.