Reese Witherspoon Reveals She Parents Her Youngest Son Differently After Being “Worn Out” by Raising Two Older Kids
Reese Witherspoon has always been open about the joys and challenges of motherhood, but in her latest candid moment she admitted something many parents can relate to—after raising two older children, she approaches parenting her youngest in a completely different way. During the September 20 episode of The Interview, the 49-year-old actress and producer shared that more than 25 years of parenting has left her a little tired, and that has naturally shaped the way she raises her 12-year-old son, Tennessee James.
Witherspoon’s parenting journey began in her early twenties when she welcomed her daughter Ava Phillippe, now 26, with ex-husband Ryan Phillippe. A few years later, they had their son Deacon, now 21. She spent her twenties and thirties balancing her career in Hollywood with the nonstop demands of raising two kids, and as she explained, that period of her life wasn’t always easy. She poured herself into it, but like many parents juggling multiple responsibilities, she admits it left her feeling drained at times.
Now, with Tennessee, her son with ex-husband Jim Toth, she finds herself in a different stage of life. She’s older, more established in her career, and more reflective about how she wants to spend her time. That shift has made her parenting style with her youngest more relaxed and less intense compared to the years she spent raising Ava and Deacon. Witherspoon joked that her first two children “wore me out,” but her honesty carried a warmth that resonated with many who understand the exhaustion that can come after decades of parenting.
What stands out in her reflections is how openly she acknowledges the differences without guilt. She knows she gave her oldest two the full force of her energy when she was younger, and now she offers Tennessee something a little different—more patience, perhaps, and less worry about trying to get everything perfect. It’s a reminder that parenting doesn’t look the same in every chapter of life, and that’s okay. Each child gets a version of their parent that reflects where they are in their own growth as a person.
It’s also clear that her love and devotion for each of her children remains the same, even if her energy levels have shifted. Ava, who is often described as her look-alike, has grown into a young woman carving out her own path, while Deacon has stepped into the world of music and entertainment. Tennessee, still just 12, has the benefit of having siblings much older than him, as well as a mom who has already been through the highs and lows of raising teenagers. Witherspoon seems to embrace the chance to slow down a little and savor this stage of motherhood, even if she jokes about being worn out.
Her candidness also reflects something bigger: the way parenting evolves over time. Many parents with multiple kids will tell you that the first child often experiences a lot of trial and error, the second benefits from the lessons learned, and by the time a third comes along, things are often more laid back. For Witherspoon, that progression seems natural. After decades of balancing motherhood with a busy career, she’s simply acknowledging what many experience but don’t always say out loud.
Fans have praised her for being so relatable, pointing out that it’s refreshing to see a Hollywood star talk about parenting struggles with honesty rather than trying to make it seem effortless. Witherspoon has always had a down-to-earth quality despite her fame, and this moment is another example of why people connect with her. Parenting, at its core, is about love, patience, and presence, but it’s also about adapting to where you are in life. Reese Witherspoon’s words are a reminder that it’s okay to admit that parenting is hard, that it can wear you out, and that adjusting your approach with each child doesn’t mean you love them any less—it just means you’re human.
