Reese Witherspoon Talks About Parenting Three Kids At Different Life Stages

Reese Witherspoon is a proud mother of three. She recently discussed what it's like raising three kids who are at different life stages. Mother to daughter Ava, 23, and son Deacon, 18, with ex Ryan Phillipe, as well as son Tennessee, 10, with husband Jim Toth, the actress said different parenting approaches are needed with each of them.

Witherspoon, 46, discussed all things parenting during a recent interview with Today with Hoda & Jenna saying, "You establish a different relationship." She continued explaining, "First of all, you're managing them a lot when they're little and it's very physical. And then it's more emotional support. And suggestions, not telling them what to do when they get a little bit older." She added, "But you have to really nurture your adult relationship with your children too. And give them respect and space to become who they are, not who you want them to be."

Balancing motherhood and a demanding career can be difficult, but on a recent visit to The Drew Barrymore Show, said the sacrifices were "truly worth it." "There's a lot of compromise," she said. "You feel like that's what makes me wake up on a Sunday, it's not movies or my job, it's my kids. Being a mom is really great, it's a big part of my life. I would say it's the biggest part of my life."

When the topic of Witherspoon's daughter Ava being her look-a-like was brought up and host Jenna Bush Hager held up a photo of the two exclaiming, "Wait, y'all are twins," the actress replied, "She and I don't see it that much." Many of Witherspoon's Instagram followers agree with Bush Hager that the two look very much alike. In the comments of a recently posted photo of the mother and daughter, one follower said, "And you're on the left of this pic? No...right? Left?...ri...left....no right," and another chimed in with, "Simply copy paste." Many also said they look more like sisters, and some commented a simple, "Twins." 

Witherspoon also posted a birthday tribute for Ava and comments were similar with many saying they look just like twins. A photo of the two standing on the beach with the sunset in the background was captioned, "Happy Birthday to my favorite daughter, Ava !! 🥰Every day that I get to watch you become the most amazing woman is such a gift. Your gigantic heart, generous spirit, and endless creativity inspire me every day. I love you so much 💞💫🎂."

Ava jumped into the comments to respond with, "okay I know I’m biased but…you really do ‘mom love’ like no one else can. thank you for celebrating me as I am since day one. 💖," and then added, "also, I know I technically have to be your favorite daughter considering there’s no competition…but I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of hearing it!"

A few weeks ago, the "Legally Blonde" actress posted a photo of her with her oldest son Deacon captioned, "This hug made my whole year 💝@deaconphillippe." While many captioned that they also look like twins, Deacon popped in to simply say, "Miss you so much!!"