Angelina Jolie Opens Up About What Family Time Looks Like at Home

Actress Angelina Jolie is the mother of six children: Maddox, 19, Pax, 16, Zahara, 15, Shiloh, 14, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 12. In a recent interview, she opened up about her full house and how she thrives in chaos, laughing about how she’s no stranger to her children interrupting her work meetings. She’s learned to enjoy being human and smiling through it.

Getty Images hoto by Alberto E. Rodriguez

Jolie co-parents with her ex-husband Brad Pitt, who lives nearby. The Jolie-Pitt clan has a tight relationship with both their parents and Brad dedicated his Best Supporting Actor Oscar award to them in February. He said, “This is for my kids, who color everything I do. I adore you.” Interestingly enough, both parents wouldn’t be upset if their kids follow in their footsteps and have opened up about it on various occasions. Jolie has commented about the kids’ multiple interests, which unsurprisingly includes learning new languages. So what’s Angie’s secret to family time in a seven-person household?

She Gives Them Structure

To give her six children a bit of structure, she makes schedules at home but admits that her 15-year-old daughter, Zahara is the master of organization at home. “My daughter Zahara is better at organizing things than I am,” Angelina expressed.

Getty Images Photo by Mehdi Taamallah

Movie Nights

While the Jolie-Pitts may be one of the most famous families in the world, at the end of the day, they spend quality time together just like us. They love movie nights together. They bring out the popcorn, snacks, pajamas, and robes and enjoy their time together. Jolie added that her eldest son Maddox, who is currently attending South Korea’s Yonsei University, is visiting and that having everyone home makes her feel lucky. She explained that her children look out for each other and that since they’re such a big bunch, it’s nice to see them helping one another.

The Wisdom Segment

I Everyone has heard a son-in-law joke that marvels how a daughters less-than-bright husband can be the father of the smartest grandchildren on earth. Fortunately, that joke is based on a stereotype and rarely on reality. A son-in-law can be a tremendous boon if Mom and Dad recognizes the gift and initiate a positive relationship. Here are some practical pointers.

II Firstly, cut him some slack. Were all human. Your son-in-law is included in that category. Although you might wish for perfection in a match for your daughter, no one is perfect. So, if you have a new member of the clan, look for the good in him. In fact, applying that philosophy to all aspects of your life will lead to a more peaceful existence.

III Write a nice note to your son-in-law. Your daughter will thank you. Even if you're no Hemingway, the effort you put into putting positive sentiment on paper will go a long way toward building a strong and enduring relationship with the father of your grandchildren. And it will make your daughter's life easier.

IV Be a good listener. There are challenges to overcome whenever two families unite, and listening to each other is key. If your son-in-law feels heard, he will be more likely to blend into the family with a warm and open heart.

V Advocate for him. As a newcomer to the family, the dynamics of the family's interrelationship are also novel. Your son-in-law can easily find himself in a position where he has stepped into old existing tensions or alliances without understanding the dynamics. Stand up for him if this happens.

VI Remember that anything that you do for your son-in-law, any positive gesture, is really a nice action that you are engaging in for the sake of your daughter as well. Cutting your son-in-law some slack, handing him an appreciation note, listening up, and advocating for him will come a long way in fostering better unity and harmony in your family.

Angelina Jolie Opens Up About What Family Time Looks Like at Home

She Gives Them Structure

Movie Nights

The Wisdom Segment

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