Kelly Clarkson has clarified her rationale for prohibiting her children from using social media until they reach the age of 18.
During a recent interview with PEOPLE, the 41-year-old singer and talk show host shared insights into her stringent parenting approach and elaborated on the reasons behind her decision to shield her children from the challenges of social media.
Navigating social media can pose challenges for anyone, be it the constant exposure to idealized versions of people’s lives or bodies, or the prevalence of trolling and negative comments. For a child, it can be a daunting environment to navigate.
Kelly Clarkson, a former judge on The Voice, has two children with her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock: their nine-year-old daughter, River Rose, and seven-year-old son, Remington Alexander.
Kelly Clarkson has banned her children from having social media. Credit: Cindy Ord/Getty
In her explanation for restricting her children from social media until the age of 18, Clarkson shared with the outlet in a recent cover story, “It can be really challenging for kids in general, but especially for those with parents in the public eye.”
“I’ve made it clear to them that under my roof, they are not allowed to have it, ever,” Clarkson emphasized.
Clarkson continued to discuss the complexities of co-parenting, highlighting that the experience varies significantly for each individual involved.
“At the beginning, it’s more challenging,” she elaborated. “There’s a lot of emotion and trauma intertwined in the process.”
Nevertheless, she pointed out that with the passage of time, “it gets easier,” but also acknowledged, “It’s hard enough when you’re married and come from two different backgrounds and ways to discipline and educate. Doing that in different households can be tough.”
Despite her daughter’s attempts, Clarkson remains steadfast in her decision and does not waver.
“My daughter was like, ‘Well, what if Dad lets me?’ I’m like, ‘Well, you’re there four days a month. Enjoy that.’ And right now he’s not letting them do it either,” she explained to the outlet. “I’ll listen when they’re older, but until they have a solid argument, it’s a no.”
The singer of ‘Because of You’ separated from Blackstock in 2020, and their divorce concluded in 2022 after an extended legal dispute. The resolution involved Clarkson making a one-time payment of around $1.3 million to Blackstock, in addition to ongoing monthly spousal and child support payments, despite the children spending only a few days a month with their father.
In another segment of her cover story, the 41-year-old discussed reinventing herself after her divorce, placing significant emphasis on personal development and cultivating healthy habits.
Kelly Clarkson and her husband were officially divorced in 2022. Credit: Christopher Polk/Getty/NARAS)
Upon moving to New York City to elevate her eponymous show, Clarkson streamlined her routine to attain her desired physical goals.
“Walking in the city is quite the workout. I’m really into infrared saunas right now. And I just got a cold plunge because everybody wore me down,” she shared via TODAY.
In terms of her diet, the Grammy-award-winning musician mentioned that she maintains a “healthy mix” of foods.
“I dropped weight because I’ve been listening to my doctor – a couple of years I didn’t,” she continued. “And 90% of the time I’m really good at it because a protein diet is good for me anyway. I’m a Texas girl, so I like meat – sorry, vegetarians in the world!”
Nevertheless, the talk-show host hasn’t completely eliminated everything she loves from her diet.
“I still indulge,” she shared with the publication. “Recently, I treated myself to a frozen yogurt with my daughter, and it was truly enchanting.”
Kelly Clarkson relocated to New York City after her divorce. Credit: Mike Coppola/Getty/CMT)
The celebrity also talked about the challenges of balancing single motherhood with a demanding career.
“I can be tough on myself, but I believe I handle things quite well. I’m certainly not an overbearing mom,” she expressed. “I appreciate their independence, yet I prioritize my schedule to ensure I’m present as much as possible. No one’s a flawless parent; I’m sure I’m inadvertently making mistakes with my children! Nevertheless, I’m giving it my utmost effort.”
