Introduction: Hollywood’s Favorite Mom
Julia Roberts Kids has captivated audiences for decades with her iconic performances in films like “Pretty Woman,” “Erin Brockovich,” and “Notting Hill.” But beyond her legendary Hollywood status, Roberts considers her most important role to be that of a mother to her three children – twins Hazel and Phinnaeus (born 2004) and younger son Henry (born 2007).
Unlike many celebrities who share every detail of their family life on social media, Roberts has intentionally kept her children out of the spotlight. She and her husband, cinematographer Danny Moder, have worked diligently to provide their kids with as normal an upbringing as possible despite their famous parents. This article offers an in-depth exploration of Roberts’ approach to parenting, her children’s personalities, and how she balances motherhood with her A-list career.
Julia Roberts’ Parenting Philosophy: Privacy Above All
Roberts’ parenting approach stands in stark contrast to many Hollywood stars who document their children’s lives for public consumption. The Oscar-winning actress has been vocal about her commitment to protecting her kids’ privacy, believing childhood should be sacred and free from media scrutiny.
The family lives a surprisingly low-key life in Malibu, where the children attend regular schools and participate in typical childhood activities. Roberts has emphasized in interviews that she wants her kids to develop their own identities outside of her fame. “My children have the right to grow up without being ‘Julia Roberts’ kids’ first and themselves second,” she told Oprah Winfrey in a rare parenting discussion.
This philosophy extends to social media as well. While many celebrity children have Instagram accounts managed by their parents, Roberts’ kids remain completely absent from these platforms. The actress believes this digital privacy allows them to make normal childhood mistakes without public judgment.
Hazel and Phinnaeus Moder: The Twins Who Changed Everything
Roberts’ life transformed dramatically when she welcomed twins Hazel Patricia and Julia Roberts Kids Phinnaeus Walter on November 28, 2004. The actress, then 36, had focused intensely on her career up to that point, but the twins’ arrival marked a profound shift in priorities.
Hazel, often described as her mother’s “mini-me,” has inherited Roberts’ famous smile and expressive eyes. Though kept out of the public eye, those who’ve interacted with the family describe her as thoughtful and creative with a quiet confidence. Phinnaeus, meanwhile, is said to be more introspective with a sharp wit and keen intellect.
Roberts has shared amusing anecdotes about the challenges of raising twins, including how she learned to tell them apart in the dark by the different sounds of their breathing. “Parenting twins is like being in a circus act where you’re constantly juggling, but the balls keep multiplying,” she joked to People Magazine.
Now, teenagers, the twins attend a private school where they can learn and socialize without excessive attention. Roberts has mentioned they’re both strong students with diverse interests ranging from music to environmental science.
Henry Daniel Moder: The Family’s Youngest Star
Henry Daniel, born June 18, 2007, brought new energy to the Moder household. Roberts has described her youngest as “the family’s comedian,” always ready with a joke or silly face to lighten the mood. Unlike his older siblings, who were largely hidden from public view as babies, Henry has occasionally appeared with his parents at low-key events.
Now in his mid-teens, Henry enjoys sports and outdoor activities. Roberts has shared that he’s particularly fond of surfing and basketball. “He’s all boy – always moving, always exploring,” she told Ellen DeGeneres in a 2018 interview. “I find rocks in his pockets, sticks under his bed – he’s our little adventurer.”
The actress has noted how Henry’s birth completed their family in unexpected ways. “With the twins, it was all about survival those first years,” she admitted. “With Henry, I could savor every moment because I wasn’t so overwhelmed.”
The Moder Family Dynamic: Keeping Hollywood at Bay
Despite their famous parents, the Moder children experience a remarkably normal home life. Family friends describe their household as warm and unpretentious, filled with inside jokes, movie nights, and home-cooked meals. Roberts has emphasized that celebrity doesn’t factor into their daily routines.
“We have the same struggles as any family – getting homework done, enforcing screen time limits, dealing with sibling squabbles,” Roberts told Good Housekeeping. “The only difference is that sometimes people recognize me at the grocery store.”
The family enjoys simple pleasures like beach outings, hiking, and board game nights. Roberts has mentioned they’re particularly fond of Scrabble and charades. “Danny always wins at Scrabble, which drives the rest of us crazy,” she shared with Jimmy Kimmel.
Education and Extracurriculars: Raising Well-Rounded Kids
Roberts and Moder have placed great emphasis on their children’s education. All three attend respected private schools where they can focus on learning without excessive media attention. The actress has spoken about the importance of finding schools that align with their family values.
Beyond academics, the children participate in various activities. Hazel has shown interest in dance and painting, while Phinnaeus enjoys science clubs and soccer. Henry, true to his active nature, plays multiple sports. Roberts has mentioned she loves seeing their personalities develop through these pursuits.
The family also prioritizes giving back. They regularly volunteer together at local food banks and animal shelters. “It’s important to us that the kids understand their good fortune and learn to help others,” Roberts explained in a charity interview.
Balancing Motherhood and Movie Stardom
Roberts’ approach to balancing career and family has evolved significantly since becoming a mother. After the twins’ birth, she took nearly four years off from acting. “I didn’t want to miss a moment,” she told Vogue. “Those early years go by so fast.”
When she returned to work, she became highly selective about projects, often choosing films that shot near home or had family-friendly schedules. She’s turned down numerous roles that would have required extensive travel or long separations from her children.
Roberts credits her husband’s flexible schedule as a cinematographer for making this balance possible. “Danny and I tag-team parenting based on our work commitments,” she explained. “We’ve been lucky that our careers have allowed us to prioritize being present for the kids.”
The Challenges of Raising Kids in the Spotlight
Despite their best efforts, Roberts acknowledges the unique challenges of parenting in the public eye. Paparazzi have occasionally followed the children, particularly as they’ve grown older. The actress has spoken about how frustrating this invasion of privacy can be.
“We’ve had to have conversations with the kids about why strangers sometimes take their pictures,” Roberts shared with Today. “It’s an odd thing to explain to a child – that because of what Mommy does, people are interested in their lives.”
The family has developed strategies to minimize these intrusions, including varying their routines and using private entrances at public places. Roberts has also been vocal in criticizing media outlets that publish unauthorized photos of celebrity children.
Looking Ahead: The Moderated Children’s Futures
As Hazel, Phinnaeus, and Henry enter their late teens, fans naturally wonder if any will follow their parents into the entertainment industry. So far, there’s no indication that any are pursuing acting, and Roberts has made clear she supports whatever paths they choose.
“I want them to find their passions,” she told People. “If that’s film, great. If it’s medicine or teaching or anything else, equally great.” The actress has mentioned that one child shows interest in environmental science while another enjoys writing.
What’s certain is that Roberts has given them the foundation to pursue their dreams without the pressure of her fame. “My greatest hope is that they grow up to be kind, happy people who feel free to be themselves,” she shared in a rare parenting reflection.
Conclusion: Julia Roberts’ Most Important Role
While Julia Roberts will always be remembered for her legendary film career, her most cherished role remains that of mother to Hazel, Phinnaeus, and Henry. Through deliberate choices – prioritizing privacy, maintaining normalcy, and fostering independence – she’s given her children the priceless gift of a grounded upbringing.
In an era where celebrity children are often thrust into the spotlight, Roberts’ approach stands as a model of mindful parenting in Hollywood. She proves that fame doesn’t have to define a family, and that the greatest legacy isn’t box office success, but the values instilled in the next generation.
