Kelly Clarkson recently opened up about the complexities of modern parenting, confessing her relatable desire to “limit” the need for therapy for her children, 11-year-old River Rose and 9-year-old Remington, while fostering empathy and navigating the recent loss of their father, Brandon Blackstock.
Fans of Kelly Clarkson have long admired her authenticity, both on stage and on screen. Recently, the talk show host and singer once again connected with parents everywhere by sharing a remarkably candid confession about raising her two children, River Rose and Remington. Her honest reflection on striving to be the best parent while acknowledging the inevitable challenges of childhood development has resonated deeply within the fan community, especially given the family’s recent heartbreak.
The Candid Confession: “Trying My Best to Limit Therapy”
During a recent episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show on October 15, Clarkson engaged in a heartfelt conversation with actress Mariska Hargitay, revealing a piece of wisdom she imparts to her 11-year-old daughter, River Rose, as she grows older. “I look at my daughter constantly and I’m just like, ‘Look, I’m trying my best,'” Clarkson shared. “‘I know you’re gonna end up in therapy one day. I don’t know what for, but I’m trying my best to limit it. Just like, help out.'” This humorous yet poignant admission underscores the universal parental struggle to guide children through life’s complexities while acknowledging the potential need for professional support, as reported by Parade.
Cultivating Empathy and Understanding Parental Choices
Clarkson further elaborated on how perspective shifts as children mature into adulthood. She noted that older children begin to understand the choices their parents made in a different light, even if those decisions weren’t always ideal. “It is interesting, too. As we get older, you understand even like if they might have been not great decisions for you,” Clarkson explained. “You understand them in a different light, and you become a parent. You have a little bit more empathy than you might have had in your 20s.” This insight highlights Clarkson’s own journey of self-reflection and growth, which she now models for her children.
A Family Navigating Loss: The Passing of Brandon Blackstock
The singer’s candid parenting insights come amidst a period of profound grief for her family. Kelly Clarkson shares River Rose and Remington “Remy” with her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, who passed away in August at the age of 48 after a private three-year battle with cancer. The news of Blackstock’s death was confirmed by Parade, and a source close to Clarkson told People that she was “heartbroken” for their children, emphasizing that “her kids are her entire world, and she’s staying strong for their sake.” Another source further elaborated on Clarkson’s protective stance during Blackstock’s illness, stating she was “devastated” for the kids and “remained protective of him for their sake.”
Clarkson’s Approach to Honesty and Vulnerability
Clarkson’s current openness with her children about life’s difficulties is consistent with her long-held parenting philosophy. In a September 2022 cover story with Variety, she discussed the importance of vulnerability, particularly during her divorce from Blackstock. “I think the most important thing I’ve learned in therapy, especially through this divorce, is ‘don’t hide everything from your kids,'” she revealed at the time. She advocated for allowing children to see their parents’ struggles, such as crying or having a bad day, which in turn teaches them empathy. “You start to feel that kind of shame, like, ‘I’ve got to put my best foot forward as a mom because I don’t want them to be affected,'” Clarkson continued. “But then you allow your kids to express empathy, and they learn how to say, ‘Oh, man, I’m sorry you had a hard day.'” This philosophy undoubtedly helps her children navigate the recent loss of their father.
Supporting Her Children: Postponing the Las Vegas Residency
In a testament to her dedication to her children, Clarkson made the difficult decision to postpone her Las Vegas residency dates in August 2025, just a day before Blackstock’s death was publicly announced. She released a statement explaining her need to be “fully present” for her children due to their father’s illness, as reported by Parade. This selfless act underscored her commitment to prioritizing her kids during such a sensitive and challenging time.
Moving Forward: Focus on Family and Self
Following her highly publicized and messy divorce, which was finalized in 2022, Clarkson has been open about her contentment with remaining single. During a July performance at her Las Vegas Studio Sessions residency, she told the crowd that dating “can be very difficult, which is why I don’t,” describing it as a “dumpster fire” under the spotlight, a moment captured and shared on TikTok. She reiterated this stance in a May episode of Today With Jenna & Friends, stating she was “not looking” for a romantic partner because she was “very busy.” Her focus remains squarely on her career and, most importantly, on providing a stable and loving environment for River Rose and Remington as they navigate their new reality.
Fan Community’s Takeaway
For fans, Kelly Clarkson’s journey is a powerful reminder that celebrity parents face the same everyday struggles as anyone else. Her honesty about the desire to protect her children while also fostering their emotional intelligence and resilience resonates deeply. By openly discussing therapy, empathy, and the profound impact of loss, Clarkson not only empowers her children but also encourages a broader conversation about mental wellness and supportive parenting within her expansive fan community. Her transparent approach offers comfort and validation, solidifying her status as a relatable and inspiring figure.
