When you think of celebrity kids, you might imagine extravagant lifestyles and a lack of rules, but that’s far from the case for Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling’s daughters, Esmeralda and Amada. Despite their parents’ A-list status, the couple has implemented strict parenting rules—starting with a total ban on social media and smartphones.
In a candid interview with The Sunday Times, Mendes opened up about her stance on keeping her kids offline. “Putting my kid on the internet and being like, ‘Oh, search something,’ that to me is equivalent to telling her, ‘Oh, just go down the street in the middle of the night. You’ll be fine,’” Mendes shared. “I know that sounds extreme, but that’s what I feel.”
This approach might seem harsh to some, but for Mendes and Gosling, it’s about prioritizing their daughters’ mental well-being and ensuring they remain grounded. While their lives are undeniably luxurious, Mendes and Gosling are determined not to let their children lose sight of reality.
Grounded Parenting with a Purpose
Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling both come from humble beginnings and know the importance of perspective. Mendes shared that she draws from her own upbringing and her experiences with Gosling to teach their daughters gratitude and responsibility. Citing the book Raising Mentally Strong Kids, Mendes explained her belief in chores as a way to instill a sense of accountability. “I know my daughters won’t face the same struggles Ryan and I did growing up, but I want them to have perspective,” she noted.
For Mendes, this philosophy extends to everyday life. She believes that chores, like helping around the house, impart valuable lessons that privilege cannot teach. It’s a way of ensuring that Esmeralda and Amada grow up with a sense of humility, even as children of one of Hollywood’s most glamorous couples.
The Value of Boredom
Screen time isn’t the only thing Mendes is firm about. In 2022, she told Byrdie about her unconventional parenting philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of boredom. While Gosling was filming, Mendes spent a summer in London with her daughters, consciously keeping them away from screens.
“I really feel like when we’re bored—not stimulated by a phone, or an iPad, or computer or television—that’s when ideas come in,” Mendes explained. “Sometimes it’s fun, sometimes it’s dangerous, and sometimes it’s enlightening. I really want it to be the summer of boredom.”
Mendes’ belief in fostering creativity through unstructured time aligns with her overall parenting style, which is rooted in conscious parenting. This approach focuses on building a strong parent-child relationship rather than rigidly adhering to rules.
Anxiety and Conscious Parenting
While Mendes is a hands-on and intentional mom, she’s also honest about the challenges she faces. In her Sunday Times interview, she admitted that she worries about unintentionally passing her own anxiety onto her daughters. “Subconsciously, I can’t imagine what they’re inheriting from me that I don’t want them to inherit from me,” she confessed.
For Mendes, conscious parenting is about acknowledging her own imperfections and working to ensure her daughters feel secure and supported. It’s a dynamic approach that prioritizes emotional connection over perfection, and it’s clear she takes her role as a mother very seriously.
A Team Effort in Parenting
Ryan Gosling, while quieter about his parenting style, has no problem admitting that Mendes is the driving force behind their approach. In an interview with GQ, Gosling revealed how much he relies on Mendes for guidance. “I just lean on Eva. She knows what’s important, always. She just somehow knows. So if ever I’m in my head about it, I just ask her,” he said.
The couple’s partnership appears to be built on mutual respect, with Mendes taking the lead on parenting decisions and Gosling fully supporting her instincts. Together, they’ve crafted a parenting style that reflects their shared values: protecting their daughters, encouraging creativity, and staying grounded in their family life.
A Modern Approach to Parenting
Mendes and Gosling’s parenting rules might seem strict by modern standards, but they reflect a deep commitment to raising thoughtful, well-rounded children. By banning social media, fostering creativity through boredom, and grounding their daughters in the realities of life, Mendes and Gosling are carving out a path that prioritizes mental health and family connection over the trappings of fame.
While their daughters may not grow up with the freedom and access many celebrity kids enjoy, they’re being given something far more valuable: the tools to navigate life with gratitude, resilience, and a sense of purpose. For Mendes and Gosling, parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about being intentional, present, and, above all, loving.
