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George Clooney Shares Parenting Insights and Life Lessons

In a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, actor George Clooney discussed the unique lessons he imparts to his son, Alexander, who has developed a keen interest in chess. At just 7 years old, Alexander competes in tournaments and faces opponents who are often much older, presenting both challenges and teaching moments.

Clooney, 63, explained to host Stephen Colbert that Alexander doesn’t always come out on top. This, he noted, has served as an opportunity for him to instill important values in his son. “He’s playing a lot of older kids, and he’s not winning all the time,” Clooney shared. “He gets upset, and I said, ‘Listen, you shake the guy’s hand and say good game, I’ll get you next time.’ That’s the way to approach life.” This perspective emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship and resilience, qualities that are essential not just in games, but in all aspects of life.

George and his wife Amal Clooney, who married in Italy in 2014, became parents to twins, Alexander and Ella, in June 2017. Since becoming parents, the couple has made conscious choices regarding their professional commitments to prioritize family time. Clooney remarked on the impact of parenthood on his self-perception, stating, “In marriage, and now with the kids, you give away the selfishness of only looking out for yourself. It’s a wonderful thing.” He expressed gratitude for this evolution in his life, reflecting daily on how fortunate he feels.

During a December 2023 interview with Good Morning America, Clooney elaborated on the revealing experience of parenting twins. He noted the surprising individuality of each child, despite raising them in a similar environment. “When you have twins and you’re raising them the same way, and they’re completely different human beings, you realize how little say you have in who they are,” he explained. This recognition of his children’s distinct personalities has provided him with a broader understanding of parenting’s complexities.

Previously, Clooney shared insights into fatherhood during an episode of the WTF with Marc Maron podcast when the twins were just 4 years old. He described his children as humorous pranksters, saying, “I just look at them thinking, I couldn’t be happier and I couldn’t be more surprised at how happy I am.” His joyful reflections highlight the unexpected joys that come with parenting at an older age.

As he navigates the responsibilities of fatherhood, Clooney acknowledged the physical challenges of being a parent at 60. He openly discussed the demands of keeping up with his energetic children, which adds another layer to his experiences as an older dad. His journey continues to offer enlightening perspectives on parenthood, balancing work commitments, and the joy of family life.

Source
people.com