Divorce is rarely easy — but for moms like Kelly Clarkson, there's an added layer of complication: kids. Kelly recently opened up about how her son and daughter are handling her 2020 split from Brandon Blackstock, and it sounds like everyone is still struggling to adjust to their new normal.
Kelly shared a bit about what's been going on during a recent podcast appearance
The American Idol alum talked candidly about her divorce on the Angie Martinez IRL podcast, opening up about just how difficult things have been on her and Brandon's two children, 8-year-old River and 6-year-old Remington. According to Kelly, the children take after their mother in a lot of ways, including when it comes to their independent spirits.
The talk show host expects her kids to fly the coop as soon as they're old enough
Kelly doesn't think River and Remi are likely to linger at home with her. "They will be out the door as soon as they're able and capable," she said. "They're very independent."
Despite that independence, she said they're still craving some of the love and attention they got when they had both parents living at home under one roof, and it sounds like that knowledge is painful for Kelly.
She found out how they really feel during some nighttime cuddle sessions
"I literally ask my kids every night when we're snuggling, 'Are you happy? And if you're not, what could make you happier?'" she revealed of their typical bedtime chats.
"Sometimes they'll say, especially the past two years — and it kills me — and I want them to be honest, so I don't ever say, 'Oh God, don't tell me that.' But a lot of times it will be like, 'You know, I'm just really sad. I wish Mommy and Daddy were in the same house.' And they're really honest about it. And I'm raising that kind of individual."
Kelly knows what it's like growing up with parents living in separate houses
As if it's not hard enough knowing that her son and daughter wish their mom and dad were back together, Kelly has the additional burden of knowing firsthand what it feels like to be a child of divorce.
"I just sit there and I'm like, 'I get it. I'm from a divorced family as well. I get it. It sucks. But we're going to work it out. And you are so loved by both of us,'" she continued, adding that she has found a way to talk about these complex emotions while remembering that River and Remi are just children.
Kelly's children are lucky to have her
Not only do her little ones have the benefit of having a mom who's been through the same thing they have, but that also means that she knows just what they need to hear.
We're sure that has to be a huge help when dealing with these complex emotions, especially since their parents' divorce was such a public and contentious one. Hopefully now that things have quieted down, Kelly and Brandon can get on the same page with co-parenting and find a way to make sure their kids are happy, even though mom and dad are living apart now.
