Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling have established some strict household rules, especially when it comes to technology. The actress recently opened up about her parenting philosophy in an interview with the Sunday Times, revealing that she prohibits their two daughters, Esmeralda, 10, and Amada, 8, from using smartphones or engaging with social media.
Mendes, who home-schools her children, equated letting them access the internet to sending them out alone in the middle of the night. She expressed her strong feelings on the subject, stating, “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.’”
While she acknowledges that her stance might seem extreme to some, Mendes firmly believes in the necessity of these boundaries. She also aims to instill a sense of appreciation in her children for their privileged life by contrasting it with her own upbringing and that of Gosling. “I explain to them what I didn’t have, what Ryan didn’t have when he was little, how hard we had to fight, the dark days of being paycheck to paycheck,” she explained. Despite her efforts, Mendes understands that true comprehension comes from experience.
Mendes is genuinely concerned about the influence her own anxieties might have on her daughters. “I still have all this anxiety and I see myself passing it on to my children,” she admitted. The actress is intentional about managing her mental state, fearing the unintentional lessons her kids may absorb from her.
Reflecting on her own childhood, Mendes shared that her late brother, Juan Carlos, played a significant role in keeping her grounded and out of trouble. “He’d say, ‘If I ever see you out there with a guy or smoking, I’ll f–king kick his ass and take you to school every day,’” she recalled, attributing her good behavior to the fear of retribution.
Now in her 50s, Mendes has shifted her focus away from acting to dedicate herself to her family, a choice she describes as the “easiest decision” she’s ever made. Despite stepping back from the spotlight, she credits Gosling for making her feel attractive and confident. “I feel really sexy at times,” she said, emphasizing how much her partner’s affection contributes to her self-image.
Recently, the couple enjoyed a rare public appearance together with their daughters at the 2024 Paris Olympics, affirming their close-knit family dynamic. With their unique perspectives on parenting, Mendes and Gosling continue to navigate the challenges of raising their children in an increasingly digital world.
