Actress Leslie Mann has opened up about the emotional challenges she faced when her daughters, Maude, 28, and Iris, 23, left home to pursue their own paths. During a recent episode of the “Not Gonna Lie” podcast, Mann reflected on this significant transition in her life, describing it as one of the “most devastating” experiences she has faced.
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Mann, who is known for her roles in films such as *Spa Weekend* and *Knocked Up*, expressed her initial fears concerning the departure of her children. Recalling an especially difficult moment, she noted how hard it was to send Maude off to Northwestern University for her studies. “Leaving for college was really hard,” she admitted. “Because she was going to Northwestern, which is a flight away— that’s really like going out into the world. That one was rough.”
Despite her initial apprehensions, Mann revealed that the experience of her daughters leaving home turned out to be more manageable than she expected. “They have really long breaks,” she explained, highlighting how frequent family reunions during holidays and extended breaks helped ease her worries. “You go home for Thanksgiving for like three months because it’s like Christmas, and there are all kinds of holidays, so they’re home a lot. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be.”
In the same podcast interview, the actress shared her unique approach to parenting as her daughters grow older and become more independent. Mann disclosed that she has been using a clever strategy to encourage their self-sufficiency. “There’s this new thing that I’m doing where I’m acting like—now that they’re a little older—I’m kind of incompetent,” she said. By pretending that she is unable to complete everyday tasks, she aims to cultivate their skills. “They do it and they get used to doing it, and they become very competent in the world,” she explained. “I’m preparing them to do that.”
Mann is married to filmmaker Judd Apatow, and the couple has worked on several projects together, often involving their daughters. This includes popular films like *This Is 40* and *Euphoria*, which features Maude, while Iris appeared in *The Bubble*, a film directed by her father. The family has forged a strong bond through their shared love of acting, with Mann expressing pride in both her daughters’ accomplishments.
In past interviews, Mann has consistently praised her children, expressing her feelings about the challenges of parenting. “You’re given these two little babies, and you don’t want to ruin them with bad parenting. So it’s a lot of pressure on us parents,” she said during an appearance on *The Tonight Show* in March 2022. Reflecting on their character, Mann concluded, “Looking at them now, I feel like maybe I didn’t ruin them. They’re good, kind-hearted people.”
With Maude and Iris undertaking new adventures in their careers, Mann’s role as a mother has begun to shift. She now finds herself not only navigating the bittersweet nature of their growing independence but also embracing her own developmental transition as a parent. Following her daughters’ journeys has undoubtedly brought forth a new chapter in Mann’s life, filled with both pride and nostalgia.
As the family evolves, Mann continues to enjoy each moment with her daughters, balancing between nurturing their independence and cherishing their time together. Her insights serve as a reminder to parents everywhere about the complexities of letting go, while also fostering the skills needed for their children to thrive in the world.
Overall, Leslie Mann’s journey as a mother illustrates the challenges and rewards that come with parenting and the eventual transition into the next phase of life once children step into their own lives.