Drew Barrymore Admits Mornings Before School with Her 2 Daughters Are Still a ‘S— Show,’ But It’s ‘Getting Better’

In a recent episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, the actress opened up about the everyday challenges of parenting her two daughters, Olive and Frankie, who are now 14 and 12 years old. On the episode aired on Monday, 12 October, Barrymore candidly described the chaos of their morning routine as a “s*** show,” reflecting the struggles that many parents face during the school rush.

Barrymore, 51, shares her daughters with her ex-husband Will Kopelman. While she acknowledged that mornings can still be tumultuous, she expressed optimism about the improvements that come with her children’s growing independence. “It is only getting better now that they are 12 and 14,” she noted during the show, revealing how she recently observed them dressing themselves for school, a welcome sign of their increasing maturity.

When asked by an audience member whether her mornings are hectic as a working mother, Barrymore did not shy away from the truth. “Oh my god, they are a s*** show,” she replied, delivering her answer with a relatable mix of humour and honesty. Nevertheless, she emphasised that as her daughters grow, the morning routine has become more manageable and enjoyable.

The actress shared her insight into the unique challenges of parenting older children, stating, “In fact, I woke up this morning, and I was like, ‘They’re getting themselves dressed.’” She reflected on the gradual transition from the negotiating challenges of dealing with toddlers to the different set of issues that arise with pre-teens and teenagers. “They say big kids big problems; they’re not wrong,” she remarked.

Barrymore outlined some practical strategies she has implemented to help with the morning chaos. One of her key methods has been to establish a more structured routine by placing her daughters’ shoes and backpacks in a designated spot each day. “I would try to encourage them to do it, and if they didn’t, I was like, ‘Screw it, I’m not gonna stand on ceremony that you didn’t do it,’” she recounted. By creating a consistent system, she found that the process became significantly easier and praised the value of establishing routines.

Reflecting on her personal journey as a mother, Barrymore has been open about her feelings of inadequacy during the early stages of parenting. In a 2023 interview, she described a time when she thought of herself as a “failure.” She candidly remarked, “All those parents who have it all together, and they’ve got hygiene and nutrition and schedules and boundaries, God bless you. I didn’t know any of that stuff when I had my kids.”

In a September 2025 cover story for Real Simple, Barrymore further discussed how she copes with the persistent pressures of parenting. Addressing her struggles with burnout, she emphasised the importance of prioritising her relationships with her children. “When I get burnout from trying to mum really hard and work really hard, I go, ‘You know what? This isn’t good,’” she reflected. “I know that at the end of the day, the most important thing in life is your relationships.”

She highlighted her approach to nurturing her connection with her daughters by engaging them in conversations about personal growth and emotional health. “I talk to my kids. And I do try to show them that the more you work on yourself, the happier you’re going to be,” she explained. “We all need tools to navigate the world, and asking for help is everything.”

Barrymore’s ability to share her parenting experiences resonates not only with her audience but also with parents navigating similar challenges. Her emphasis on communication and developing systems demonstrates a pragmatic approach to raising children while also juggling a demanding career as an actress and television host.

As she continues to find balance in her life, Drew Barrymore stands as an example of a modern mother striving to nurture her family while embracing the reality of motherhood’s complexities. Her self-reflection and openness about the demands of raising two daughters encapsulate the relatable journey of many parents who face the daily whirlwind of family life.