Naomi Watts, the esteemed actress known for her performances in films such as *The Friend*, recently marked a significant milestone in her son’s life. She celebrated Sasha, her eldest child with former partner Liev Schreiber, as he completed his first year at the University of Southern California (USC). This joyous occasion was highlighted on social media, where Watts expressed her pride and congratulated her son.
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On May 12, Watts took to Instagram to share Sasha’s celebratory post featuring a collection of ten pictures that showcased moments from his university experience. Among them was a touching image of mother and son enjoying a meal together. Sasha succinctly captioned the post with “Year one & done,” reflecting on his successful transition into collegiate life. Watts shared the sentiment with her followers, stating, “Congrats for finishing your first year Sasha!!”
Sasha was born in 2007, followed by his younger sister Kai in 2008, during Watts and Schreiber’s lengthy relationship. The couple, who ended their eleven-year partnership in 2016, have demonstrated a commendable commitment to co-parenting their children. They have maintained a friendly relationship, putting the well-being of their kids at the forefront of their priorities.
In an interview with *Net-a-Porter* in 2019, Watts spoke candidly about their unique approach to co-parenting. “We’re doing things very differently. I’m pretty proud of us, corny as that may sound,” she said. “We’ve made it our absolute priority to be good and kind to each other, and we’re absolutely committed to that.” This dedication to a collaborative approach has allowed them to remain present in their children’s lives, participating together in significant family events.
Since their split, Watts and Schreiber have reunited on various occasions to celebrate milestones with their children. Notably, they appeared together in a TikTok video in 2020 and celebrated Kai’s middle school graduation in 2022, alongside Watts’ husband Billy Crudup and Schreiber’s partner Taylor Neisen. This cooperative spirit highlights their commitment to fostering a supportive environment for Sasha and Kai.
In August, Watts shared an emotional series of photos on Instagram as she helped Sasha move into his dorm for his freshman year at USC. Capturing the ups and downs of that pivotal day, she narrated their experiences from packing to navigating campus life. “We packed and unpacked, stacked and colour-coded,” she wrote, recounting the joyful chaos that ensued. “We laughed, we cried, . . . and sometimes fought about stupid stuff.” Her affectionate words underscored the heartfelt bond they share as mother and son.
More recently, during her appearance on *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, Watts relayed a humorous experience attending a college party with Sasha. She described her excitement when invited to the event, saying, “It was an immediate ‘yes’ when Sasha asked if we wanted to go.” Despite not being entirely familiar with the culture of American college parties, Watts was eager to partake in her son’s world. She candidly reflected on the evolution of her relationship with Sasha and Kai, noting that they had grown more independent and often rolled their eyes at what she had to say.
The actress recounted the amusing scenario of arriving at the party, which coincidentally started at 10 PM. “We stayed about 25 minutes,” she laughed, highlighting the contrast between the lively atmosphere of a college bash and her more low-key presence. Although she was reluctant to draw attention to herself by dancing, she looked for potential hazards in the environment, joking about safety concerns.
Watts acknowledged the underlying excitement of being at the party, admitting, “We probably weren’t supposed to be there, but my son actually maybe just wanted to see us.” This anecdote exemplified the balance of mutual affection and independence in their relationship, indicative of the evolving dynamics between parents and their growing children.
As Sasha embarks on his second year of university, the focus remains on the support and love that Watts and Schreiber provide as co-parents. Their continued commitment to nurturing a positive environment for their children is a testament to their enduring friendship despite past challenges. Through both celebratory and humorous moments, Watts exemplifies how families can navigate change while cherishing shared experiences and the unconditional bond of love.