Billie Lourd, the acclaimed actress and daughter of the late Carrie Fisher, recently shared insights into her parenting philosophy in relation to technology. At the world premiere of her latest film, “Artificial”, during the New York Film Festival held on October 5, Lourd discussed her approach to raising her two young children, Kingston Fisher, aged six, and Jackson Joanne, aged three, with her husband Austen Rydell.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Billie-Lourd-kids-100926-c04c08e2a3ec4deca9f59c718460e4af.jpg)
The 34-year-old star expressed a mix of excitement and apprehension when it comes to the role of technology in modern parenting. “I feel scared. I feel excited about aspects of it but scared about a lot of it,” she remarked, highlighting her concerns over the pervasive influence of screens and digital devices in children’s lives. Lourd has opted for a more traditional educational approach for her children by enrolling them in a school that limits the use of digital tools, such as iPads.
Lourd firmly believes in the importance of hands-on learning experiences and maintaining a connection to the physical world. “I really want them to be in the real world as much as possible,” she stated. The actress emphasised that her children engage in activities like woodworking, writing by hand, and reading physical books—practices she deems essential for their development. “They learn woodworking at their school, and I think that kind of stuff is so important for kids,” she added.
In addition to her thoughts on parenting, Lourd is currently starring in “Artificial”, a thriller that delves into the tumultuous corporate dynamics surrounding the recent leadership shifts at OpenAI. The film features actor Andrew Garfield, who portrays Sam Altman amidst the “confusing firing and rehiring cycle.” Although Lourd acknowledged that the subject matter could be complex, she revealed that she is contemplating introducing her son to the film: “I don’t know, I might make my 6-year-old watch it. He’s gonna be like, ‘What’s going on?’ but maybe next year he should watch it. Gotta start ‘em young,” she quipped.
“Artificial” is set to be released in select theatres on Christmas Day, with a wider rollout in January, allowing audiences to explore its thought-provoking themes.
Lourd’s considerations regarding film and family come just months after a memorable moment shared with her children and the legacy of her mother. On Star Wars Day, celebrated on May 4, she watched “Star Wars: A New Hope” with Kingston and Jackson, marking a sentimental tribute to her mother’s iconic role as Princess Leia. She captured the event on Instagram, sharing a nostalgic photograph of her mother’s debut scenes in the film and using emojis to convey “May the 4th.”
The young mother’s efforts to engage her children with the arts while ensuring they maintain a balance with hands-on, real-world experiences reflects a broader movement among parents seeking to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of child-rearing amidst rapid technological advancements. Balancing excitement and caution, Lourd exemplifies the ongoing dialogue many parents are having about technology’s role and impact on their children.
As Lourd continues to embrace her multifaceted career and the challenges of motherhood, her unique perspective and dedication to traditional learning offer valuable insights into contemporary parenting. The actress’s approach resonates with many who find themselves at a crossroads in the digital age, determined to foster meaningful connections and experiences for their children outside of the screen.
With the premiere of “Artificial” on the horizon, fans anticipate not only Lourd’s performance but also her evolving journey as she navigates the delights and dilemmas of motherhood in a technology-driven world.