Olivia Munn’s Parenting Approach: Why She Avoids Certain Kids’ Shows
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Olivia Munn, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in “Your Friends & Neighbors,” has opened up about her parenting choices regarding what her children watch on television. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Munn revealed that she does not permit her kids, son Malcolm aged 3 and daughter Méi aged 8 months whom she shares with her husband John Mulaney, to watch Ms. Rachel, a popular YouTube creator among children, or most other kids’ shows.
Expressing her reasons for this decision, Munn bluntly stated, “I know kids love [Ms. Rachel], but the thing is, if I can’t watch it, I’m not going to spend the rest of my life going crazy. These kid shows drive me crazy.” She further added that she is not a fan of cartoons either, mentioning an incident where Malcolm requested to watch Blue’s Clues, a show that did not align with Munn’s preferences. Instead, she encouraged her son to watch more mature content like Tom Holland’s Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Despite her aversion to most kids’ shows, Munn made an exception for the PBS children’s program Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, which she praised as a “great program.” She highlighted how they used the show to help Malcolm prepare for the arrival of his baby sister, Méi, who joined the family last September via surrogate. The actress shared how they ensured a smooth transition for Malcolm into his role as a big brother without overwhelming him with sudden responsibilities.
Munn emphasised the importance of treating both children equally and providing them with adequate attention. She recalled how they maintained a balance between caring for the newborn and attending to Malcolm’s needs, ensuring he felt valued and secure during the adjustment period. Munn described heartwarming moments between Malcolm and Méi, illustrating their sibling bond and interactions that brought joy to the family.
Despite facing challenges such as postpartum anxiety and a breast cancer diagnosis in recent years, Munn maintains a lighthearted outlook on parenthood and finds humour in her children’s playful antics. She shared a sweet and funny exchange with Malcolm, underscoring the innocence and laughter that parenting brings amidst life’s trials. Munn’s resilient and positive attitude shines through as she navigates motherhood with grace and humour.

As Munn and Mulaney continue to navigate the joys and challenges of raising their young children, their approach to parenting reflects love, patience, and a deep commitment to nurturing a thriving family dynamic. The couple’s dedication to fostering a supportive environment for their children sets a heartwarming example of thoughtful and intentional parenting in the spotlight.
