Ben Stiller Opens Up About What He Thinks He ‘Got Wrong’ While Parenting His 2 Kids, Ella and Quinlin

Ben Stiller Reflects on Parenthood Challenges

Ben Stiller, the renowned actor and director, has recently shared candid insights into his journey as a parent and the reflections he has on where he might have fallen short in that role. Stiller, who is 59 years old, had an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE at the premiere of his latest documentary, ‘Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost’, which took place during the prestigious New York Film Festival.

The documentary delves into Ben’s relationship with his late parents, the iconic comedy duo Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara. It also features interviews with his own children, 23-year-old daughter Ella and 20-year-old son Quinlin, known as Quinn, whom he shares with his wife, actress Christine Taylor. Ben expressed that having conversations with his adult children for the project shed light on aspects where he may have “got wrong” as a parent.

In the interview with PEOPLE, Ben Stiller acknowledged that his children were forthright in pointing out his shortcomings as a parent. He mentioned, “They [Ella and Quinn] were very clear with me about what I got wrong. And I really appreciated that, because it’s one of those things where you think you know, ‘Oh, I know what I’m putting out there to them.’ But from their perspective, it was totally different.”

The actor went on to draw parallels with his own experience growing up, highlighting that as a parent, he wasn’t always able to see things from his children’s viewpoint. Ben emphasized the significance of his children feeling comfortable enough to express their honest opinions, which he valued immensely.

Reflecting on a specific moment captured in the documentary, Ben recalled a conversation with his son Quinn when he had to leave for a film project, prioritizing work over quality time with his child. This incident made him realize that despite his efforts, his children might have perceived his absence differently than he intended.

In a poignant revelation, Ben admitted that he had assumed he was excelling at parenting compared to his own parents, only to discover through his children’s feedback that he might have repeated some patterns from his upbringing unknowingly. This realization underscored the complexity and nuances of parent-child dynamics that transcend generations.

Further insights from the documentary showcased instances where Ben felt that he inadvertently mirrored certain behaviours of his father, hinting at the intergenerational aspects of parenting styles. These reflections resonated with viewers, offering a multi-faceted portrayal of familial relationships and the evolution of parenting practices.

Ben Stiller’s introspective journey in ‘Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost’ provides a poignant exploration of the challenges and complexities of parenthood. By sharing his personal experiences and vulnerabilities, Stiller invites audiences to reflect on their own roles as parents and the intricacies of family dynamics. As the documentary prepares for its limited theatrical release, audiences can anticipate a thought-provoking narrative that delves into the universal themes of growth, resilience, and the enduring bond between parents and children.