Hollywood actor Robert De Niro welcomed his seventh child, daughter Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro, with girlfriend Tiffany Chen in April 2023. De Niro, now 81, is busy navigating fatherhood at this age, yet his number one tip for parents is simple yet powerful. Let’s see what it is, and how you can follow his footsteps too…
Support your kids
De Niro believes that the most important thing parents can do is to stand by their children and encourage them in whatever they choose to do. “The main thing is to support your kids. As long as they’re not hurting themselves, doing anything destructive or anything like that, you have to support them — period,” the 81-year-old told Entertainment Tonight. He added, “Even if you don’t go with it or think that they … you have to support them. And they have to know that you support them. Always.”According to De Niro, instead of pushing children to follow a specific path or live up to certain expectations, parents should respect their kids’ individuality, and let them be. This kind of support helps children chart out their own path and interests, in a safe and loving environment.
Why support wins over criticism
Many parents think that pushing their children hard or pointing out mistakes will motivate them to do better. But De Niro’s advice shows that support works better than criticism. When kids feel supported, they are more likely to take risks, try new things, and learn from failures without fear of being berated by their parents.Not only that, support builds self-esteem and resilience. Children who know their parents believe in them, are more confident, and will be able to take challenges head on. While they will also make mistakes on the way, they will only learn from them, and get better. On the other hand, constant criticism can make kids anxious and afraid to fail, which limits their growth and hampers their sense of self.
How it shapes a child’s future
Supporting children doesn’t just help them in childhood — it shapes their future as adults. When kids grow up feeling loved and encouraged, they develop a strong sense of self-worth. This helps them make better choices, build healthy relationships, and pursue their dreams in a much healthier manner.
A word of caution
However, as De Niro pointed out, one should support their child no matter what, but should not be blind to his follies as well. If you see your child going astray, it is your duty as a parent to bring him back, and guide him to the right path. However, that in no way negates your support. Having a sense of discipline in the house, yet supporting your child no matter what, will lay the foundation for a happy child who will grow up to be a balanced, confident adult.
Simple ways to follow De Niro’s adviceYou don’t need to be a celebrity to follow De Niro’s advice. Here are some easy ways parents can support their children daily:Learn to listen: Give your full attention when your child talks. Show interest in their thoughts and feelings.Encourage efforts: Praise hard work and progress instead of only celebrating achievements.Be Patient: Understand that children learn at their own pace. Avoid rushing or comparing them to others.Celebrate your child: Support your child’s interests, even if they differ from your own.Offer help, but don’t control them: Guide your kids, but let them make decisions and learn from mistakes.
The impact of support
In today’s world, children face many pressures from school, social media, and peers. Feeling supported at home can be a powerful shield against stress and anxiety, that will also encourage the child to constantly learn new things. De Niro’s advice reminds parents that emotional support is key to helping kids stay mentally healthy.When children feel safe to express themselves without fear of judgment, they develop better coping skills. They learn that setbacks are part of life and that they have a strong support system to rely on.
