Angelina Jolie on her children

by auditioning contributor Katherine

Angelina Jolie, 31, who is out promoting her movie, The Good Shepherd, talked to People Magazine and Larry King Live about how she and Brad Pitt, 43, raise their three children, Maddox, 5, Zahara, who turns 2 on January 8, and Shiloh, 6 1/2 months, while making movies and traveling all over the world.

Angelina told People that while both she and Brad discipline their kids, Brad is the more flexible one. When the kids do not get what they want from Mom, they know that they would most likely get it from Dad. Angelina also mentions Zahara as having the loudest personality in the family. She says, "Zahara is possibly the funniest person I’ve ever met in my life. So dramatic and creative and loud and charming."

Angelina admits that traveling with three kids is hard, but they will eventually have to settle down somewhere and put less time into making movies, especially when their kids reach their teens. In an upcoming Larry King interview, she says she does not want to raise her kids in Hollywood. She is grateful that they are able to see the world and do many things to show their children that their parents do more than go on movie sets.

The interview with Larry King airs on December 18 on CNN.

Source: People Magazine and Just Jared

Comments

great story… I love all the added stories now that people are auditioning…

- Southlyn on December 13th, 2006

i think she has always been beautiful but since she has her children she is glowing

- carly on December 13th, 2006

Yeyyy Angie,
They have a beautiful family.

- Melanie F. on December 13th, 2006

And here I was thinking Z is probably a very serious little girl. LOL its good to know she’s the funniest one.

- Posh_Fan on December 13th, 2006

Oh they seem to be so good parents, don’t they? I agree with her in everything. Her kids are beautiful! Zahara is a beauty!

- Ana on December 13th, 2006

I never would have guess that Zahara ruled the nest. lol They seem like such a great family.

- Lena on December 13th, 2006

How wonderful that they are already thinking about what life will be like when the kids are teenagers! We’ll see if they make it as a couple for that long. Jennifer Aniston must be jealous, especially since her recent split. Poor girl!

- Alexandra on December 13th, 2006

I have a movie coming out! Quick, let me put the kids in the limelight. That will make me look good to all my worshipers.

- Dani on December 13th, 2006

Oh I know Alexandra, I too think that it’s great she’s thinking about how it’ll be when the kids are teenagers. (By then they could have another sibling or two, who knows?)

Anyway I would imagine however Brad & Angelina’s relationship goes in the future, they’ll both try to spend as much time and have as much of an influence on their children’s lives as they possibly can in the future.

(If it gets down to the legality area, this would be especially true for Shiloh, since she’s their biological child, however Brad’s co-adoption of Maddox & Zahara should hold up legally as well…as long as he actually adopted all the children. Emotionally it doesn’t matter, their all his kids in his heart too, I’d imagine.)

- Autumn on December 13th, 2006

yea i agree with dani i dont understand jolie she keeps her kid away from phtos then does people magazine then she hides them for 4 months then her movie comes out then she like im the best mother in the world yea right about the mothers who actually try hard to to raise them and dont have the acess to nannies if u dont want them in the hollywood life then dont give people mixed messages about your life and you shouldnt comment about the X she even said me and brad got to know each other by talking to each other and figuring out that we bond together better yea thats a plan for gimme your husband and let me give him the baby yea u should all check out vogue magazine next month and she shoouldnt of been on barbra walters special

- ally12 on December 13th, 2006

I have so much respect for Angie and Brad. Being a red-hot A-list celebrity couple with public break-ups, it’s no wonder their family is dogged by photographers whenever and wherever, like she mentioned. They knew that after their baby was born, that pictures of her would be in high demand, so that instead of trying to hide her for as long as they possibly could, they sold photos for money which they later donated to charitable causes. Angie’s obviously a huge draw for people in her new movie, so of course she’d be given a lot of publicity while promoting it. Since she and Brad are seen out so often with the kids (whom they obviously adore), there’s hardly doubt that the topic will be brought up one way or another during interviews. It’s good for children to be able to see the world and to experience other cultures; that’s as good of an educational tool as they get.

- Miao on December 13th, 2006

I love this family. They put their kids first and that is great.

She spoke honestly in Vogue about them becoming friends making the movie and about them wanting the same things in life… Anyone reading Brad and Jen’s interviews before Brad and Angie met could see their were problems and they were wanting different things in life. Nothing happened between them besides friendship until AFTER the separation. Divorce is sad, but it is sadder to stay in a relationship where one is unhappy.
I admire Angie’s honesty.. she knows she has nothing to hide.
Brad and Angie both are honest people and are proving to be wonderful parents.

- emi on December 13th, 2006

Aww. I knew Zahara was the queen bee of the family but I wouldn’t have guessed that she’s the funny one, since we rarely see her smile.
Shouldn’t they have settled down in one place already? I would think that Maddox should be in school now, unless they home-school him.

- Heather on December 13th, 2006

I love her
I love him
I love their kids

TIVO’D!

- ericka on December 13th, 2006

What a beautiful family inside and out. They have weathered the media storm and have come out intact. I wish them only the best. They truly deserve it.

- Marie on December 13th, 2006

Heather, I am almost positive that Maddox is not home-schooled. In fact, even though he is 5 years old, he hasn’t been to school yet at all. I think it’s high time they stopped trying to save the world every day and create a more stable environment for the kids. Traveling is wonderful, but not at the expense of giving up one’s education.
Dani and Ally, I completely agree with the both of you. Brad and Angelina complain about the media intrusion constantly and hide their biological child (but not, interestingly enough, their adopted children) from the public, yet whenever it’s convenient for them (like when Shiloh was born or their recent Hello! spread when both of them have movies out or coming out), they sell pictures of their family for outragous sums of money and hide behind the fact that it’s all for charity. I find that to be highly suspicious behavior. I don’t believe their act for a second.

- Lauren on December 13th, 2006

Actually, I think Maddox has been to school, albeit maybe not as consistently as some kids. A few months ago, a photographer was arrested for trying to get some pics of him at his school, and I remember right before Angelina announced her pregnancy, there were pics of her picking him up from school. So he has attended some formal instruction it seems.

- isabel on December 13th, 2006

I really get annoyed with judgemental people. Brad and Angie are being wonderful parents. In fact Maddox has attended school, but he has been TUTORED since he was 3 years old. And not only that, he can already read and write!! He is only 5 years old. He is obviously a bright child, so I dont think anyone needs to be concerned about him. Many celeb kids are tutored and turn out well, it really depends on the parents. They have recently spoken about settling in one place at some point.

I think Angie and Brad are doing an amazing job with their children.

- emi on December 13th, 2006

I guess if you want to be negative, you’ll criticize everything about them, including the way they raise their kids. So you are “almost positive” Maddox is not homeschooled, right? You must know them personally then. According to Angelina, he’s had a computer since age 3 and already reads and writes quite well. She also said that it’s not often practical to bring the youngest everywhere, as any mother of 3 small kids would know. I guess, if you really want, you can find fault even in charitable giving. It’s funny how I used to hear that Angie “paraded” her adopted kids while shielding Shiloh, now I hear that she’s “pimping” her youngest. There is just no pleasing some people.
There is no denying that what you see is a beautiful family and two parents who deeply care about their children and raise them right. Angelina has a movie to promote and, obviously, will be asked about her kids. At least there is a reason for her interviews. You won’t see her on Oprah talking about sunsets and boob jobs.

- millie on December 13th, 2006

I’m a big Angelina and Brad fan,and Shiloh is gorgeous. That being said she defintley is talking opening about Brad, her kids, even how she fell in love with him, because she has a movie to promote. She will be on GMA talking. They even did pictures for a magazine with Shiloh, when usually they show Zahara and Maddox but cover Shiloh with a blanket or not have her out with them. They have been in the business a long time, they used the perfect time to talk openly lol. But hey that’s part of the business with celebrities.

- gabriella on December 13th, 2006

I agree about the timing (also, Brad could be up for some awards for Babel so giving him more exposure as a great dad is only good) and it’s definitely not accidental that she is talking about the family now. That being said, she could be doing photo spreads for no reason (just check Hello, InStyle, Gala or any other mag to see other celebs in their own homes only to promote themselves). Or, to take the latest example, have the entire courtship, pregnancy and the over-the-top wedding in Italy sold to the papers. Brad and Angelina are not consumed by their own celebrity though they’re arguably the most sought-after people on the planet. I think they use the press very wisely without becoming over-exposed.

- millie on December 13th, 2006

I’m not saying that you don’t have a right to your opinion but for the life of me I will never understand how this family deserves some of your judgmental attitudes. For the record, according to Angelina, Maddox has been homeschooled since age 3. The younger two will also be homeschooled. He can read and write and is learning French and Khmer. For the record, according to Brad, Maddox is both active in soccer (you may have seen some of the pictures) and t-ball and is learning to play guitar and drums. Sounds like a smart 5 year old to me. But something tells me some of you will still find fault with this.

And I love how some people criticize their humanitarian work but Brad and Angelina are continually praised by political figures such as Ali Wentworth, Kofi Annan, Colin Powell, Jimmy Carter and George Stephanopoulos to name just a few, but hey what do they know?

As someone already mentioned I’ve seen countless pictures and countless stories about a “little” wedding in Italy with an astronomical budget and a little girl who was rarely seen until wedding time but her adopted older siblings were in every magazine and on every entertainment show. How about Will Smith who has his son in an upcoming movie? Will brought his youngest two ( the little girl isn’t even in the movie) on Oprah to promote the movie? And they’re on the cover of I believe Premiere Magazine. Don’t forget he brought out all 3 of his kids to the LA premiere of said movie and has done countless interviews with them and about them in the last 3 weeks. So I would like to ask, is there one set of rules for Brad and Angelina and different set of rules for the rest of Hollywood?

- Faith on December 14th, 2006

Faith–I agree with every word. The real reason for a different set of rules is Angelina. When you think of it, Julia Roberts did a number on Vera Moder, complete with a “Low Vera” Tshirt she sported as a reaction to Vera not agreeing to divorce–I don’t remember much of a backlash, surely nowhere near what’s thrown at Angelina. Was Kate Hudson called names when she left her hubby for allegedly someone else? It’s not about morality, it’s about popularity and likeability (maybe even insecurities and fear of independent, sexual women). It’s a fascinating topic for a socioligist, btw.

- millie on December 14th, 2006

sorry for my spelling.. it’s late

- millie on December 14th, 2006

look it’s easy: when they don’t have a film coming out, they don’t have to give interviews. Now they do, cause it’s in the contract, that they have to give interviews to promote they’re movies. And of course the interviewers ask about their kids and relationship and being nice and polite people they answer these questions. This is not at all about them using their kids to promote anything. I think Angie and Brad would be the last ones to do something like that.

- fynn on December 14th, 2006

Lauren – You’re almost positive he isn’t homeschooled? What are you? Their nanny? As stated, Maddox has a tutor and is learning French and Khmer. I’m sure there are other celebrities who have tutors for their children as well.

I don’t think they’re “trying to save the world” but they are trying to do what they can. Would you say the same horrible things about a non-celeb humanitarian family who travels around the world with their children? How about missionaries who often take their children with them on missions?

Angelina and Brad seem to know what they’re doing as parents. They aren’t dragging their children around the world simply for travel. In fact, at the moment, they’re in Cambodia showing Maddox where he came from. They’re allowing him to learn about his country and teaching him to appreciate it. It’s probably a great experience for him; understanding where he came from. They seem to be educating their children even though they’re always traveling. It’s not that difficult to have tutors or teach a five year old and a two year old. I was taught to read and write (by my aunt) before I ever stepped foot in a school.

It’s not your place to say how these people should be raising their children. They have saved two of their kids from the terrible fates, that alone makes them adequate parents. If their kids are happy, healthy, and loved then they’re doing their jobs as parents. I’m sure if the kids didn’t want to travel for a while, they’d listen to their kids.

Every celebrity releases photographs of their children. If you’re going to criticise one then criticise them all. You of all people should be ashamed if you have such a problem with people releasing photos of their children. You’re celebrity-babies.com, what do you honestly expect to see? No one is forcing the images of this particular couple and their children down your throat. If you don’t like the couple and don’t appreciate what they’re doing then don’t waste your time. It’s all good and well for you to criticise their choices but think about how difficult it is for them being in a high-profile relationship in the public eye. They probably have their reasons why they kept Shiloh from the public. Pictures of Shi are probably extremely coveted. There’s nothing wrong with the fact that they waited and sold the pictures for money that went to a good cause. Either they do it that way or wait for the paparazzi to get the million dollar shot. It’s sad that people hate this couple so much that they will criticise everything they do even if what they do is for the good of hundreds of suffering people.

Of course they have interviews and photos appearing now when they have films coming out. That is how the media works. Even if the spread for Hello was shot a month or two ago, it would be released during the time that is most prime for publicity. It’s how PR works and it’s how the industry works. There’s nothing suspicious about the timing of anything. It’s all laid out on the table. At least they’re attempting to find the best way to handle their celebrity.

- kyoto-chan on December 14th, 2006

Maybe they come out with some photos in People mag every few months, so they don’t get stalked as much when they want to keep their kids private the rest of the time? Maybe they would keep their kids hidden all the time were it not for the opportunity to make money for charity.

Angelina donates 30% of her salary to charity – she has said this many times and Brad even said that he now gives more because of this – he said he didn’t know what generosity was until he met her. Seeing as she is not a big consumer of fashion/luxury goods like Paris/Lindsay/Nicole, I can imagine she doesn’t feel like she needs all of this money. For example, she donated 5mil for wildlife preservation in Cambodia. When she says she donates the money from those photos to chairty – I believe her.

As for the kids – they look happy to me. Are Brad and Angie not supposed to work anymore now that they have kids? I don’t see anybody on here critizicing Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins for having movie careers while raising kids. If normal people can work and raise kids, so can they. In fact, they probably spend MORE time with their kids, because you only work a few hours a day on a movie set and only a few months out of the year.

People seem to be hating her just for the sake of it. I think the Jennifer Aniston fans need to get over it – obviously Jennifer Aniston has!

- PSB on December 14th, 2006

Why is no one critising Will Smith? He’s been parading his kids everywhere to promote his movie. He home schools his kids and takes them everywhere he goes. On this very blog (see above) he talks about how they grew up on movie sets.

“My wife and I are actors. From the time the kids were born they were on movie and TV sets, and on tour buses for rock shows. It’s a part of their lives.”
Will Smith

There is a double standard. Brad and Angie raise their kids on movie sets and they’re called bad parents. Will and Jada raise their kids on set and they’re good parents. Brad and Angie talk about their kids while promoting movies, that means they’re exploiting their kids but its not the case for Will Smith? Give me a break.

- Karen on December 14th, 2006

First of all, I stand corrected about my comment regarding Maddox’s education. I said that because I had read several times that he hadn’t attended school full-time. I am wrong and am saying that now. As for the rest of the post, I stand by my opinions and think it’s ridiculous that certain posters feel the need to judge me for being “so judgemental.” No, I do not know Angelina and Brad personally-do any of you praising them endlessly know them? If so, then by all means keep it up. If not, then you are making assumptions based what you see exactly the same way I am. To criticize me for doing the same thing you are is extremely hypocritical.
Kyoto-Chan, I realize that I am at celebrity-babies.com, and I know what I am going to see when I visit this site. I also realize, as it appears you don’t, that if I have an opinion, I have every right to express it so long as it isn’t confrontational. You have no right to jump on a soapbox and preach to me about why I should adore such supposedly fabulous people. And FYI-every celebrity does NOT release photos of their kids to the media. Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Garner, Johnny Depp and Matt Damon are only a few of the celebs that choose not to keep their kids in the public eye. Therefore, I will not criticize “every celebrity,” as you said I must do, simply because I dislike the actions of a few. So before you preach to me about accuracy, you might want to swallow your own medicine.
What I find most interesting about this is how defensive the fans get when someone simply states that they don’t like or respect a certain celebrity. Why people care so much about my personal opinion is beyond me. But I have every right to express it.

- Lauren on December 14th, 2006

Lauren,

Actually Reese and Ryan did release pictures of their children, when they were babies to the media. I remember one particular nekkid (lol) baby picture of Ava, with Reese and Ryan in Vogue? Just saying. Anyway, I do think there is a double standard. I don’t know the Jolie-Pitts but I think they’re raising their children just fine.

- Jessica on December 14th, 2006

Lauren – I never asked you to adore said couple I never stated that I did. I am not a fan of the couple but I understand what they’re trying to do. I’m so tired of seeing comments on a number of sites criticisms about this couple and their family. It’s okay not to like them but being critical of their humanitarian efforts just seems incredibly pointless. At least they’re attempting to do something. And fine, not all but MANY celebs have released photos of their children. Many celebs go out with their children and sometimes even take them to premieres. There’s no way getting around the fact that whether a celeb likes it or not, their kids are going to be photographed. Some people choose to release photos of their children in attempt to keep some control over photos being released etc. Reese Witherspoon did release photos of her children. Reese has two of the most photographed celebrity children. Jennifer Garner’s daughter has been photographed with her everywhere. Johnny Depp’s children have been photographed a few times but not as many since he lives in France, away from Hollywood and most of the paparazzi. I stated that if people are going to criticise Brangelina, they might as well criticise every celebrity who has released photographs of their children (this of course does not include the ones who have not). Simply because you might like Reese Witherspoon doesn’t mean she should not receive the same criticism being thrown Brad and Angelina’s way. I wasn’t telling you to be more accurate I was saying that if you’re going to criticise Brangelina, you might as well give all the other celebs who do the same the same sort of treatment.

I’m not a huge fan of Brangelina by any means, I don’t keep tabs on them and I hardly comment about them or their choices but seeing people constantly berate them and their choices as though they could do better is somewhat grating. It’s one thing to not like them but it’s another to criticise how they’re raising their children and their efforts to provide other people with better opporunities.

- kyoto-chan on December 14th, 2006

If you’re as famous as Brangelina and you don’t release pictures of your baby, you will be stalked. Just look at what happened to Britney and Tomkat. The only way to control the chaos is to release pictures of your kids – otherwise, you are setting yourself up for a miserable experience with the papparazzi. At least Brad & Angie don’t keep the money they get from selling the photos.

Pictures of Matt Damon’s kids won’t make tons of money and so papps don’t follow him – he’s not a splashy star with an equally famous wife. As for Jennifer Garner – she just went about her business and everybody lost interest.

Lauren – it’s totally fine if you’re not a fan of A&B, but you can’t make big accusations without backing them up. Their kids seem very happy, so we can only assume they are making the best choices for them. For the record, I thought what you insinuated about them parading their adopted kids in front of the media but not their bio one was pretty outrageous. It’s offensive to suggest that they love those kids any less than Shiloh. You don’t have to like the couple, but they are human beings and they undeniably love those kids – -all of them.

- PSB on December 14th, 2006

People seem to still be upset that “Angie stole Brad away” from Jen. Brad and Jen never seem to fit each other. Brad has edge and so does Angie. I am so happy that they found each other. They seem like they are phenomenal, down to earth, parents and partners. Life’s too short to be with someone that you don’t love with all of your heart.

- plannbb on December 15th, 2006