Mary-Louise Parker: My Kids Have 'Always Been Brother and Sister'

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There was no looking back for Mary-Louise Parker when she made the decision to adopt a child from Ethiopia in 2007, the actress tells OK! “Some people are drawn to do it, and I felt like if I don’t do it now, I’m going to regret it my whole life so I just went ahead and did it,” she says.

Welcoming daughter Caroline Aberash, now 3, into her home — which she shares with son William Atticus, 5 ½ — was not a problem; The Weeds actress reveals that the pair hit it off from the start! “They get along like siblings,” she muses.

“They’re brother and sister. They’ve always been brother and sister.”

Calling the journey of adoption “magical,” Mary-Louise urges people to step forth and consider expanding their family. “There’s no downside to it. Unless you’re a mean, horrible person and you plan to make them clean your garbage up or something, there’s nothing bad about it,” she advocates.

“This is going to sound very strange, but even if you’re a mediocre parent, you’re going to give them way more than they have now. You’re going to give them attention, food, and clothes.”

In fact, the 45-year-old may just take her own advice! “I might do it again,” she reveals of her adoption plans. “I would love to, but children take a lot of energy. They’re a lot of fun.”

As for parenting tips, Mary-Louise isn’t willing to offer any — she believes each parent will eventually find their own way. “I think every kid is different,” she explains. “You have to figure it out on your own.”

William is Mary-Louise’s son with actor Billy Crudup.

Source: OK!

– Anya

Comments

I am ALL for adoption, and commend her for doing so!

Some of her comments come off a little… odd though.

That one comment where she begins by saying “This might sound a little strange…”
Yea, she’s right it does sound a little strange IMO (lol)
(I don’t know why but it rubbed me the wrong way a bit).

- Shaunie on November 5th, 2009

I think she just meant that even if you aren’t the PERFECT parent, if you are willing to adopt a child and love him/her and give him/her attention, shelter, and food then you are giving them a life they would have never had. So you shouldn’t worry so much about whether or not you will be the best but remember that you can adopt and you are still helping a child. I’m sure she isn’t saying “Go ahead and adopt even if you don’t really want a child” but that you shouldn’t dismiss it just because you aren’t sure if you’d be the best parent.

- Laura on November 5th, 2009

The other thing I wanted to say is that she is a single mother so she might be thinking in terms of being a single mother. I mean that when she says “but even if you’re a mediocre parent, you’re going to give them way more than they have now. You’re going to give them attention, food, and clothes.” it could be in reference to the fact that you shouldn’t be worried about an adopted child not having both a mother and a father because you are still giving them better than they had.

- Laura on November 5th, 2009

When you adopt there are so many procedures and investigations about you that you might actually end up questioning yourself and whether you are a “good enough” parent for this child. I guess what she says is, don’t let this stop you.
It does come off strange in writing but what she’s saying through it is beautiful.

- Alice on November 5th, 2009

I nanny for a family that recently adopted a 1 year old from Ethiopia. She’s been here for about 2 months. They also have a 4 year old and the adjustment has been rough for him, but it is getting better every day. My pastor and his wife are planning on adopting within the next year, also. I LOVE adoption! I would love to see her adopt again!!

- Sarah M. on November 5th, 2009

I kind of took it like in her opinion she’s the perfect parent! In my opinion who would be a mediocre parent? what guidelines would make you feel like or be like it? all parents are not perfect and it is just an opinion to say your a mediocre parent!

- G!NA on November 6th, 2009

I love MLP! And I don’t there’s anything weird about her comments, I actually agree with them!

- daniela on November 6th, 2009

My husband and I just finished adopting our two daughters and I totally get what she’s trying to say here. People are so quick to say that they couldn’t do it or couldn’t imagine what it’s like but honestly, you don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to have a great house and lots of money and be an alpha wife and mother. You just have to be loving and want to be parent.

- Kait on November 8th, 2009

What I’d like to know is how Mary-Louise manages to never be photographed with her kids. I think it’s wonderful and amazing that she is somehow able to keep paps from taking pictures of them!

- CelebBabyLover on November 9th, 2009