Helena Bonham Carter Benefiting From Parenting Classes

Stuart Ramson/AP

Whereas acting may come naturally to Helena Bonham Carter, the mother of two admits parenthood is an entirely different story.

“I’m not working right now. I need to be a mom,” the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows star, 44, tells E! Online. “It’s much harder being a mom than an actress.”

Noting that “no one taught me what to do” as a mother to Billy Raymond, 7, and Nell, 2½, Bonham Carter has reached out for help — and some much-needed advice.

“I’m taking parenting classes,” she explains. “They’re teaching me some really interesting things, like it’s not your job to know everything … You’ve got to get them to think for themselves.”

– Anya Leon

Comments

alice jane on November 22nd, 2010

i love reading her interviews (and she is fantastic, as always, in the new Harry Potter movie..)! I think it’s great that she’s putting it out there that as a parent you don’t have to know everything.

sarawara on November 22nd, 2010

MAJOR kudos to Helena. It takes a strong and humble person to ask for advice; it’s clear that her children’s well being is more important to her than her ego. Well done, Lady!

bevvie on November 22nd, 2010

Love this woman! Loved her in everything, especially as Ophelia in Hamlet.

Sara on November 22nd, 2010

Kudos to her for being open and honest! I love seeing a mom that isn’t pretending to have everything together and everything just perfect. Many people can benefit from parenting classes. )

Beautee on November 22nd, 2010

Awww wise words and kudos to her. I saw/heard her in Alice in Wonderland for the first time the other night, she did a great job.

jessicad on November 22nd, 2010

I’m with you guys, that’s awesome she has no problem asking for help! Parenting is a difficult job, we all could use a little help:)

Meghan on November 22nd, 2010

I find Helena’s honesty refreshing. Frankly, I think more people should take parenting classes. We don’t always know what to do as parents and asking for help should be encouraged and supported.

simi on November 23rd, 2010

My husband and I took parenting classes together, I see no shame it. We wanted to make the best parents we could be to our little girl, and so far it has been the best thing we have ever done. Good for her to go public and say it, she is such an amazing actress that has always had my respect but I have to say after reading it I respect her even more.

Jennifer on November 23rd, 2010

This woman is not only an amazing actress; but is clearly a great mom.

I like that she feels comfortable saying we can be great moms and not know everything. My own experience as a mother and wife is that its exhausting. Nice to see another working mom feels the same!

Kristen on November 23rd, 2010

I don’t know why more parents wouldn’t jump at the chance to take parenting classes! Even the best of parents don’t know everything. If nothing else the support from the other parents in the class would be invaluable!

Romy on November 23rd, 2010

I love hearing this from her. I love that she doesn’t just say everything is fabulous and her kids are just so delicious, and they’re all over the moon blah blah…