Kevin Costner Opens Up About Challenges of Raising 7 Kids and Grandkids During Family Reunion
Kevin Costner Opens Up About the Joys and Challenges of Raising a Big, Blended Family
Hollywood icon Kevin Costner, known for his roles in Horizon and Yellowstone, may be one of the busiest stars in the industry, but at 70 years old, family still comes first.
The Oscar-winning actor is a proud father of seven children, shared with three different women. He has three grown children—Annie (41), Lily (38), and Joe (37)—from his first marriage to Cindy Silva. He also has a son, Liam (28), from a brief relationship with Bridget Rooney, and three younger children—Cayden (18), Hayes (16), and Grace (15)—with his second wife, Christine Baumgartner. In addition to being a father, Costner is also a grandfather, though he’s kept details about his grandchildren private.
Recently, the actor opened up about the complexities of parenting such a large and diverse family, particularly when it comes to honoring each child’s individuality.
“You love them all the same, but they’re all different,” he explained. “So you find ways to raise them without treating them the same. You’ve got to take into consideration their differences.”
Costner emphasized the importance of adapting to each child’s unique personality. “If you’re not getting through to one of them, it’s up to you to change. Maybe it’s your messaging, maybe how you’re approaching them. You have to adjust to their individuality.”
The entire family recently reunited to celebrate two important occasions: Father’s Day and his son Cayden’s high school graduation. “My son Cayden is graduating, so all the kids are coming in to see him,” Costner said proudly. “It’ll be four or five days of hanging out for as long as we can.”
With most of his children now adults leading busy lives, coordinating family time has become increasingly difficult. “It’s here and there now,” he admitted. “Trying to gather them all at once is very difficult as they all move in different directions.”
Despite the challenges, Costner is intentional about creating a sense of home and belonging for his kids—and now, his grandchildren too. “You try to provide a place they’ll want to return to,” he said. “I always design my homes for me and mine—for my children and their children—so they enjoy coming back.”
When asked about the most meaningful part of being a grandfather on Father’s Day, he didn’t hesitate: “I think it’s watching how your children are becoming mothers and fathers. You’re watching the grandchildren, but you’re really watching your children raising them.”
Before flying out to New York for a recent appearance, Costner cherished a quiet, joyful day with his family by the pool. “It was just about being together,” he recalled. “It was a good moment. Then I kissed them all and came to New York.”
