Kevin Costner Reveals His Parenting Philosophy for His Big Family
As a parent, you want to teach your kids everything — all the lessons you wish you’d learned growing up, whether that’s managing money wisely or finding stability. But at the same time, you don’t want them to miss out on the simple joys and important experiences that shaped your own childhood. For Kevin Costner, 70, one of the most important things he’s learned is that parenting isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.
It’s about recognizing the unique personalities in each child — understanding that while one might be an outgoing volleyball enthusiast, another could be a sensitive introvert anxious about school. As a father of seven children, ranging from 15 to 41 years old, Costner has had decades to navigate the challenges and rewards of parenthood. Though he admits he’s still learning, there are a few core principles he’s come to embrace.
Kevin Costner’s Heartfelt Parenting Wisdom: ‘You Have to Honor Their Differences’
“You love them all the same, but they’re all different,” Costner explains. “So you find ways to show that love without treating them all exactly the same. You have to take their differences into account.”
The “Horizon: An American Saga” star’s children span a wide range of ages and stages in life. His oldest three — Annie, 41, Lily, 38, and Joe, 37 — are from his marriage to Cindy Silva. His son Liam, 28, is from his relationship with Bridget Rooney. And his youngest three children — Cayden, 18, Hayes, 16, and Grace, 15 — are from his marriage to Christine Baumgartner.
Over the years, Costner has realized that parenting isn’t just about teaching kids — it’s also about parents learning and adapting. “If you keep approaching them the same way and it’s not working, it’s on you to change how you do things,” he says. “You might need to switch up your message or your approach to meet their individuality.”
Special Father’s Day Celebrations
This Father’s Day, Costner’s family is coming together for a special reason. “My son Cayden is graduating, so all the kids are coming home to celebrate,” he shares. “It’ll be a four or five-day event — just hanging out and enjoying the time together.”
While Costner is proud of his son’s achievement, he also treasures the rare chance to reunite everyone under one roof. “It’s not easy to get all of us in the same place these days,” he admits. “They’re all busy with their own lives, moving in different directions.”
His secret to bringing the family back together? Creating a home they always want to return to. “I design my homes for me and mine — for my kids and their kids — so that it’s a place they’ll want to come back to.”
