Kelly Clarkson Teaching Her Kids to Communicate their Feelings Amidst Divorce

Kelly Clarkson opened up about how her two children are dealing with her divorce from ex-husband Brandon Blackstock.^[0] The 40-year-old entertainer filed for divorce in 2020 after nearly seven years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences.^[1]

Speaking to People magazine, Clarkson shared that she asks her kids every night when they're snuggling, “Are you happy? And if you're not, what could make you happier?”^[0] She said her children are candid with her about their emotions, and despite it being “kills” her, she encourages their honesty.^[2]

“I'm raising that kind of individual,” Clarkson said.^[0] “I want you to be honest with me.”^[3] She also stressed the importance of communicating with her children and not treating them like either adults or children.^[4] “They're not small feelings. Those are huge feelings, and those are huge emotions,” she said.^[4]

Clarkson previously explained how an excerpt from the book “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle eventually led her to the decision after “years” of wavering.^[5] Clarkson was especially struck by the author's inquiry as to whether she would like her daughter to be in a marriage similar to her own.^[1]

She admitted that Blackstock was her “first” real love, and her children often ask her, “So you don't love him anymore?”^[6] Clarkson responded, “No, I don't know if that goes away.”^[7]

The star is focusing on her music, which she said is a reflection of the different emotions she has gone through since the split. “Every phase is on my next record. There is sadness. There is rage. It's a lot because you go through all those emotions,” she said.^[6] “If you don't hit all those, were you really in it?”^[6]

Kelly Clarkson is proving to be a great example for her children, teaching them to communicate their feelings and take care of themselves.

0. “Kelly Clarkson Shares How She's Helping Her Kids Cope with Her Divorce” TODAY, 14 Mar. 2023, https://www.today.com/parents/celebrity/kelly-clarkson-kids-coping-divorce-rcna74933

1. “Kelly Clarkson Says Her Kids With Brandon Blackstock Tell Her They’re ‘Really Sad’ About the Divorce” Yahoo Entertainment, 14 Mar. 2023, https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/kelly-clarkson-says-her-kids-160740807.html

2. “Kelly Clarkson says her two kids have been candid about family divorce” Daily Mail, 15 Mar. 2023, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-11861591/Kelly-Clarkson-says-two-kids-candid-sadness-family-divorce.html

3. “Kelly Clarkson Shares Her Kids' Heartbreaking Reaction to Her Divorce From Brandon Blackstock” Just Jared, 14 Mar. 2023, https://www.justjared.com/2023/03/14/kelly-clarkson-shares-her-kids-heartbreaking-reaction-to-her-divorce-from-brandon-blackstock/

4. “I'm raising very independent kids, says Kelly Clarkson” Times-Georgian, 15 Mar. 2023, https://www.times-georgian.com/lifestyles/entertainment/im-raising-very-independent-kids-says-kelly-clarkson/article_46b26fb2-0b9d-5fa4-b7e8-437271122bf3.html

5. “Kelly Clarkson's kids tell her they ‘wish mommy and daddy were in the same house' after divorce: ‘It kills me'” Yahoo News, 15 Mar. 2023, https://news.yahoo.com/kelly-clarkson-kids-tell-her-020422442.html

6. “Kelly Clarkson Says Her Kids Sometimes Share They're ‘Really Sad' After Divorce From Brandon Blackstock” Entertainment Tonight, 14 Mar. 2023, https://www.etonline.com/kelly-clarkson-says-her-kids-sometimes-share-theyre-really-sad-after-divorce-from-brandon

7. “Kelly Clarkson Shares Her Kids’ Heartbreaking Reaction to Brandon Blackstock Divorce” E! NEWS, 14 Mar. 2023, https://www.eonline.com/news/1368055/kelly-clarkson-shares-her-kids-heartbreaking-reaction-to-brandon-blackstock-divorce