Drew Barrymore’s secret to quality co-parenting? Planning, planning and more planning.
The 41-year-old actress opened up to “Entertainment Tonight” at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles gala over the weekend about how she’s adjusting to raising her daughters, Olive and Frankie, with ex-husband Will Kopelman. (Barrymore was being honored at the gala for her philanthropic efforts.)
“I think plans,” she told “ET” at the event. “Constant plans. I woke up to an email from my children’s grandmother, Coco, this morning saying, ‘Ok so I think for my birthday we’re going to do it on the 14th. Can you make that date because it’s not the same without you. I have to make sure that date works for you.’”
Barrymore added that her former mother-in-law’s “love and acceptance means the world to [her].”
The actress, who split from Kopelman after nearly four years of marriage in April 2016, also remains close friends with ex sister-in-law Jill Kargman. She even made a guest appearance on Kargman’s scripted Bravo comedy series “Odd Mom Out.”
As Barrymore told “ET” at the event over the weekend, “Families are many different definitions in this day and age.”
Sounds like Barrymore and her ex in-laws have the amicable divorce thing down pat ― and parenting experts seem to agree. According to divorce and parenting coach Rosalind Sedacca, offering exes invites to family events is one of the best things parents can do for their kids.
“That’s a sign of respect that likely will generate even more respect and cooperation from your co-parent,” Sedacca told The Huffington Post earlier this year. “Definitely prioritize Mom and Dad being together for special occasions when possible — birthdays, graduations, holidays and other significant events.”
Ultimately, “[parents should] have the maturity to be able to spend two hours in the same room” with their ex to make their kids happy, Sedacca said.
Clearly, Barrymore and her family are doing it right.
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