Amy Poehler, of Saturday Night Live and Parks and Recreation fame, has been making her story known as a new Mom. She was parenting her two teenage sons, Abel and Archibald “Archie” Arnett. Now at 53, Poehler has much to share about the way she raises her kids. She opens up about the realities of co-parenting with her ex-husband Will Arnett, who she married in 2003 and divorced in 2016.
Poehler’s sons, Archie and Abel, are going through the awkward and wonderful transition to adulthood at ages 16 and 14. She draws attention to the need to change directions often and quickly in her parenting style. On the “SmartLess” podcast, which she co-hosts with Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes, she expressed her belief that parenting resembles a series of short stories. Each day, new challenges and new lessons mean she welcomes the adventure of dealing with teenagers.
In her conversations with Arnett about their co-parenting journey, Poehler underscores a focus on their kids’ experiences. She encourages parents to stay present and to listen more than they speak, acknowledging that the instinct to offer advice can sometimes overshadow the need for understanding.
“Your instinct is to want to give them advice, or tell them what to be aware of or afraid of, or share your own personal stuff, like, that’s so instinctual, of course, because we want the best for our kids.” – Amy Poehler
Poehler goes on to explain how entering the world of parenting teenagers is a jarring thing. She shifts from a producer of her children’s lives to a consultant. This change is the product of a natural evolution wherein teenagers desire greater independence and parents simply need to fulfill a different role.
In her podcast “Good Hang with Amy Poehler,” she continues to share her thoughts on parenting, emphasizing that each experience is unique. She remarked on the unpredictability of parenting, saying, “I don’t know how this story is going to go. I don’t know the characters. I don’t even know what’s going to happen.” This sentiment is the heart of what it means to raise children who are coming into their own authentic self.
Poehler’s approach prioritizes emotional connection over control. Her goal, she says, is to make sure that she is present for her two sons and to really listen to them. This simple strategy creates a positive pattern for their interactions and deepens the bond between them in these early years.
“Supposedly, when your kids become teens, you go from producer to consultant. That’s the difference.” – Amy Poehler
Her honest conversations on co-parenting show that she’s dedicated to helping foster a cooperative spirit with her ex for the sake of their sons. Poehler and Arnett’s true goals are to help Abel and Archie blossom into compassionate, thoughtful individuals. Equally impressive is the way they juggle their co-parenting duties with such finesse.
