On Friday, Sept. 20, Moore visited the set of The Jennifer Hudson Show and opened up about her role as grandmother to 17-month-old Louetta, Willis' daughter.
"You know what I have learned? Is that you do not give advice unless you are asked, in general," the actress, who appears in the new movie The Substance, told host Jennifer Hudson.
“First of all, she is a wonderful mother and I am so proud of her,” she said of her daughter and new mom, Willis. “She is really incredible. And if I am asked, I am happy to share my experience, strength, and hope. But if I am not, it is better that I just keep my mouth shut.”
Moore went on to explain that "as a parent, you have to give your children, I think, the dignity of their own process."
"Sometimes they need to find their own way," she added, "even if I'm right, and often I am...but that doesn't make her wrong."
Moore shares three daughters—Rumer, 36, Scout, 33, and Tallulah, 30—with her ex-husband, Bruce Willis. As a proud mom of three, Moore explained that she views her role as a parent not to necessarily "rescue" her children but to instead give them room to grow, make mistakes, and establish their own, unique identities.
"For me I feel like my job is just to love my children and to give them the room to be who they are,” she said. "Rescuing our children, which is our intuitive instinct, isn't always the best thing. You have to give them the room.”
Rumer Willis became a mom on April 18, 2023, when she welcomed her daughter Louetta to the world with her now ex-boyfriend, Derek Richard Thomas. In August, Willis confirmed that she and Thomas are no longer together on Instagram, after a fan asked if the pair were "still a couple."
“Nope. I am single momming it and coparenting," Willis wrote on her Instagram Stories. “I’m so grateful for Lou. She is the best thing in my life and I’m forever grateful I was able to have the time in that relationship for her to come into my life.”
In a moving Instagram post on her 36th birthday, Willis described what it's like to be a mom, calling her daughter her "soulmate and the love of my life" before alluding to her breakup and how the past year had made her stronger.
"My tiny girl you are every birthday wish I’ve ever had come true. You are my soulmate and the love of my life. This last year has been so wild and challenging and beautiful and you are such a light," she wrote at the time. "I am so grateful for you. For your tenderness and love. I learned so much this year. So much about myself. I feel more free and happier than I have been in a long time.
"Navigating through this last year has shown me strength inside myself I didn’t know was possible and I am so proud of myself," she continued. "I wrote some lyrics to a song that I’m working on and they have never felt more true. 'A voice rose up from my soul, to tell me that I can let go, and show me what I already know. That I have always been whole.'”
Stepping Back and Letting Go
Moore's approach to parenting reflects a growing understanding that children benefit from having the space to navigate their own experiences, even if it means making mistakes. This approach recognizes the value of autonomy and encourages parents to become guides rather than constant protectors.
The actress's perspective aligns with the idea of 'good enough parenting,' a concept that emphasizes the importance of creating a loving and supportive environment rather than striving for perfection. By choosing to step back and let her daughter find her own path, Moore exemplifies a powerful and empathetic approach to motherhood.
Breaking Generational Patterns
Moore also discussed the importance of breaking generational patterns and how she sees her granddaughter, Louetta, as a symbol of hope for a different future. She recognizes that her own experiences with trauma and addiction have shaped her, and she is committed to creating a different legacy for her family.
Moore's perspective on breaking generational patterns highlights the profound impact of family history on individuals and the potential for positive change. She emphasizes that by consciously choosing different paths, we can disrupt harmful cycles and create a more fulfilling and supportive environment for future generations.
A Pocket of Joy
Moore described her granddaughter Louetta as a "pocket of joy," emphasizing the boundless love and joy she brings to her life. The grandmother's radiant affection for her granddaughter underscores the transformative power of family and the enduring bonds that connect generations.
A Mother's Journey
Rumer Willis' journey as a new mother has been marked by both joy and challenges, including her recent separation from Louetta's father. However, she remains steadfast in her commitment to motherhood, finding strength and growth through the experiences. Her words reveal a deep love for her daughter and a determination to create a fulfilling and stable life for her.
The story of Demi Moore and Rumer Willis offers a poignant and inspiring perspective on the complexities of family relationships, the evolution of parenting, and the enduring power of love. By sharing their unique experiences, they inspire us to embrace our own journeys with resilience and compassion.
