Reese Witherspoon is getting candid about the emotional and physical toll of balancing motherhood and a demanding career in Hollywood. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the 49-year-old actress reflected on raising her children—Ava (25) and Deacon (21)—as a single mom after her 2006 split from actor Ryan Phillippe.
“Deliriously Tired” But Determined
Sharing throwback photos of her and her kids during their younger years, Reese admitted, “It looked like spending a lot of time in trailers together … being on the road … and my kids constantly giving me career advice.” She revealed the reality behind the glamorous image, writing: “I’d cry working 14 to 17 hours, sometimes all night long, and still woke up early for carpool. I was deliriously tired.”
Despite the exhaustion, she made a conscious effort to speak positively about her work at home. “So my kids would know that my work was meaningful and could be fun,” she added.
Motherhood Gave Her Perspective
Now also a mom to 12-year-old Tennessee with second ex-husband Jim Toth, Reese says the tough days were worth it. “Even though it was challenging, having kids gave me perspective about what was important in life. Nothing was better than coming home to hug them and hear about their day.”
She concluded her post by standing in solidarity with fellow working moms: “Grateful to stand alongside other moms in this beautiful, messy journey … Tag the working mom who needs this.”
“I Was Terrified at 22”
Speaking on The Drew Barrymore Show, Reese also recalled the fear of becoming a mom so young. “I was terrified. I didn’t know how to balance work and motherhood—you just do it.” Through sacrifice and love, she says, “It’s my kids, not movies, that make me wake up on a Sunday.”
