During a recent appearance on the popular New Heights podcast, actor Matt Damon offered his perspective on raising daughters, providing unexpected Matt Damon parenting advice to fellow fathers. The conversation, hosted by Travis and Jason Kelce, unfolded as the guests discussed the challenges and unique aspects of parenting girls at different ages.
Matt Damon Discusses His Experience as a Father to Daughters
While promoting his latest film, The Rip, Matt Damon joined Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce, both well-known football players, to talk about family life. Travis Kelce noted that Damon and his brother Jason both share the title of “girl dads,” with Damon being the father of four daughters, all in their teens or twenties, while Jason’s four daughters are much younger.
The conversation soon shifted to parenting approaches and advice. With Matt’s daughters significantly older than Jason’s, who are all under seven, Travis asked if Matt had any guidance for parents of young girls.
Understanding Parenting Approaches from Both Perspectives
When asked about his advice, Matt’s immediate reply was,
Man, I got nothing. I got nothing for you. You’re in it. You’re in it,
—Matt Damon. His response reflected the honest uncertainty many parents feel, especially as children grow and change rapidly.
Jason Kelce, in turn, shared that he is often approached for advice because he has multiple children, but he’s hesitant to give universal recommendations. He said,
My first thing I tell people with advice with kids is ‘don’t listen to any advice anybody else gives,’
—Jason Kelce. Jason went on to describe how every child in his family needs a different approach to parenting, illustrating the individuality among siblings. He emphasized the varying personalities by explaining how one daughter could be sensitive while another might be more energetic, stating,
I don’t know how you feel about yours, but the moment one comes out, they’re, like, more sensitive. This one’s a little bit more, like rambunctious. Like, every single one of them is, like, their own person.
—Jason Kelce.
Matt Damon expressed agreement and elaborated on debates over whether children’s traits stem more from their genetics or upbringing. He told listeners that over time he’s become convinced that much of a child’s personality is innate, highlighting parents’ limited role in shaping but not entirely determining their kids’ paths.
Matt Damon Reflects on His Daughters’ Growth and the Role of Nurture
Speaking on individuality, Damon said,
Your kids show up, like that spirit, that soul is there, and it’s going to do what it’s going to do and the nurture part is very important, you’re going to be no doubt helping with that, but they really are who they are, like right away,
—Matt Damon. He added how remarkable it is that, even as children mature into young adults, parents can still vividly remember them as they were when they were little.
Matt then recounted poignant advice from a friend who once told him,
An old friend of mine said, when my 19-year-old was probably 18 months, said ‘Don’t blink. Don’t blink,’ And that sh** is real,
—Matt Damon. Damon shared a recent experience where his 17-year-old daughter broke her collar bone, requiring his help with daily routines like brushing her hair and preparing for school. This situation led him to realize how quickly those early childhood rituals can slip away unnoticed, as the “last time” for something often comes without any announcement.
The Importance of Cherishing Everyday Moments in Parenting
In light of his realizations, Matt Damon encouraged Jason Kelce to truly appreciate routine moments with his daughters while they’re still young. The advice resonated with Jason, who responded,
I like that [advice] a lot.
—Jason Kelce.
This conversation between Matt Damon, Jason Kelce, and Travis Kelce highlights the unpredictable and deeply personal journey of raising daughters. Their discussion covers various perspectives on parenting, the nature versus nurture debate, and the emotional intensity of recognizing fleeting moments in a child’s life.
As the dialogue illustrates, while collective experience can provide support, true parenting guidance often comes from being present in the moment and appreciating each child’s distinct personality. Matt Damon’s insights remind all parents to value the early years, knowing that every stage of childhood offers irreplaceable memories, especially for girl dads navigating each phase with love and attention.
