It’s hard to think of Sarah Jessica Parker as someone who came from a humble upbringing, considering she’s become the poster child for high fashion–partly because of “Sex and the City” and her own eclectic fashion sense.
Before she became famous, however, the Jewish mom of three had a more modest childhood back home in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was one of eight kids, for instance. The 51-year-old opened up about what it was like growing up, telling PEOPLE how it’s influenced her parenting:
“I think my mother is sorry that there were things she couldn’t give us, but I work hard to be as depriving to my children as my mother was … meaning I like to withhold things from my children.
Things they want, I think they should yearn for, and in some cases, as my son gets older, I think he should earn. I think it’s good to pine for something so that when you get it, it has such meaning. You aren’t casual about the possession.”
Parker went on to say how she’s thinks having less growing up was a blessing in disguise:
“For the most part, we had everything we needed — not always, but for the most part. Not having everything you want is a blessing. I think wanting is a great gift.
I know my parents did the best they could. I never thought they were lazy or being cavalier, so I’m not resentful.
I think the things my mom says now about the time is she’s sorry that there was chaos, and I’m sure she wouldn’t have wanted us to lay in bed and worry, but I think there were advantages in my experience for me for that.”
While no one ever wants their child to worry–it’s definitely not a bad idea to have your kids earn something they want, as opposed to just getting whatever they want all the time.
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