Feb. 2 (UPI) — Drew Barrymore says she’s learning to co-parent with “love” and “honesty” following her divorce.
The 41-year-old actress discussed on Wednesday’s episode of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” her “community” with ex-husband Will Kopelman and their two daughters.
“[Divorce] was just, like, my worst nightmare [as a parent],” Barrymore told host Ellen DeGeneres. “I so wanted to raise kids in this ultra-traditional way and do everything so the polar opposite of my experience.”
“It really is about the tone you set,” she explained. “Kids watch what you do every single day of your life, all day long, and that behavior and that example and that love and community and honesty is just, I think what’s making everything feel safe for my kids.”
“I got two families. I went from, like zero to two and it’s a miracle and a blessing,” the star said. “The road is different than what you tried to make it or what you expected and you just figure it out and figure it out with grace.”
Barrymore and Kopelman, who share 4-year-old Olive and 2-year-old Frankie, split in April after nearly four years of marriage. The actress posted a photo of her daughters in November while reflecting on her past year.
“I feel so lucky. And after just living the last few days in all things positive, it was good for me to reflect on things that truly make me happy,” she said at the time.
“I have cried a lot this year,” the star admitted in a later post. “But I do not fight with others. I will spend my life trying to give love. And I am always aware and appreciative when I receive it. My heart is very open right now.”
Barrymore will star with Timothy Olyphant on the new Netflix series “Santa Clarita Diet,” which premieres Friday. The horror-comedy show released a new trailer in January.
