On a recent episode of the New Heights podcast, hosted by football siblings Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce, actor Matt Damon offered heartfelt insights about raising daughters, sharing his perspective on parenting for fellow “girl dads.” The discussion highlighted Matt Damon parenting advice in particular, as a point of interest for fathers navigating similar journeys.
Matt Damon and Jason Kelce Discuss Raising Daughters
During the podcast episode, Travis Kelce brought attention to the fact that both Matt Damon and Jason Kelce are fathers to four daughters each, though their children fall into different age groups. With Matt’s daughters now in their teens and twenties and Jason’s under the age of seven, the conversation naturally led to an exchange of thoughts and experiences about the challenges and surprises of raising girls.
When asked if he had any advice to share, Matt responded humbly:
“Man, I got nothing. I got nothing for you. You’re in it. You’re in it,”
– Matt Damon, Actor
Jason replied candidly about his own approach to parenting advice, reflecting on the highly personalized nature of raising children:
“My first thing I tell people with advice with kids is ‘don’t listen to any advice anybody else gives,’”
– Jason Kelce, NFL Player
Recognizing the Unique Nature of Every Child
Jason Kelce shared further thoughts on how individual differences among children shape parenting approaches, noting that each child responds and behaves uniquely. He mentioned that even among his own daughters, personalities and sensitivities vary greatly, reinforcing the need for adaptable parenting.
“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, NFL Player
Matt Damon agreed with Jason’s sentiment, expressing his evolving perspectives on whether children’s traits are shaped more by genetics or upbringing. He described his belief that much of a child’s core personality is present from the start.
“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, Actor
Cherishing Fleeting Moments of Childhood
Continuing their discussion, Matt reflected on the idea that as children grow, parents still see glimpses of their younger selves. He recalled meaningful advice from a friend about savoring every stage of his children’s lives.
“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, Actor
Matt then related a personal story about helping his teenage daughter recover after an injury, which reminded him how quickly time passes. He remembered the routine of brushing her hair when she was young, and how such simple tasks become cherished memories, often ending before a parent even realizes it is the last time.
Advice for Fellow Fathers and the Importance of Connection
Drawing from his own experiences, Matt Damon encouraged Jason Kelce to appreciate and be present for everyday moments with his daughters, emphasizing the importance of being attentive through every stage.
Jason acknowledged the value of Matt’s insights, simply stating:
“I like that [advice] a lot.”
– Jason Kelce, NFL Player
The conversation between Matt Damon and Jason Kelce offers a genuine look into the emotional complexities of parenting, especially for fathers of daughters. Their advice, formed by personal reflection instead of generic tips, resonates with dads everywhere facing the challenges and joys of raising independent young women. As time continues to move quickly for both fathers, their stories underscore the importance of cherishing each milestone and moment spent together.
