Julia Roberts on the Joys and Challenges of Raising Twins

Julia Roberts on the Joys and Challenges of Raising Twins

Julia Roberts, the Academy Award-winning actress known for her radiant smile and beloved roles, has often described motherhood as her most important and fulfilling role. Among her greatest adventures in parenting has been raising her fraternal twins, Hazel Patricia and Phinnaeus “Finn” Walter Moder, born on November 28, 2004. In various interviews over the years, Roberts has candidly shared both the overwhelming joys and the unique challenges that come with raising twins.

The early days were intense. Roberts has recalled the initial shock of having two babies at once. “I didn’t know what it would be like, and it was, like, initially insane,” she shared in a recent Entertainment Weekly interview. Yet she quickly discovered the profound reward of twins having a built-in best friend from day one. The bond between Hazel and Finn has been a constant source of wonder for her. She has described them as very different individuals who share an “immense understanding” of each other, something she finds beautiful to witness.

One of the greatest joys Roberts highlights is the rapid passage of time and watching her children grow into thoughtful young adults. As the twins celebrated their 21st birthday in late 2025, she expressed awe: “It’s amazing, it’s astonishing. Watching any child, but particularly your own children, grow up… listening to their point of view of the world.” She has posted heartfelt tributes on Instagram, calling them “game changers, life alterers, heart expanders.” The everyday moments—family dinners without phones, shared laughter, and seeing their distinct personalities bloom—bring her immense happiness.

However, Roberts has never shied away from the challenges. Raising twins while maintaining a career required balance and sacrifice. She admitted that choosing to focus on creativity sometimes meant prioritizing work over family time, a decision that was “hard for me to come to terms with.” The logistics of twins—double the diapers, double the feedings, and later double the teenage energy—demanded patience and teamwork with husband Danny Moder.

In earlier interviews, she humorously noted the physical demands of early motherhood: “I can catch poop in my hand and just be like, OK…” She emphasized that parenting involves “a trial and error and a whole lot of tears,” but insisted it remains deeply rewarding. Roberts and Moder set clear boundaries, such as delayed phone privileges and screen-free family time, to foster connection in a high-profile world.

As the twins have entered young adulthood, Roberts reflects on the transition with a mix of pride and bittersweet emotion. She has expressed excitement for their independence while cherishing the visits that keep their close-knit family bonded. Through it all, her philosophy remains simple: be present, stay honest, and embrace the beautiful chaos.

For Julia Roberts, raising twins has been a transformative journey—one that expanded her heart in ways no film role ever could. It taught her resilience, deepened her appreciation for life’s fleeting moments, and reinforced that the greatest joy comes from the wild, wonderful rumpus of family life.