Courteney Cox Expresses Regret Over One Aspect of Parenting Daughter Coco in a Vulnerable New Interview

Sydni Ellis
·3 min read
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Parenting can feel like one big guessing game. Sure, we research and listen to others for advice (or just try to do the opposite of how our parents raised us), but still, it’s impossible to know exactly how the decisions we make now will affect our kids in the future. And sometimes, this can lead to some regrets. Courteney Cox got vulnerable about one such parenting regret she has related to her daughter Coco, 19, who she shares with ex David Arquette, and it’s something that many parents can relate to.

Coco Arquette, Courteney Cox at arrivals for SCREAM VI Premiere, AMC Lincoln Square, New York, NY March 6, 2023. Photo By: Kristin Callahan/Everett Collection
Coco Arquette, Courteney Cox at arrivals for SCREAM VI Premiere, AMC Lincoln Square, New York, NY March 6, 2023. Photo By: Kristin Callahan/Everett Collection

In an interview on Minnie Driver’s Minnie Questions podcast, the Friends alum lamented the fact that she wouldn’t “step into” situations with Coco, who assured her mom that she could figure things out herself. “I should have [trusted] myself and I should have stepped in,” Cox said, per PEOPLE.

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“I’m not saying I made her who she is, but you do see things in other people, whether it’s just always taking care of people and being the nicest person,” she continued. “And I mean, that’s one of the things with age, I’ve learned to say no, I’ve learned to have boundaries. But I mean, earlier on when she was a kid or not even that many years ago, I wish I’d been a firmer parent.”

That’s so hard! We all can look back with regret about the things we didn’t do as parents — or the things we maybe should have done — but it’s OK. We’re all doing the best we can.

Coco Arquette and Courteney Cox at the star ceremony where Courteney Cox is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on February 27, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
Coco Arquette and Courteney Cox at the star ceremony where Courteney Cox is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on February 27, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)

In an interview with Marie Claire in October, the Shining Vale actress shared that she is done letting fear take over her life. “I used to do a lot of things out of fear, even making connections with people, checking in with people … not taking a chance, a risk,” she said. “Now, fear doesn’t play nearly as big of a part in my life. I push myself more.” We can’t help but wonder if this new fearless mindset is what’s fueling her second thoughts about her parenting decisions. You live and you learn, right?

Cox is also an empty nester now, as her daughter is in her first year of college. She shared how hard this transition is in the same interview. “I miss that girl every minute,” she told Marie Claire about her only daughter. Cox added that she recently visited her daughter at college. “I found myself expecting [to run] into each other’s arms,” she said with a laugh. “I expected her to need more than she does. It’s an adjustment.”

Having an independent, strong daughter who is navigating college on her own without her mom? Sounds like Cox did a fabulous job parenting Coco, no matter what regrets she may have!

Before you go, check out this list of Hollywood’s most permissive parents.

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