Kelly Clarkson Opens Up About Raising Her Children After Brandon Blackstock’s Death: ‘Junior High Sucks’

Kelly Clarkson is learning to navigate the challenges of raising two children as a single mother while helping them cope with the loss of their father. The singer recently offered a candid glimpse into her parenting approach, revealing how she guides her 12-year-old daughter, River, through the often difficult social pressures of junior high without making her feel that every mistake is a failure.

At 44, Clarkson is raising River and her 10-year-old son, Remington, whom she shared with her late ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock. Blackstock died in August 2025 following a private battle with melanoma. The former couple married in 2013 and finalized their divorce in 2022.

In a November 10 interview with E! News, Clarkson discussed the importance of allowing her children to make their own decisions, learn from difficult experiences and come to their own conclusions.

Her comments offered a personal look at how she is approaching motherhood during a particularly emotional chapter for her family.

Kelly Clarkson Believes Children Need Room to Make Their Own Mistakes

Clarkson described herself as a “pretty progressive parent,” explaining that she prefers to guide her children rather than constantly remind them when they have made the wrong decision.

“I’m a pretty progressive parent, so I’m like, ‘No, no. You’re gonna make your own mistakes, and that’s OK. I’m not like an ‘I told you so,’ but I do implement advice,” she explained.

For Clarkson, parenting is about finding the balance between offering guidance and allowing children enough independence to discover things for themselves.

She acknowledged that this approach has become particularly important as her daughter enters junior high, a stage of life that can bring complicated friendships, disagreements and emotional challenges.

“They’re growing up. One’s in junior high, and junior high sucks. It’s a hard age with friends, and arguing and stuff like that,” the singer admitted.

Although she does not want to dictate every decision River makes, Clarkson makes sure her daughter knows she can turn to her for advice.

Sometimes, those conversations lead to moments when River realizes her mother had a point after all.

“I do offer advice, and I’ve had my daughter come back and be like, ‘So you were right,'” Clarkson recalled.

She added that her children have also returned to acknowledge that they should have listened to her guidance in certain situations.

For the singer, those moments are part of growing up. Rather than responding with an “I told you so,” she appears to value the lessons her children learn along the way.

After Brandon Blackstock’s Death, Clarkson Made Room for Extra Comfort at Home

Clarkson’s parenting approach comes as she and her children continue adjusting to life after Blackstock’s death in August 2025.

The loss has been an emotional experience for the family, and Clarkson has reportedly focused on creating a home environment where River and Remington feel secure, supported and free to process their grief at their own pace.

An insider previously described the period as an especially difficult one for the singer and her children, explaining that her priority had been making sure they continued to feel loved while maintaining as much stability as possible.

Earlier in 2026, Clarkson offered a touching glimpse into their family life during an Instagram fan Q&A session.

She revealed that she had been allowing her children to sleep beside her frequently following their father’s death.

“There’s been a lot for our family recently, and so I have allowed my kids to sleep with me quite a bit. So it’s my two dogs, my kids and me; it’s a lot,” she shared.

Despite the crowded sleeping arrangements, Clarkson said the experience had brought some unexpectedly meaningful moments.

“It’s been really special, though. The conversations you have during that time are pretty cute. So that’s probably my favorite time of day,” she added in January.

Her comments offered a glimpse into the small ways the family has found comfort in one another during a difficult period. Those quiet conversations and moments of closeness have become particularly meaningful as her children continue growing up without their father.

Why Kelly Clarkson Decided to End Her Talk Show

Clarkson’s latest reflections on motherhood also follow her decision to bring The Kelly Clarkson Show to an end after its run began in 2019.

In the show’s final episode, the singer spoke openly about how her children had influenced both her decision to take on the project and her eventual choice to step away.

She explained that providing River and Remington with stability and a consistent schedule had been among the reasons she initially pursued the daytime television opportunity.

However, their needs also played a major role in her decision to say goodbye.

“My children have always come first. They’re a big reason I did this show, just the stability, the schedule. And they’re also a big reason it’s time to say goodbye,” Clarkson said.

She also made no secret of how proud she is of the two children she shares with Blackstock.

“I’m such a proud momma. They’re the greatest kids in the world,” she added.

For Clarkson, the decision reflected a familiar priority: making choices that allow her to be present for her family, even when that means stepping away from a successful professional commitment.

As River moves through the challenges of junior high and Remington continues growing up, Clarkson remains focused on giving both children the guidance, independence and emotional support they need.

Her latest comments reveal a mother who understands that she cannot prevent every disappointment or difficult experience her children will face. Instead, she wants them to know they can make mistakes, learn from them and always come home to someone willing to listen.