Last Updated on September 28, 2026 by Cliche
Drew Barrymore is opening up about a parenting fear that hits especially close to home for her, which she describes as her “worst nightmare.”
Barrymore has been in the spotlight since she was barely seven, shooting to fame with her unforgettable performance in “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. She went on to star in projects including “Altered States,” “Firestarter,” and “Irreconcilable Differences,” to name a few, cementing herself as one of Hollywood’s most recognized child stars.
Growing up in the public eye brought many challenges, including rehab stints as a teenager. Now, she is discussing how that has shaped her parenting style with her children.
Drew Barrymore Discloses Her Fears For Daughters Olive And Frankie
During a recent episode of “The Drew Barrymore Show,” the mother of two confessed her major parenting fears brought her own past to the surface.
“I’m seeing these kids, both boys and girls, have too much too soon” she said, before reflecting on her own past. “That really harkens back to my own personal downfall of entrusting me as a child with just too much privilege, freedom, and access when I was too young for it, and I didn’t know how to handle it.”
She also disclosed the pressure she feels as a parent while trying to raise her daughters: “I feel these companies are like, ‘You as the parent can talk with your child,’ and I am like, ‘This is my worst nightmare. How do I get out of my own experience so I can feel more capable and present?’”
Drew Barrymore Said She Won’t “Sell Her Brand” On Her Kids
Barrymore shares her two kids, Frankie Kopelman and Olive Kopelman, with ex-husband Will Kopelman, whom she was married to from 2012 to 2016. They are on good terms despite a painful divorce and continue to co-parent.
The 51-year-old has remained very private about her girls, aside from a few stories and an occasional Instagram post, saying she won’t “sell her brand on her kids.”
Barrymore told People Magazine of her decision, explaining she wants her girls to have a different life. The Golden Globe winner started in the industry as a child and has faced her ups and downs in the public eye.
Now, the actress has her girls asking about acting all the time, and while she is willing to agree to school plays, she doesn’t want anything that would put them in the public eye the way she was at that age.
“As a parent, I would really love to support my kids when they’re older,” Barrymore said. “Again, what number is that? I don’t know, but it’s not 13, and it’s probably not 14. It’s up there.”
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Drew Barrymore Doesn’t Regret Her Time In Rehab
The Hollywood star’s decision doesn’t come as a surprise, as being a child star was not always rosy.
Barrymore originally spent time in rehab in 2015, when she was committed for drug and alcohol addiction. Opening up about the difficult experience, she admitted she felt “really” alone and was “very, very angry,” as reported by The Blast.
While discussing “Wayward” with Mae Martin, a show loosely based on Martin’s troubled younger years, Barrymore found a connection to the story, adding that she was also taken away and put in a place for two years.
The mother of two recalled a certain “lightness” she felt at the institution, finding positivity in the situation.
“And it’s the best thing that ever happened to me, honestly. And I hold a lot of that sacrosanct. But it wasn’t easy. It was hard as hell,” Barrymore added.
Drew Barrymore Had A Breast Cancer Scare
Away from discussing what it was like growing up, Barrymore has also remained open about her health, including a breast cancer scare she had a year ago.
According to The Blast, in a November 2025 episode, the show host revealed she had to get a biopsy done after a bad mammogram. She then spent five agonizing days waiting for the results, which thankfully came back fine.
The health scare reminded the 51-year-old of the importance of early screening. Her vulnerability drew attention to the importance of early detection, and fans praised her for raising awareness.
Drew Barrymore Opened Up About Body Changes After Having Children
Barrymore never shies away from being candid with fans, once sharing that she struggled with her body after having two children, both of which she had a C-section for.
She told the story of a time when she was walking down the street, trying to cover her stomach with her jacket because she didn’t want anyone to see it.
Opening up about the changes that come with motherhood and having kids, Barrymore said, “When you have kids, and you have a busy life, and your body changes and you get older, and things just aren’t the same,” per The Blast.
The Drew Barrymore Reveals Parenting ‘Worst Nightmare’ After ‘Personal Downfall’ From Her Dark Past first appeared on The Blast
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