Kelly Clarkson is opening up about motherhood and the guidance she is giving her daughter as she navigates the challenging years of junior high.
The 44-year-old singer, who was recently the subject of a joke by Obsession star Inde Navarrette on Saturday Night Live, discussed parenting during an interview with E! News at The Voice season 30 red-carpet event on Monday.
Clarkson shares daughter River, 12, and son Remington, 10, with her former husband, Brandon Blackstock. Blackstock died in August 2025 at age 48 after battling melanoma.
“They’re growing up,” Clarkson said of her children. “One’s in junior high, and junior high sucks. It’s a hard age with friends, arguing and stuff like that.”
The singer added that she offers advice, even if her children do not always take it immediately. “I’ve had my daughter come back and be like, ‘So you were right.’”
Clarkson said her children sometimes return to acknowledge that her guidance was sound. “I’ve had them be like, ‘Okay, so I didn’t do that, and I should have,’” she explained.
Kelly Clarkson, 44, discussed motherhood and helping her daughter through the “hard” junior high years; pictured on November 9
“They’re growing up,” Clarkson said of her children. “One’s in junior high, and junior high sucks. It’s a hard age with friends, arguing and stuff like that”; (Source: Kelly Clarkson Show/Instagram)
The Because of You vocalist told the outlet that she also reminds her children that making mistakes is a normal part of growing up.
“I’m a pretty progressive parent, so I’m like, ‘No, no. You’re gonna make your own mistakes, and that’s okay.’”
The The Voice coach continued, “I’m not like an ‘I told you so,’ but I do implement advice.”
Daily Mail has contacted a representative for Clarkson for comment but has not received a response.
Clarkson and Blackstock were married from 2013 until their divorce was finalized in 2022.
Blackstock died on August 7, 2025, following what an obituary shared by Butte Funeral Home described as a “brave and courageous” three-year battle with melanoma.
One day before his death was announced, Clarkson posted on Instagram that the remaining dates of her August 2025 Las Vegas residency would be postponed.
The next day, a family representative confirmed his death in a statement: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away.”
The former American Idol contestant shares daughter River, 12, and son Remington, 10, with ex-husband Brandon Blackstock, who died in August 2025 at age 48 after battling melanoma; pictured in 2020
The “Because of You” singer said she teaches her children that making mistakes is part of life; (Source: Kelly Clarkson/Instagram)
“Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family.”
The statement concluded, “We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”
A source told People after Blackstock’s death that Clarkson was “heartbroken” for their two children.
“Losing their dad is incredibly painful and confusing. But she’s also very grounded. She’s not someone who falls apart,” the source said.
The insider added, “She looks at life realistically and does everything she can to make things as steady and loving as possible for her kids.”
In October, it was reported that Clarkson is choosing not to date, in part out of consideration for her children after their father’s death.
“My kids right now, I think—there’s a lot behind that—but I think that would rock their boat a little bit,” she said on the Las Culturistas podcast.
“And honestly, this is not a bulls*** answer: I love my life right now. It just got to where I am not exhausted at every point of it.”
In October, Clarkson said she was not dating, partly out of consideration for her children following their father’s death; pictured in September
“And honestly, this is not a bulls*** answer: I love my life right now. It just got to where I am not exhausted at every point of it,” the singer said; (Source: Kelly Clarkson Show/Instagram)
She also acknowledged that a relationship would require her to dedicate time she is not currently prepared to give. “If you’re gonna be in a relationship, you have to be willing to give some of your time up, and I am unwilling,” Clarkson said.
Despite stepping back from some projects, Clarkson has continued working and returned to the Las Vegas stage last month after her viral dispute with a Brooklyn shop.
The singer performed for guests at a corporate event held at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium.
In February, Clarkson revealed that she was leaving her NBC daytime talk show after seven seasons.
The “Stronger” hitmaker said she was stepping away to prioritize her two children and thanked the team she had worked with throughout the program’s run.
During an appearance on the Today show shortly afterward, Clarkson addressed the decision and admitted that leaving had not been easy.
Clarkson has remained busy and returned to performing in Las Vegas last month after her viral dispute with a Brooklyn shop; pictured in 2025
In February, Clarkson announced that she was ending her NBC talk show after seven seasons; pictured on The Kelly Clarkson Show in 2025
Clarkson emphasized that caring for her children was the driving force behind the change.
“Well, I think everybody probably gets the timing. Our family life, the dynamic changed a bit, and it has changed for a minute now.”
She continued, “I know everybody thinks, ‘Oh, she quit.’ I’m like, ‘I still have other jobs. I’m still doing stuff.’ There’s just too much on the plate. So I’m like, ‘You know what, it’s time to kind of pull back.’”
The final episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show aired on August 31.
