Kelly Clarkson Reveals What Her Daughter Said That Made Her Feel Like She ‘Succeeded as a Parent’ (Exclusive)

The singer-turned-talk show host has moved with her two children from LA to New York for Season 5 of her hit show

Kelly Clarkson is feeling settled.

Having just moved from Los Angeles to New York for Season 5 of her hit talk show, Clarkson, 41, is building a new life for herself and her two children, daughter River Rose, 9, and son Remington Alexander, 7, who she shares with her ex with her husband Brandon Blackstock (47).

“I was very unhappy in LA for several years,” she tells PEOPLE in this week’s cover story. “I needed a fresh start.”

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The sweetest moments of mom Kelly Clarkson with her children River Rose and Remington Alexander

The move was the right choice for her whole family. “[Remington] left the school and said: “This is the school for me. This is better than the previous school. This is where I should be.’ And he is 7 years old,” she says. “So it’s amazing that business is going well, but as a mom, it’s a win for your child.”

As a mother, Clarkson also admits that she “can be hard on myself, but I think I’m doing a pretty good job. I’m definitely not a helicopter mom,” she adds. “I like that they’re independent, but I’m relentless about my schedule, making sure I’m there as much as I can. There is no such thing as a perfect parent; I must be screwing up my kids somehow! But I’m doing my best.”

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The singer recalls a recent moment with Rivera that made her feel especially proud as a parent. “She wanted a dog so we got one, and I said, ‘Well, what do you want to name her?’ And she said, ‘I want to call her Charlie because she’s Charlie Brown.

Clarkson replied: “‘Okay. Well, some people might think it’s a boy.’ And she said, ‘What do I care what people think?’ I said, ‘I’m sorry. Say it again and more slowly.’ I felt like I had succeeded as a parent.”

Kelly Clarkson/Instagram

Even with Remington, “I said something and I didn’t mean to hurt his feelings, but he said, ‘You kind of hurt my feelings,’ and he made it so clear,” Clarkson allows.

“I was so proud of him for using all the right words and not being emotionally overwhelmed. He just said it so clearly and calmly. I said, ‘Okay. I could learn something from you today.’ Moments that seem small really are epic.”

The Kelly Clarkson Show broadcasts on weekdays. Check local station listings and times.

Find out more about Clarkson’s exclusive interview in this week’s issue of PEOPLE.

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