Kelly Clarkson admits she’s figuring out parenthood as she goes along.
But there’s one steadfast rule that won’t be changing anytime soon for her two children, daughter River Rose, 9, and son Remington Alexander, 7 (whom she shares with ex-husband Brandon Blackstock, 47): No social media.
“It can be very difficult for children in general, but especially for children whose parents are in the public eye,” Clarkson, 41, explains in this week’s cover story. “So I informed them that they should never do that under my roof [it].”
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Kelly Clarkson/Instagram
The sweetest moments of mom Kelly Clarkson with her children River Rose and Remington Alexander
Clarkson allows that co-parenting (she and Blackwell separated in 2020 and finalized their divorce in 2022) is “so different [for everyone]. It’s harder at first,” she says. “There is so much emotion and trauma involved.”
The more time passes, “the easier it gets,” she adds. “It’s hard enough when you’re married and you come from two different backgrounds and ways of discipline and education. Doing it in different households can be difficult.”
For now, he firmly feels that he is making the right decision.
“My daughter said, ‘Well, what if dad lets me?’ I said, ‘Well, you’re there four days a month. Enjoy it.’ And right now, he doesn’t even let them do that,” says Clarkson. “I’ll listen to them when they’re older, but until they make a good argument, that’s a no.”
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Weiss Eubanks
As a mom, Clarkson “can be hard on myself, but I think I do a pretty good job. I’m definitely not a helicopter mom,” she adds. “I like that they’re independent, but I’m very strict with 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.”
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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