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Elle Macpherson has a super helpful tip for parenting teenagers

Photo credit: Nick Leary
Photo credit: Nick Leary

From Red Online

Elle Macpherson is a hugely successful supermodel and entrepreneur, but she also knows what it's like to parent two teenage boys.

Speaking to Red in February 2018, the Australian model – who was one of the original '90s Supers – said one of her strengths was being 'super-disciplined':

'The trick is knowing how to use it in a constructive way. For example, I don't make New Year's resolutions, I set smaller daily intentions and if I get through them, great.'

And when it comes to parenting her two sons – Flynn, who recently turned 21, and Cy, 16 (both from her previous relationship with French financier Arpad Busson) – she hasn't shied away from being tough when necessary:

'I often say to them, "I'm not here to be popular, I'm here to guide you and if I say there's something you need to do, it's because I'm trying to help".'

Proof that parenting teens can be complicated and hard work, no matter who you are.

In fact Macpherson says she was inspired to launch her company, WelleCo (a range of plant-based nutri-cosmetics that aim to increase energy levels and give a supermodel glow) while juggling running a business, travelling and being a mum back in 2014:

'I was shooting and producing Britain and Ireland's Next Top Model and also an American TV show called Fashion Star so I was back and forth between LA and the UK. I had both my sons in school and was also also working for my lingerie business, and I just felt so tired and run-down.'

It's not lost on Macpherson that her boys have had a very different childhood to the one she experienced growing up in Sydney – modelling to pay for her school books.

She recently told Vogue Australia that keeping them grounded is important:

'It’s a delicate line, and we certainly have opportunities as a family that I didn’t have as a child. There’s no use pretending we don’t live like that. You know, the kids fly to Europe regularly, they went to good schools in England. We are an international family … but I have to say the most beautiful moments really are the simplest times when we’ve been brought together, things like road trips.'

'I’m the mother of two young men. But I am definitely someone who feels comfortable in nature, and being with my children and friends is what’s important to me now; simplicity, back to basics.'

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