Angelina Jolie says it's 'impossible' to be a perfect parent during coronavirus lockdown

Gulf Today Report

Angelina Jolie has penned an open letter reassuring parents that they are not alone during the coronavirus pandemic.

Writing for Time magazine’s "Parents Newsletter", the Maleficent star opened up about what she has learnt about parenting during lockdown, revealing she believes it is “impossible” to get things right all the time.

“I am thinking of you,” Jolie wrote. “I am imagining how hard each of you is trying to get through your days. How much you want to lead your loved ones through this. How you worry. How you plan. How you smile for them, when inside you feel at times you are breaking.”

She added, “Now, in the midst of this pandemic, I think of all the mothers and fathers with children at home. All hoping they can do everything right, answer all needs, and stay calm and positive. One thing that has helped me is to know that’s impossible.”

Angelina Jolie with children attend "The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind" special screening.

The actor continued by saying she believes children don’t want their parents to be “perfect”, but to admit their mistakes and work together as a family.

“It is a lovely thing to discover that your children don’t want you perfect. They just want you honest,” Jolie wrote.

“They love you. They want to help you. So in the end, it’s the team you build. And in a way, they are raising you up too. You grow together.”

The Tomb Raider star also opened up about her childhood and her decision to become a mother.

“I was not a very stable youth. In fact, I never thought I could be anyone's mum. I remember the decision to become a parent. It wasn't hard to love. It wasn't hard to dedicate myself to someone and something greater than my life,” Jolie explained.

Angelina Jolie poses with her children on the red carpet in London.

“What was hard was knowing that from now on I needed to be the one to make sure everything was okay.

“I realised I stopped my constant daydreaming, instead staying always ready for any break into what I was doing or thinking to answer a need. It was a new skill to acquire.”

This is not the first time Jolie has opened up about her journey as a parent.

Earlier this year, the actor penned another letter for Time to mark International Women’s Day.