14 Celebrity Parents’ Most Heartfelt Messages to Their Kids

Jessica Alba

On her eldest daughter’s 13th birthday in 2021, Jessica Alba penned an emotional tribute on Instagram. The actress and brand founder wrote, “My teenager!!!! This is 13! Honor -yes you are way taller than me already, which you love to remind me of on the daily. You have a heart of gold, you are filled with compassion, you are wicked smart, silly, hilarious, and so kind… I’m just so proud of you 😢”

She continued, “I’m sorry that whenever I look at you too long, I burst into tears – they are happy tears because the love is so deep and so profound and sad that I can’t push pause. So you are gonna have to accept my emotional outbursts boo. You choosing me to be your mama has been one of the greatest gifts in life baby girl! I hope your teens are everything you hoped for and more, remember to soak up every moment. I love you with my whole heart and soul. ~your mom”

Jennifer Garner

Jennifer Garner took to her Instagram Story the day before her 50th birthday to share what she felt most grateful for ahead of a new decade of life: Her kids.

The actress wrote, “On the eve of a new decade there is no doubt that the center of my gratitude stems from the health, humor, challenge, wisdom, silliness, patience, cozy-ness, strength, intelligence, kindness, frustration, and adorable-ness of my kids. I can’t believe I get to know them and hold their hand through life, and I am prayerfully grateful for each of them is mine.”

Vanessa Bryant

On what would have been her late daughter’s 14th birthday, Vanessa Bryant shared a heartfelt message addressed to Gianna on Instagram. She wrote, “Happy 14th Birthday to my sweet baby girl, Gianna. Mommy loves you more than I can ever show you. You are part of MY SOUL forever. I miss you so much everyday. I wish I could wake up and have you here with me. I miss your smile, your hugs and your giggles. I miss EVERYTHING about YOU, Gigi. I LOVE YOU so much!!!!!!”

Gabrielle Union-Wade & Dwyane Wade

Both Gabrielle Union-Wade and Dwyane Wade took to Instagram on their daughter Zaya’s 13th birthday.

The Bring It On alum wrote, “Happy Birthday baby!!! I can’t believe you are 13!! @zayawadeyou are such an inspiration and motivation to get my butt up everyday and fight. When I’m weary, frustrated, full of rage, I see your face and your joy and you living your best life and I want that for all of us. I love you sooooo much kid!! Enjoy this day and everyday knowing you are loved, protected, respected, admired and celebrated. ♥️♥️♥️♥️”

The former NBA player shared, “I hope you feel all of my love today and every day of your life. You’re Bold, You’re courageous, You are Zaya. Happy Birthday we LOVE you‼️”

Ketanji Brown Jackson

During her confirmation hearing in 2022, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson addressed her daughters directly: “Girls, I know it has not been easy as I have tried to navigate the challenges of juggling my career and motherhood. And I fully admit that I did not always get the balance right. But I hope that you have seen that with hard work, determination, and love, it can be done. I am so looking forward to seeing what each of you chooses to do with your amazing lives in this incredible country. I love you so much.”

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon wished her doppelganger daughter, Ava, a happy birthday on Instagram in 2022. The actress and producer wrote,”Happy Birthday to my favorite daughter, Ava !! Every day that I get to watch you become the most amazing woman is such a gift. Your gigantic heart, generous spirit, and endless creativity inspire me every day. I love you so much.”

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

Proud papa of three girls, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson took to Instagram in 2021 to wish his youngest daughter a happy birthday. The Black Adam actor wrote, “Happy Birthday to my sweetest lil’ Tia Giana 💕💝🎂 Loving, kind, tenacious and tough (like your mama;) and my greatest joy is being your daddy. I always, ‘got you.'”

Tom Brady

In 2022, Tom Brady wished his eldest son, Jack, a happy birthday with a heartfelt message on Instagram. The NFL legend wrote, “Happy Birthday my beautiful son. What a blessing you are in our life. We love you so much and are so proud of the amazing young man that you are. You make every day of our life more joyful and fun. Have a great 15th Birthday Jack.”

Similarly, the Super Bowl champ dedicated a birthday post to his youngest son, Benjamin, on his 13th birthday: “Happy 13th birthday to the newest teenager. You are so special and loved. There is no greater gift than being your dad. We love you so much Benny ❤️❤️❤️”

And for his daughter’s 10th birthday, the quarterback posted, “Happy 10th Birthday Vivi! We adore you and your beautiful heart ❤️! You bring so much joy to our life! We love you 🥰”

Jennifer Lopez

In honor of her twins’ 13th birthday in 2021, Jennifer Lopez wrote on Instagram, “My beautiful babies are teenagers today!! OMG!! I can’t believe it’s been 13 years since I carried them both home in my arms in the middle of a snowstorm. Out of that blizzard came two perfect lil’ coconuts who rearranged my life and taught me the true meaning of love. It has been the most magical journey full of adventure and joy ever since…”

She continued, “I’m feeling so many emotions this morning… so very emotional today… so proud and happy and heartbroken that I can’t freeze time. To my two caring, sensitive and special souls… who I know will change and rearrange the world in your own very unique ways… your mama loves you beyond forever.. and ever and ever…”

Terry Crews

In 2014, Terry Crews wrote a loving letter full of vulnerable wisdom to his four kids, and it was featured in Redbook. It reads:

“Dear Kids,

I’m writing this letter to your future selves, to be read when you’ve met the love of your life and are ready to start a family. The most important advice I can give you is to make a home where everyone feels heard and respected — and that starts with your marriage. I didn’t always understand this, but thankfully I had your mom to teach me.

For much of my life, I focused on being the tough guy — stronger, faster, larger than life — on the football field, then in Hollywood. When my acting career took off, I started to get an attitude. Dressing a certain way, worrying about my look, acting like I was “Hollywood” — you know, some big star. Your mother put up with it for a little while, until one night, before a party, I had the nerve to tell her how she should dress. When we got there, I was all swagger, not listening to anyone, just thinking about what I was going to say next and how clever it was going to be. As soon as we left, she set me straight.

She said she wouldn’t go out with me again if I continued to behave that way, because it wasn’t me. She had the courage to call me out and keep me real, one of many times she’s done so.

I hope you, my daughters, never take a backseat to any man. I’ll always be there to remind you of your value.

I hope you, my son, never buy into the lie that your physical strength somehow puts you above the woman in your life. Know that a truly strong man is able to admit when he is wrong.

I hope that you all find a love like your mother and I have been lucky enough to share. It is so much more valuable than any success you can ever achieve.”

Jason Biggs

Jason Biggs also wrote a sweet letter to his son in 2014 for Redbook. His emotional message, laced with his signature humor, reads:

“Sid,

I wanted to write you a note on our progress as a father/son team now that you’re 4 months old. I, for one, am having a blast. Judging by your chuckles and coos and general inability to control your bowels when I’m around, I’d say you’re having fun too.

But I want to prepare you for a time when things won’t be as easy between us. You see, your daddy — despite his very best efforts — will make mistakes. It is just one of life’s many inevitabilities. Now, I know what you’re thinking: Impossible! Not my daddy! He’s so strong and handsome and funny… and handsome! Well, sure. But your daddy is also human. And being that he is a first-time parent, he is learning as he goes. (First thing he should probably learn: Stop speaking in the third person.)

These mistakes will be subtle or obvious. You will shrug them off or you may never forget them. Perhaps, like my father when I was small, I will lose you on a crowded beach, leaving you to wander for what seems like days. You’ll have just resigned yourself to becoming one of those weird old dudes who scavenges the beach with a metal detector when you’ll be grabbed by a lifeguard who will hold you up, Lion King–style, shouting, “Has anyone lost this kid?!” And I’ll come running, shouting back, “Yes! Yes! He’s mine!”

I can’t predict how I will mess up. But I assure you that everything I do, every decision I make, will be filled with love. And if you are ever unhappy with me, I encourage you to let me know, so that I may make the necessary changes.

I leave you with an apology, for my future missteps: Sorry, kiddo. I promise to do better next time.

Love always, Daddy

P.S. I’m also sorry for using the word inevitabilities. I imagine you’re gonna have to look that one up.”

Tori Spelling

Tori Spelling congratulated and praised her daughter Stella for graduating middle school in the face of a slew of challenges in 2022. The actress wrote on Instagram, “My girl graduated from middle school today. Bittersweet. So proud of how hard she fought to graduate amongst bullying, COVID, adversity, migraines, severe anxiety, and sadly teachers and counselors who didn’t believe she could do it all in time to graduate… she proved them all wrong!”

She continued, “So beyond proud but I still look up at that stage and see my tiny little buggy running around. You have such drive and such a kind spirit! You can do absolutely anything you want to do! love you @stella_mcdermott08 with all my heart and soul bff.”

Elton John

Elton John penned an emotional tribute to his sons on his 75th birthday, which was published in Time in 2022. The iconic musician wrote, “I have had an incredibly fortunate 75 years. I’ve had my share of adventures, and I’ll tell you about some of the wilder ones another time. But know this: the most rewarding journey in my life has been the one I began 12 years ago with your Papa, when we decided to start a family.”

He continued, “Zachary and Elijah, you two are the greatest gifts I have ever been given. You have filled my heart with love and my life with purpose and meaning in ways I didn’t think were possible. You are my proudest achievements, and I love you both so, so much.”

He concluded with three bits of advice: “Be yourself. Push the envelope a bit, and ruffle some feathers where you need to. … Remember that what unites us is far greater than what divides us. … Take care of one another — and try to be part of something bigger than yourself.”

John closed the sweet letter, “And never forget how much your Papa and I love you. Love, love, love, Daddy.”

Bindi Irwin

Already nostalgic for her daughter’s youth and innocence, Bindi Irwin wrote on Instagram in 2022, “My love, there are countless adventures waiting for you on the horizon, a whole world for you to create positive change within. Until then, I will carry you and be there to encourage every one of your dreams.”