Behind the Scenes of Scarlett Johansson’s Parenting—The ‘Terrible Threes’ and What She Learned

Scarlett Johansson, one of Hollywood’s most successful actresses, has managed to strike a delicate balance between her high-profile career and her commitment to raising her two children, Rose (10) and Cosmo (3), in as normal an environment as possible. Over the years, Johansson has shared various insights into her parenting style, offering a glimpse into how she navigates the challenges of motherhood while keeping her family out of the public eye.

Prioritizing Privacy Amidst Fame

One of Johansson’s primary focuses as a mother has been protecting her children’s privacy. In a March 2025 interview with People Magazine, she emphasized how “precious” her family is to her and revealed that she intentionally keeps Rose and Cosmo away from the public spotlight. Despite her status as a global celebrity, Johansson has worked hard to ensure that her children can experience a childhood free from the pressures of being in the public eye. This commitment to shielding them from media attention is a testament to her desire for her kids to grow up with a sense of normalcy, despite her visibility in the entertainment industry.

Teaching Social Skills and Empathy

Johansson’s approach to parenting includes teaching her children essential social skills and empathy. In a January 2025 interview on Today With Jenna & Friends, she shared an insightful story about discussing “ghosting” with her daughter, Rose, after the child stopped talking to a boy. Johansson explained the importance of addressing the situation with kindness and communication, advising Rose against the practice of ghosting, as it could hurt others’ feelings. This moment underscored Johansson’s focus on fostering empathy in her children, helping them navigate their relationships with care and understanding.

Navigating the Toddler Years

As any parent knows, the toddler years can be particularly challenging, and Johansson has been candid about her experience navigating that stage with Cosmo. Reflecting on the “terrible threes,” Johansson spoke about the intense emotional swings and bossiness she experienced when Rose was around the same age. In an April 2023 episode of The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast, she likened the experience to being in an “emotionally abusive relationship,” acknowledging how overwhelming the constant mood changes could be. Her honesty about this phase reveals the emotional toll parenting can take and the real challenges that even celebrity parents face.

Insight into Her Children’s Personalities

Johansson has also shared detailed observations about her children’s personalities, giving fans a rare glimpse into their individual traits. In a January 2025 article with HELLO! Magazine, she described Rose as “a little bossy, very headstrong, very, very, very girly.” Rose’s strong-willed personality has been evident from an early age, which Johansson embraces with understanding. Her son Cosmo, as described by Johansson’s husband, Colin Jost, is “funny, sort of shy sometimes, but gregarious.” These descriptions reflect the couple’s close attention to their children’s evolving personalities, showing how they are both actively engaged in shaping their children’s development in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Bedtime Routines: A Collaborative Effort

Another insight into Johansson’s parenting style is her approach to bedtime routines, as revealed in the HELLO! Magazine interview. Johansson and Jost have different but complementary ways of managing their children’s bedtime. While Jost prefers to let “the literature shine,” Johansson is more hands-on, engaging her children with her storytelling skills and doing “all the voices” to make the experience more entertaining. This balance of approaches highlights the couple’s collaborative parenting style and their shared commitment to creating meaningful moments with their children, even in the quiet hours of the night.

Shifting Priorities: Family Over Career

Since becoming a mother, Johansson’s career priorities have shifted. The actress has made it clear that family is now her top priority, affecting her choices in work. In an interview with ABC News in April 2023, Johansson discussed how motherhood has influenced her career decisions. She shared that she carefully considers job opportunities, prioritizing roles that allow her to be present with her children and avoid extended absences. This shift in perspective reflects Johansson’s dedication to her family, even as she remains a prominent figure in Hollywood.

A Thoughtful and Protective Parenting Style

From her commitment to keeping her children out of the public eye to her focus on teaching empathy and social skills, Scarlett Johansson’s parenting approach is a thoughtful blend of protection and engagement. She has proven that it’s possible to maintain a successful career while staying grounded in family values. By balancing the demands of her celebrity status with her commitment to her children’s well-being, Johansson has set an example for other celebrity parents, showing that it is possible to lead a fulfilling career while prioritizing family life. Through her open discussions, Johansson has demonstrated that motherhood, while full of challenges, is ultimately about love, patience, and making decisions that put family first.