Nicole Kidman sets daily hug rule for daughters Sunday, Faith: ‘You need to hug me for two minutes’
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: Actress Nicole Kidman has opened up about her family life, sharing details about her daily routines with her daughters and the values guiding her parenting. The actress, who shares Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret with Keith Urban, described their close bond and the rituals that keep them connected.
She also reflected on lessons from her late mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, and how they shaped her resilience, career decisions and parenting choices. Her comments also touched on her daughter Sunday’s growing modeling career and evolving family dynamics.
Nicole Kidman shares daily hug rule and parenting approach with daughters
Kidman revealed at the HISTORYTalks event in Philadelphia that her daughters are expected to hug her for two minutes every day. She said, “Both my daughters will kill me for saying this, but I'm like, ‘You need to hug [me] for two minutes a day.’”
She added, “It releases certain chemicals in the body, and everyone needs to be hugged for about two minutes a day.” Kidman described parenting teenagers as “extraordinary,” noting that she and her daughters are “so close, the three of us, we talk about everything.”
Kidman explained that her parenting approach involves being present when her daughters need her, even when she is exhausted. “It means sitting on the end of their bed, when they say, ‘Come in here, sit down,’” she said.
She continued, “And you go in, and you're exhausted, and you sit down and you listen. And I always say, ‘Do you want me to give you advice now, or are you just sort of venting?’ Primarily, I get told no advice, 90 percent of the time.”
She is also mother to Bella and Connor with Tom Cruise. Reflecting on her late mother’s influence, Kidman said, “[My mother] told me, ‘Don't ever let anyone break your spirit.’”
Kidman added, “She came from an era where she wasn't able to [have] the career path she would have loved.” She noted that her mother supported her father’s academic journey, saying, “[She] helped him get his PhD… and she didn't get hers… and she was exceptionally smart.”
Sunday Rose’s modeling journey and Nicole Kidman’s evolving parenting outlook
Kidman also recalled considering retirement in 2008 after moving to Nashville while pregnant with Sunday. Her mother advised her against it, saying, “I wouldn't completely give up. You've been doing this since you were little. It's your makeup.” Kidman added, “And thank God she said that.”
She said her parents instilled values of standing up for others, calling it “the greatest gift,” and noted those beliefs have influenced her daughters as well.
Sunday recently attended her high school prom in a grey and silver strapless gown featuring metallic floral appliqués and a layered tulle skirt. She shared the moment on Instagram, opting for a simple look without jewelry.
She is building a modeling career and was inspired by her mother. She told Elle Australia, “I definitely gained a lot of interest from those experiences and especially being privileged enough to experience them at a young age.”
Sunday added, “My mum is someone who has always been so creative and my biggest inspiration in life. She’s a key part of everything I do.”
She also shared guidance from Kidman about working in the industry, saying, “The biggest piece of industry advice Mum has given to me is to always be on time.”
She added, “There’s always going to be something with an early call time that you don’t want to get up for, but it’s really important to be on time because it shows that you’re prepared and grateful to be there.”
She further noted, “I’ve travelled my whole life and my mum is a really good traveler, so she has taught me how to be one, too, which makes it so fun to travel and enjoy all the different places.”
