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If you find yourself humming about phonics, hopping little bunnies, or icky, sticky (sticky, sticky) bubble gum, then you have been introduced to the wonderful world of Ms. Rachel. It’s a great place to be! Celebrity parents turn to Ms. Rachel to help bond with their toddlers, too, but the latest A-lister to talk about the preschool series leaves us scratching our heads in confusion.
Created by former preschool teacher Rachel Accurso, Ms. Rachel is known — and beloved! — for her educational and exciting YouTube videos for babies and toddlers. Her 13 million subscribers love having Ms. Rachel to help our little ones learn to say words like “Mama,” and help us learn how to talk to and teach our babies using techniques recommended by speech therapists and early childhood experts. She even has the coolest collection of educational toys! And apparently, celebrity dad Robert De Niro spends his mornings watching the toddler show, too.
The 81-year-old told The Sunday Times this month that he streams Ms. Rachel with his daughter Gia, 1, who he shares with Tiffany Chen.
“I’m an early riser,” he told the outlet. “I’ve got a 19-month-old baby. I spend my mornings watching [the YouTuber for toddlers] Ms Rachel with her, and I give her her bottle.”
The reporter asked if he also changes his daughter’s diapers, and he responds, “No, no, but I used to.”
We have so many follow-up questions for the Taxi Driver star. For starters, how did he hear about Ms. Rachel in the first place? Does a nanny turn it on and sit with him and Gia to watch it? Someone must be with the father-daughter duo if De Niro doesn’t change any diapers, because last time I checked, babies need a diaper before and after breakfast. Which, BTW, is breakfast just a bottle? Does he prepare it or just feed it to her? And couldn’t she drink from a bottle herself at one and a half years old? This whole morning routine leaves more questions than answers!
Although De Niro didn’t give any more details, he did shed some light on his relationship with his six adult children. (He shares daughter Drena, 53, and son Raphael, 48, with ex-wife Diahnne Abbott, twin sons Julian and Aaron, 29, with Toukie Smith, and son Elliot, 26, and daughter Helen Grace, 12, with ex-wife Grace Hightower.)
When the outlet asked the Zero Day star how his older children would describe him, he responded, “Oh God, they would all have a different answer. Family is so complex.” He added, “I try my best, that’s all. I hope they’ll be happy.”
Maybe watching Ms. Rachel will help him learn how to be a more present dad?
SheKnows spoke to Accurso in September, and she talked about finding peace in your parenting journey. “I think it’s so important to give yourself grace and recognize that just because you do something differently than other parents doesn’t mean you do it wrong,” she told us. “If your child feels safe and loved that’s what matters. I’m all for less judgment and shame and more acceptance, love and kindness…and I have to remember to give that kindness to myself from time to time too!”
We can’t fault De Niro for trying his best with his kids. After all, isn’t that what we’re all trying to do?
Before you go, check out these celebrities who have talked about the joys and challenges of being older parents.
