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Helena Bonham Carter at the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in January 2020 in Los Angeles.
Helena Bonham Carter is familiar with the challenges and joys that come with raising children.
The actor has a son, Billy, and daughter, Nell, with her ex-partner, Tim Burton. Since becoming a mother in 2003, she’s talked about childbirth, being a working parent and more.
In honour of her birthday, we’ve rounded up 10 quotes about parenthood from Bonham Carter.
On Taking Parenting Classes
“I’m not working right now. I need to be a mum. It’s much harder being a mum than an actress. I’m taking parenting classes. You know, no one taught me what to do . They’re teaching me some really interesting things, like it’s not your job to know everything .You’ve got to get them to think for themselves. What a relief. I don’t have to know everything.”
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I was shocked at being told loudly to “fuck off”, after asking them to please move out of the way, because they were blocking the exit. My little boy was desperate, and the loos, as I discovered, were out of order. We needed to get home – fast.
The collective side-eye and sneering was palpable – and so was the abuse. I stopped and asked if they thought they were setting a good example by swearing in front of a young child, imagining most would shift uncomfortably, that some of the six-strong group might have brothers or sisters at home of the same age. I thought they’d apologise.
France continued: “With the greatest gift/help of the most wonderful surrogate, Rob and I are lucky enough to be on our way to being parents, this summer.
“Something we’ve wanted for soooo many years. Our hearts are so full right now. I cannot wait to hold this baby, and to show him so much love.”
The announcement was met with lots of joy. Co-star Antoni Porowski from Queer Eye wrote: “Now I know what it’s like to cry tears of joy and be turned on simultaneously thank you and congrats boys!!!!”
“Now I know what it’s like to cry tears of joy.”