Matthew McConaughey on the trick to get his teenagers to open up

August 11, 2026 - 07:15

Matthew McConaughey has figured out a simple trick for getting his teenage kids to actually open up to him: stop acting like their dad. The Oscar-winning actor, who shares three children with his wife Camila Alves, recently explained that he has shifted his parenting style as his kids have gotten older. Instead of laying down the law like a strict father figure, he now tries to play the role of a cool older brother.

McConaughey said the change has made a big difference in how much his teenagers are willing to share with him. When he stopped trying to correct or lecture them and just listened, they started coming to him more often. He described it as a natural evolution of their relationship. The actor noted that teenagers are often looking for someone to confide in, not someone to judge them, and that a big brother vibe feels safer to them than a parental one.

He also admitted that it takes a bit of restraint to hold back from giving advice all the time. But he says the payoff is worth it, because now his kids are more likely to talk about their lives, their friends, and their problems without being asked. McConaughey added that he still steps in when he needs to, but that the everyday conversations have become a lot easier since he made the switch.