Nicole Richie Compares Parenting Teens to Watching a "TV Show"

As of October 2025, Nicole Richie is thoroughly enjoying watching her two teenage children, 17-year-old Harlow and 16-year-old Sparrow, navigate their high school years. Richie, who shares the kids with husband Joel Madden, says the experience is almost like watching a TV show.

The 44-year-old actress recently spoke about her parenting journey, explaining that she can vividly recall her own teenage experiences, allowing her to relate to the "comings and goings" of her kids and their friends. "It's fun. It's like a TV show," Richie tells PEOPLE.

Richie has also been proactive in understanding the digital world her children have grown up in, recognizing that it is crucial for her to be informed about the platforms they use to communicate. She believes that rather than making social media a "forbidden thing," it's important for her to be knowledgeable about the online landscape her kids inhabit. Richie wants to ensure she is not "separated" from their generation, which has been shaped by the digital age.

While Richie's kids may not always be excited about her new projects, the proud mom remains focused on supporting them through this pivotal stage of their lives.