Robin Wright Shares ‘Huge Regret’ Over Co-Parenting With Ex Sean Penn: ‘We Were Both Extremes’

Award-winning actress Robin Wright has opened up candidly about her experiences co-parenting with her ex-husband Sean Penn, sharing what she calls a “huge regret” regarding her approach to raising their two children. Wright spoke about the challenging dynamics that unfolded between her and Penn, painting a nuanced picture of two very different parenting styles and the long-lasting effects on their family.

Opposite Parenting Styles Leave a Gray Area

Wright explained in a recent interview that she was “not hard enough” on their children, Dylan and Hopper, acknowledging that Penn took a much stricter disciplinary role. However, Penn’s frequent absences—due to his work and travels—meant that Wright often had to manage the aftermath of his more authoritarian interventions. She described their parenting as two “extremes” missing the “gray area in the middle” that their children truly needed.

“It’s the middle ground that’s most important,” Wright reflected. “Not too soft, not too hard.” Her honest admission reveals a thoughtful reckoning with past choices and a desire to provide balanced support to her children.

Navigating New Relationships and Mom Radar

As the children have grown into adulthood, Wright admitted that her motherly instincts remain strong, especially in relation to the young adults’ romantic choices. She recalled times when her “mom radar” alerted her that certain girlfriends might not be the right fit for her son Dylan—a feeling she trusts despite the challenges of letting go.

Wright’s reflections tie into broader parental experiences of holding onto protective instincts while supporting children’s independence over time.

Co-Parenting: A Complex Journey Post-Divorce

Wright and Penn married in 1996 and separated in 2007 before finalizing their divorce in 2010. Both have spoken publicly about the difficulties of maintaining a functional co-parenting relationship post-divorce. Wright once remarked that “being friends with the father of your children is a blessing,” but acknowledged the emotional complexity involved.

Penn also noted in interviews how mending a friendship after divorce was hard and how that process became even more complicated by their responsibilities as co-parents. Despite past drama, they have endeavored to prioritize their children’s well-being.

Finding Peace and Moving Forward

Currently promoting her new film The Girlfriend, where she portrays a protective mother grappling with her son’s rebellious girlfriend, Wright’s personal experiences clearly resonate with her artistic choices. She expressed hope that her family has evolved and healed over time, emphasizing the enduring priority of love and family over conflict.

Her openness encourages conversations about the realities of co-parenting, the need for balanced parenting approaches, and the ongoing evolution of family dynamics beyond separation.