Time flies when you're raising kids, but for Julia Roberts, the realization that her twins, Hazel and Phinnaeus, have turned 21 is nothing short of breathtaking. In a recent interview, the My Best Friend’s Wedding star couldn’t help but marvel at how quickly her children have grown, calling the milestone “amazing” and “astonishing.” But here’s where it gets emotional: Roberts, who also shares son Henry (18) with husband Danny Moder, has always been intentional about keeping her kids out of the spotlight. So, when she shared a rare, heartwarming photo of her twins as babies on their birthday, it felt like a special peek into her private world.
In a November 28 Instagram post, Roberts reflected on their journey with a caption that tugs at the heartstrings: “These game changers, life alterers, [heart] expanders once were 1 and now are 21! That was fast. Happy Birthday my Dears.” It’s a sentiment many parents can relate to—that bittersweet mix of pride and nostalgia as children grow into adulthood. And this is the part most people miss: Roberts has found a clever way to celebrate her kids’ milestones without compromising their privacy. She uses Instagram to share throwback photos, a strategy she explained in a 2023 interview with Extra: “It allows me to share something as a proud parent of them without infringing on their privacy at all.”
Now, as all three of her children have left the nest, Roberts and Moder are navigating the new chapter of being empty-nesters. While their parenting dynamic has shifted, Roberts cherishes every moment she gets to spend with her family. “I know everyone thinks their kids are great, well... I think my kids are great,” she joked on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. “I love hanging out with them and spending time with them.”
But here’s where it gets controversial: As Roberts continues to share occasional glimpses of her family life, it raises the question—how much is too much when it comes to sharing kids’ lives on social media? Even if it’s just throwback photos, does it set a boundary or blur one? And as her kids step into adulthood, how will they feel about their mom’s carefully curated posts? These are questions many parents grapple with in the age of social media, and Roberts’ approach offers a thoughtful example—but it’s also open to debate. What do you think? Is sharing throwback photos a respectful way to celebrate family, or does it still cross a line? Let’s discuss in the comments!
