To the world, Charlize Theron might be an Oscar-winning actress, red carpet royalty, and a powerhouse producer. But at home? She’s just Mom and she’s not afraid to admit that parenting two girls is as real as it gets.

In a recent interview at her Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project 2025 Block Party, the Mad Max: Fury Road star got candid about raising her daughters, Jackson, 12, and August, 9. And let’s just say, even global icons get humbled at home.

“I’m getting my ass handed to me,” Theron told People Magazine with a laugh. “And by the way, that’s teenagers. I know I’m not the only one. It’s a house full of women. And we have great moments, and we also have real struggles.”

The 49-year-old actress didn’t shy away from acknowledging the highs and lows of motherhood, especially in a house buzzing with hormones, personality, and strong opinions. But even in the chaos, there’s a purpose. Theron said that she is raising her girls to be compassionate, empathetic young women who care deeply about the world beyond their own front door.

“They’re incredibly empathetic kids,” she shared with the outlet in her exclusive interview. “Of course I want my kids to have an awareness of the world outside their bubble, and they do. They see the issues that we face here in L.A. They hear me talk about the issues facing South Africa. They do have an affinity for South Africa, because I’m from there. But I do think that they’re good people.”

Theron’s daughters have also gotten involved in the work of her Africa Outreach Project, which has evolved over the years to support initiatives around HIV and AIDS prevention, environmental justice, and youth empowerment.

Motherhood, for Theron, has always looked a little different by design. She has always been crystal clear that adoption wasn’t a backup plan. She adopted Jackson in 2012 and August in 2015.

“Even when I was in relationships, I was always honest with my partners, that adoption was how my family would look one day,” she told People Magazine in a 2018 interview. “This was definitely not a second option for me. It was always my first.”

These days, Theron may be navigating tween attitude and teen independence, but she’s doing it with grace, laughter, and love.

Photo Credit: Charlzie Theron