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Kerry Washington is providing an uncommon peek into her role as a mother.
In a recent chat on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast, the star of Imperfect Women candidly discussed her experiences raising her three children alongside husband Nnamdi Asomugha.
Reflecting on her own upbringing in the Bronx, the actress pondered how her children will develop the same ambitious spirit she acquired during her youth.
“I often think about this because they don’t have the experience of growing up in the Bronx like I did,” she explained. “They weren’t born in a place that naturally fosters that scrappy, hustler mentality I developed, so I wonder where they’ll find their own drive.”
Despite these musings, Washington noted that she already observes signs of resilience in her children, particularly in their athletic pursuits.
Still, Washington said she already sees signs of resilience, especially when it comes to athletics.
“My kids are really resilient, and I see it mostly in sports,” she explained. “That’s like their opportunity.”
The actress described herself as a very involved parent on game days, admitting she brings a lot of energy from the sidelines.
“I go to the games,” she said, adding with a laugh that she’s a “loud cheerer,” much to their embarrassment.
When it comes to handling wins and losses, Washington said she allows her children to process things in their own way.
“[I] try to figure out how they’re feeling about it, and ask a lot of questions,” she said. “I don’t try to make it better immediately.”
She continued, “If there was a visual metaphor for it, I try to sit on the bench with them and just look where they’re looking. Just give it some time.”
Washington also shared that her children—Isabelle, Caleb, and her stepdaughter—bring a sense of humor that keeps her grounded. She said she enjoys their quick wit, especially when they tease her in a playful way.
“I want to be really clear. I love when my kids get a good burn on me,” she said, noting that while respect is a priority in her home, playful jokes are welcome.
“I’m not saying that I want my kids to be disrespectful,” she added. “But a good, well-timed comedic burn—it just makes me love them more.”
For Washington, those moments show that “they feel safe with me. They feel comfortable flexing their own mental prowess. I just love that. I love also that it humbles me. My kids are so not impressed with me, which I love.”