Oscar-winning sensation Charlize Theron has starred in notable endeavors such as Mad Max: Fury Road, Monster, Bombshell, and many more. She has established her position within the industry as one of the world’s highest-paid actresses.

Although Theron’s professional life is embellished with versatile and multifaceted endeavors, her personal life has become a subject of speculation and sometimes even ridicule.

Charlize Theron
The 48-year-old actress is a mother to her two adopted children—Jackson and August Theron. The Prometheus alum is known for candidly articulating her appreciation and love for her two kids. For years, several individuals have been lambasting Theron for her parenting choices, turning it into a matter of controversy.

The South African actress subsequently addressed the criticism she was receiving in a 2019 interview.

Charlize Theron On Raising Her Eldest Child As A Girl
The actress’s response to the criticisms
Charlize Theron adopted her eldest child, Jackson, in 2012. Speculations arose when paparazzi pictures of the actress’ children circulated throughout the various corners of the internet. Back in 2012, Jackson Theron was initially introduced to the world as a boy. However, in a subsequent interview, the talent revealed that her eldest, now 11 years old, identifies as a girl.

The statement came after many condemned the actress for frequently dressing her child in dresses and skirts. People then were not aware of the reason why. In 2019, Theron herself addressed the issue when questioned about it. Following is what the Academy Award winner confessed:

“Yes, I thought she [Jackson, her eldest] was a boy, too. Until she looked at me when she was three years old and said: ‘I am not a boy!’ So there you go! I have two beautiful daughters who, just like any parent, I want to protect and I want to see thrive.”

The Mad Max alum additionally affirmed that determining her children’s aspirations—what they want to be, and how they plan on finding themselves as they grow up—is not something that the actress should get to decide. Rather, she deems it a journey for her two children to navigate as time progresses.

Charlize Theron with her two daughters
Theron disclosed what her role as a parent should be:
“They were born who they are and exactly where in the world both of them get to find themselves as they grow up, and who they want to be, is not for me to decide. My job as a parent is to celebrate them and to love them and to make sure that they have everything they need in order to be what they want to be.”
Concluding her response to the matter, she firmly asserted her commitment to ensuring her children’s liberty and freedom to determine their respective paths and identities, all the while safeguarding their rights in that regard.

Charlize Theron Revealed How She Was Raised By Her Mother
Charlize Theron with her mother, Gerda Maritz
In the same interview, Theron revealed the exact manner in which she was raised by her mother, Gerda Jacoba Aletta Maritz. Furthermore, she talked about how her own childhood experiences have shaped her parenting style. As a kid, the Hollywood star was taught the values of living authentically and expressing her thoughts unabashedly. Following is how she remembered it:
“You can blame my mom for the fact I don’t know any better! You know, I grew up in a country where people lived with half-truths and lies and whispers and nobody said anything outright, and I was raised very specifically not to be like that.”

Acknowledging her mother’s role in shaping her into an unprejudiced and tolerant individual, Theron affirmed the following:
“I was taught by my mom that you have to speak up; you have to be able to know that, when this life is over, you’ll have lived the truth you’re comfortable with, and that nothing negative can come from that.”
Charlize Theron’s accepting nature is a result of her mother’s teachings
In addition to shaping her daughter’s upbringing, Gerda Maritz also plays an important role in the lives of her granddaughters. Charlize Theron confirmed in an interview with Us Weekly that her mother contributes to raising her children. With her consistent guidance and support, the actress has been able to navigate the challenging aspects of parenthood.

While it hasn’t been an easy journey, Theron’s dedication to her children’s well-being is evident in her efforts to ensure they are comfortable with their identities and aspirations. Their strong bond might not escape the scrutiny of the public eye. However, the 48-year-old actress is committed to creating a smooth-sailing life for her two daughters, no matter what it costs.