by Harrison Ford is known for fiercely protecting his private life. The legendary actor rarely opens up about his personal relationships, including details on raising his five children. However, over the years, Ford has shared glimpses into his parenting philosophy in various interviews. Based on these quotes, one can piece together the principles that seem to guide Ford’s approach to fatherhood.
Responsibility and Independence
One of the most consistent themes in Ford’s parenting style appears to be instilling responsibility and independence in his children. The actor has stated in multiple interviews that he believes children should learn to take care of themselves at an early age.
In a 2010 interview with Parade Magazine, Ford explained his reasoning: “I tell them to make their own decisions and to be responsible for their own actions. I do this because I want them to be accustomed to thinking for themselves and to not being accountable to me.”
Ford doubled down on this belief in a more recent 2021 interview with CBS Sunday Morning. When asked about his regrets as a parent, Ford responded, “The only regret that I have is constantly trying to get them to be more independent, to think for themselves, to take care of themselves.”
The actor went on to explain that he now recognizes children need to feel taken care of before being forced into complete independence. However, Ford’s quotes make it clear he places a high value on self-sufficiency and teaching children to rely on themselves.
In the same CBS interview, Ford revealed he asked his oldest son to move out at age 18. While he didn’t require this of all his children, it shows Ford’s belief that children should be able to live independently as young adults.
Work Ethic
In addition to independence, Ford seems to emphasize a strong work ethic with his children. In a 1989 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Ford explained:
“I tell my kids that I want them to be proud of their work whatever their choices may be. I want them to learn the value of earnest work at an early age. I discourage lazy attitudes and encourage their contributions around the home and involvement in charitable causes.”
Ford grew up working summers on his father’s heating and cooling company growing up in Illinois. He learned carpentry skills that later helped support him starting out as an actor. Given his background, it’s not surprising Ford hopes to pass on a robust work ethic to his children.
In a 2002 interview with Rolling Stone Magazine, Ford revealed he asks his children to work summer jobs and contribute their earnings to charity. The actor explained he wanted his children to understand the link between labor and money earned.
Based on Ford’s quotes over the years, instilling a value of hard work seems to be a clear priority in raising his kids. He wants them to understand the satisfaction of earning one’s own money and contributing valued skills and efforts in the workplace.
Humility & Compassion
Despite his iconic status, Harrison Ford is known for his down-to-earth, unpretentious personality. This seems to be a trait he worked to pass down to his children.
In a 1985 interview on Late Night with David Letterman, Ford said, “I try to teach my kids humility. I want them to be compassionate towards others and to stay patient with people.”
Ford expanded on this concept in a 2002 interview with the Guardian where he revealed taking his son Malcolm to volunteer at a homeless shelter. Ford explained he wanted his son to understand how privileged his life was compared to those less fortunate.
“I wanted him to see other people who had different kinds of challenges,” Ford explained. “I want my son to be a compassionate person.”
The star also pushes his kids to earn their own success outside of his celebrity status. In an interview with Hello Magazine in 1998 Ford stated:
“I have brought up my children to be independent and self-reliant. I want them to build their own lives and careers based on their own contacts and skills, not mine.”
Patience with Kids
In contrast to imparting independence at an early age, Ford has also spoken about the necessity of exhibiting patience with children. In a 1986 interview with Rolling Stone Magazine shortly after becoming a father, Ford stated:
“One thing I’ve learned is patience. You have to have a lot of patience with kids. You can’t rush them, you have to let them grow and learn at their own speed.”
He echoed this sentiment over 20 years later in a 2011 interview with GQ Magazine:
“The most important thing I’ve learned since becoming a parent is that taking the time to listen and be with them is the best gift you can give. Rushing kids undermines them. You have to give them space to grow and make mistakes.”
Ford exemplified this patience in allowing his children to find their own career paths. In a 2017 interview with Ellen Degeneres, Ford spoke proudly of his son Ben becoming a chef after trying on many careers.
“I admire Ben’s perseverance,” Ford said. “It took him awhile to find his path, but he did it with resilience.”
Set Clear Boundaries
While Ford gives his children independence, he’s also careful to set clear boundaries. In a 2009 interview with Time Magazine, he explained his approach:
“While I want my kids to feel freedom to become who they want to be, I also am clear on what behavior is acceptable and what is not. I don’t believe in overly authoritarian parenting, but I’m not a pushover either.”
Part of these boundaries involve keeping his private life sacred. In a 2000 interview with Rolling Stone Magazine, Ford stated: “My family time stays private. I don’t use my kids as photo ops or talk about them publicly without their consent.”
Ford revealed to Playboy Magazine in 2002 that he absolutely forbids his children from reading tabloid stories about him:
“I tell my kids that tabloid rumors are complete fiction and absolutely off limits. I won’t have them believing nonsense about our family.”
The actor also makes ethical expectations clear, telling Good Housekeeping Magazine in 2010: “I expect my kids to be honest, honorable, and to treat others with kindness and respect.”
A Sense of Humor
Harrison Ford takes parenting seriously but also stresses maintaining a sense of humor. He told Conan O’Brien in 2003, “Parenting is a crazy, non-stop job. You have to laugh at the chaos or it will drive you nuts.”
Ford elaborated on his lighthearted approach in a 2009 interview with Vanity Fair Magazine:
“I give my kids a lot of leeway to be themselves and sometimes that comes out in goofy ways. I’ll come home and find my son has dyed his hair green or my daughter painted a mural on her bedroom wall. Sure, as a parent you want a calm, orderly house. But ultimately I think letting them express their individuality is more important than having a perfect home.”
The star also pranks his kids to keep them laughing. In a 2001 interview with David Letterman, Ford admitted:
“I do things like sneak into their rooms when they are asleep and rearrange their furniture. When they wake up, it startles them and strikes me as hilarious.”
Ford may be an award-winning actor, but he doesn’t let his celebrity status interfere with being a fun, engaged father. His lighthearted approach allows his kids to enjoy childhood antics despite their famous dad.
Emphasis on Experiences
Rather than showering his kids with material goods, Ford emphasizes sharing experiences together. He told GQ magazine in 2011:
“I focus on spending time with my kids and taking them on interesting trips, not trying to spoil them with things. I want us to share experiences that shape who they are as people.”
Ford revealed to Good Housekeeping in 2010 that he includes his children in film locations whenever possible so they can explore new places and cultures together as a family.
For his son Malcolm’s 10th birthday in 2001, Ford took him on an adventure to Alaska instead of throwing an elaborate party. In an interview with David Letterman that year, Ford explained:
“I asked Malcolm what he wanted for his birthday and he said he wanted to learn survival skills and see the wilderness. So we spent two weeks camping, dog sledding, and hiking together. It was a meaningful father-son experience we’ll always remember.”
Ford strives to create these lasting memories with each of his children. While many celebrity kids expect lavish gifts and parties, Ford enters fatherhood with a quality over quantity mentality.
Protecting Privacy
If there is one universal rule Ford seems to enforce, it is preserving his family’s privacy. The iconic star closely guards details about his home life and children. When his kids were young, Ford and his first wife, Mary Marquardt, made the unusual move to raise their boys outside of Hollywood.
In a 1991 interview with Rolling Stone Magazine shortly after his divorce, Ford explained his insistence on keeping the kids out of the public eye:
“Moving them to L.A. would make them targets of photographers and public scrutiny. I want my sons to have normal childhoods, and I’ll fiercely protect their privacy at all costs.”
Decades later, Ford maintains the same conviction. When asked about his young daughter Lily in a 2010 interview with GQ Magazine, Ford declined to share details aside from the fact that she is an amazing child.
“She deserves a chance to be her own person like all my kids do,” Ford remarked. “I won’t infringe on that right for her or any of them.”
A Father First
While Harrison Ford carved out an exceptional acting career spanning over 40 years, he reminds fans his most important role is fatherhood. Ford summed up this priority in a 2017 interview with Variety Magazine:
“All the good things that have happened to me professionally mean nothing compared to the honor of being a father. Raising my family is the greatest role I’ve ever taken on.”
At the end of the day, Ford aims to leave his iconic film roles behind and simply be “Dad” when he walks through the front door. Despite his fiercely guarded privacy, Ford’s quotes over the years offer a glimpse into a focused father who prioritizes responsibility, hard work, compassion and laughter – while fiercely protecting the privacy of his family. Ford reminds us that being a present, patient father is life’s greatest adventure.
