Kathie Lee Gifford says she doesn’t give her children advice because ‘I raised them right’

Oct 6, 2024 at 8:00 AM

Kathie Lee Gifford's Parenting Wisdom: Letting Go and Embracing Grandparenthood

Kathie Lee Gifford, the beloved television personality, has always been known for her candid approach to life. In a recent interview, she shared her insights on parenting, the joys of grandparenthood, and the importance of letting go as her children have grown into adults.

Empowering Children to Make Their Own Choices

Gifford's parenting philosophy has been shaped by her unwavering faith and the desire to raise her children, Cody and Cassidy, to be independent and responsible adults. "I am the kind of parent that the minute my kids were adults, I stopped giving them advice," she revealed. "I raised them right. I raised them to know right from wrong. I raised them to know that God is their best friend. I raised them to trust the Lord in all things."Rather than imposing her own opinions, Gifford has chosen to step back and allow her children to make their own decisions. "Whenever you guys want advice, if you really want it, I'd be happy to give it to you. But I'm not giving it unless you ask me," she explained. This approach has fostered a sense of trust and respect between Gifford and her children, who now appreciate her wisdom when they seek it out.

Instilling Values and Respecting Others

Gifford's parenting style has also emphasized the importance of values and respect for others. As her children, Cody and Cassidy, have entered the entertainment industry, Gifford has imparted valuable lessons about the importance of hard work, kindness, and humility. "If you are the kindest and hardest working, you show up, and you always respect other people's time," she advised.Gifford's own experiences in the entertainment world have shaped her perspective on the pitfalls of success. "Oftentimes, if you've made it, you've made it on the backs of other people. And there's a lot of that in the show business," she acknowledged. "And it's not worth having if you got to do it that way." By instilling these values in her children, Gifford has equipped them to navigate the challenges of the industry with grace and integrity.

Embracing the Joys of Grandparenthood

As Gifford's children have grown and started families of their own, she has embraced the role of grandmother with open arms. Cody and Cassidy have both welcomed children, and Gifford's face lights up when she speaks about her grandchildren. "I never thought I'd have children, much less grandchildren. And it's – they're just precious. I don't get enough time with them," she gushed.Gifford's enthusiasm for her grandchildren is palpable, and she has found new ways to connect with them. "Thank goodness for FaceTime now," she added, explaining how she regularly calls her grandkids, including her daughter Cassidy's son, Finn. The bond between Gifford and her grandchildren is evident, and she has even jokingly declared that she doesn't want to be called a "grandmother" or "granny," preferring the Yiddish nickname "Bubbie" instead.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Life's Joys

Gifford's journey as a parent and grandparent has not been without its challenges. Earlier this year, she underwent a hip replacement and suffered a broken pelvis, which she attributed to her own stubbornness. "I thought I was stronger than I was," she recalled, explaining how she had moved "300 books for a couple of hours" to prepare for a signing, only to fall and sustain the injury the next day.Despite these setbacks, Gifford's resilience and positive outlook have shone through. She underwent physical therapy and was soon walking and putting weight on her leg faster than expected. Gifford's ability to overcome obstacles and embrace the joys of life is a testament to her strength of character and her unwavering faith.As Kathie Lee Gifford continues to navigate the ever-evolving roles of parent and grandparent, her wisdom and insights offer a valuable perspective for those seeking to find the right balance between guiding their children and allowing them to forge their own paths. Her story serves as a reminder that the journey of parenthood is not about control, but about empowerment, faith, and the enduring love that transcends the generations.