Bruce Willis Shares His Parenting Code – It Includes Staying Quiet, Listening & Laughing

Feb 09, 2023

Bruce Willis is one of the most legendary Hollywood actors of all time. He is most famous for his roles in action films but has also shown to have quite a diverse set of talents, appearing in films and television shows in a variety of genres and even showing off his skills as a singer. On top of that, Bruce is also adored for his amazing qualities as a husband and father.

Bruce was born Walter Bruce Willis on March 19, 1955, in Idar-Oberstein, Germany. He grew up with a German mother and an American father, who was stationed there by the United States military at the time of his birth. In 1957, the family moved to the U.S. and raised Bruce in Penns Grove, New Jersey.

Bruce had his breakthrough in 1985 with the TV series "Moonlighting," and has since appeared in more than 70 films. Some of his most loved performances include in the films “Pulp Fiction,” “Armageddon,” “The Sixth Sense,” and his portrayal of John McClane in the “Die Hard” franchise.

In his private life, Bruce had some ups and downs when it came to finding love. He married two times and is the father of five daughters. Willis first married actress Demi Moore in 1987, and the two had three daughters together: Rumer Willis, Scout Willis and Tallulah Willis. Although the couple was regarded as a Hollywood powerhouse at the time, the marriage was not working out behind closed doors. Bruce and Moore divorced in 2000, but they have remained good friends and great co-parents ever since. They are also set to become grandparents for the first time after their Rumer announced in late 2022 that she was pregnant.

After embracing fatherhood, Bruce shared his parenting code that includes some surprising tidbits.

Bruce didn’t give up on love, and he finally found his way to model and actress Emma Heming, the woman he now calls his wife. In 2017, Bruce spoke highly of finding love with Heming. “I don’t want to be away from Emma at all,” he told Closer Weekly. “It’s the most singular relationship I’ve ever had in my life.”

Bruce and Heming have two daughters, Mabel Willis and Evelyn Willis. Bruce’s big blended family gets along well and even regularly takes photos together for social media. In March 2022, they also stepped in to take care of him after he was diagnosed with aphasia, after which he retired from acting. The condition disrupts a person’s ability to communicate and understand speech. Despite the setback, Willis, Heming, Moore and all the children have moved forward as a strong family unit and continue to give the “12 Monkeys” star the support and love he needs. 

On Instagram, Heming and Moore wrote:

"This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support. We are moving through this as a strong family unit, and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him."

Bruce is a regular feature on his loved ones' social media. Moore posted photos of the family enjoying the year-end holidays in 2022 together, while Heming uploaded a highlight reel of the same year. Tallulah also got into the action, posting goofy photos of her with her beloved dad.

The closeness of his entire family today is a testament to Bruce’s skills as a father. This could be in part due to the guiding principles he learned from raising Rumer, Scout and Tallulah.

In 2012, Bruce opened up to Esquire about five key principles of his parenting code.

"Sometimes I have to resist the urge to speak," Bruce said. "I learned it from dealing with my kids. That's my number-one rule." 

He added the second rule was an off-shoot of the first: "It applies in life, but it's more about being a father. I'd rather hear what they have to say. You learn more by listening. And this stuff is just a matter of not equating drama with actions that will help them. Teach them to shun drama."

As for rule No.3? "Take responsibility for when you are wrong. They hear you own up, and they learn to own up." 

The fourth rule included giving the girls their own rules. "You have to give them a code. Beginning with things like 'Don't bite people.' That becomes something like, 'It's not okay to be mean. Ever.' That was our watchword when the girls were younger."

And the last rule? "I make them laugh. You gotta do the drool-take, gotta make them see that goofiness is still safe. You have to make them laugh at you."

Bruce’s code has sure turned out well, with all his older daughters happy to spend time with him as he battles his health condition. On Jan. 17, 2023, Scout posted photos of her with her dad. So too, did Tallulah, who posted photos with her father captioned, “I love my parents and my family – I do I do I do!” 

Rumer also posted a heartfelt tribute to Bruce on Father’s Day in 2022, posting adorable throwback photos of them together alongside a caption that read: “What a privilege it is every day to be your daughter. I love you so much. You are the coolest cat in town.”

How amazing have Bruce Willis’ daughters turned out to be? Do you have any parenting rules that you stick by? Let us know and don’t forget to pass this along to others who might need some pointers!