Drew Barrymore Explains Her Most Important Parenting Hack

Jordan Claes
Drew Barrymore taking a bathroom selfie.
instagram | @drewbarrymore

Drew Barrymore has quite literally been to hell and back. She's gone from the depths of teenage depravity to the very mountaintop of personal growth and success.

From a parenting perspective, Drew is determined not to allow her daughters to walk the same path she once took. As she recently explained to PageSix, one of the ways in which she plans to do that is with gratitude.

Nowadays, there's quite literally a "hack" for everything.

Do you need a better way to fold laundry? There's a hack for that. Are you having difficulty keeping your bathroom looking clean? There's a hack for that. It's all just a matter of working smarter, not harder.

But what about when it comes to raising children; could there also be a "hack" for that as well?

Drew Barrymore in a floral spotted dress.
instagram | @drewbarrymore

It sounds too good to be true, but according to wild child turned America's sweetheart, Drew Barrymore, there is indeed something that you can do.

According to the Emmy-nominated actress, it all boils down to one simple thing: gratitude.

Drew Barrymore taking a selfie in her kitchen.
instagram | @drewbarrymore

That's right, Drew is teaching her two daughters Olive and Frankie to be grateful not only for what they have but for who they have in their lives as well.

"I’m keeping a gratitude journal, and I see it influence me and my kids," Barrymore explained to PageSix.

Drew Barrymore giving double thumbs-up.
Giphy | The Drew Barrymore Show

Drew said that she does this in an effort "To clock good things that happen every day and then write them down at night."

"It’s made us more aware of people and recognize and acknowledge all the good and then write about it at night," she continued.

Drew Barrymore with a golden retriever.
instagram | @drewbarrymore

Drew was apparently turned on to the idea by TODAY show co-host, Deborah Norville. From what Drew says, so far it's been a real game-changer.

Drew went on to talk about the limitations that go hand-in-hand with parental discipline.

Drew Barrymore in her pajamas and a house coat.
instagram | @drewbarrymore

The talk show host admits that when it comes to taking a hard line with children, you don't always have the luxury of trying something new.

However, when it comes to fostering happiness in the hearts and minds of children — that's where the parental leeway comes in.

Drew Barrymore and Timothy Oliphant doing a fist bump.
Giphy | NETFLIX

"You can have your set box of tools, but sometimes they don’t work and you have to reach for something new that day," Drew continued.

Fostering happiness and gratitude is something that has historically come easy for the former Charlie's Angel.

Drew Barrymore taking a bathroom selfie, while wearing heavy eye makeup.
instagram | @drewbarrymore

Barrymore has always considered herself a "glass-half-full" type of person and strives to never come down too hard on herself or her children.

"I always find the silver lining eventually," Drew happily proclaimed.

Drew Barrymore wearing a green shirt and thick eyeglasses.
instagram | @drewbarrymore

"Sometimes it takes me longer than I want to, but I get there. We as humans don’t stay stuck," she emphatically states. It's all about forward progress and not allowing yourself to dwell on those things outside your control.

Drew was also asked whether or not she was entertaining the idea of dating again.

Drew Barrymore looking left and right.
Giphy | The Drew Barrymore Show

I don’t have news on that front!” she exclaimed with a smile on her face. As far as Drew is concerned, her life is perfect as it is and her happiness isn't predicated on her relationship status.

True to her word, Drew would rather be grateful for all that she has in life, rather than pine for the things which she does not.

Drew Barrymore hugging a group of Girl Scouts.
instagram | @drewbarrymore

These daily reminders of gratitude not only help to foster happiness, but they allow for a much deeper sense of personal meaning and self-worth.