Maggie Gyllenhaal
On sleep training, equal parenting and the challenge of raising a city kid.
by Gwynne Watkins
February 2, 2009
In recent years, Maggie Gyllenhaal's heartbreakingly intuitive film performances and gawky beauty have catapulted her onto Hollywood's A-list. She also has the honor of being one of Babble's most-searched celebs, thanks largely to the many photographs of her breastfeeding
her daughter — Ramona, now two years old — in public. Although we imagine that the paparazzi weren't a welcome addition to feeding time, Gyllenhaal's "my-kid's-hungry-photographers-be-damned" attitude — not to mention her obvious joy at bonding with her
daughter — earned her wide admiration among mothers everywhere. Recently, Gyllenhaal was on hand at Fisher Price's unveiling of
their new "Precious Planet" line, to present a check from Fisher Price to the
Wildlife Conservation Society — a cause she feels strongly about supporting. Babble spoke to the
Batman: The Dark Knight star about navigating subways with a toddler, sleep training, and her valiant effort to split parenting duties equally with her husband, actor Peter Sarsgaard. —
Gwynne Watkins
You were talking about how important it is for kids to connect with nature through the zoos and parks when they live in the city. What has your overall experience of raising your daughter in the city been like?
There are things that are great. Like, I imagine that if I were living in the country, it would be very difficult to meet other kids, to meet other mothers. I think it's easier in Brooklyn. We live pretty near Prospect Park, and when we go to
the big meadow in Prospect Park and just let her go, she's so happy. But I have trouble with, "Oh, don't pick that up, that's digusting! No, you can't put that snow in your mouth, you can only put this snow over
here in your mouth!" I don't like that.
©2009 Gwynne Watkins and Nerve Media
About the Author
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Gwynne Watkins was Babble's founding Senior Editor. She has written for a variety of web and print publications, and her theatrical work has been produced throughout the New York area. Her new family musical, Tea with Chachaji, will premiere in early 2010. |
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