Arnold Schwarzenegger made himself a household name by reaching heights in bodybuilding, acting, and politics. His wife, Maria Shriver, whom he married in 1986, is no less of a celebrity herself.

Maria Shriver is an American Royalty herself. She is the niece of the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy. Shriver worked as a reporter at NBC and became the first lady of California when her ex-husband, Arnold Schwarzenegger, won the gubernatorial elections in 2003. In 2016, Maria opened up about her idea of parenting in an interview, and how it differed from her mother’s ways.

Maria’s different approach to parenting

In the aforementioned interview, Maria Shriver revealed that her mom, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, was a tough woman. She admitted that she adored her mother but was unhappy that she never talked to her openly. Maria disliked how her mother refrained from discussing relationships, hormones, or s*x with her. Maria said, “Nothing. She didn’t talk about s*x, about guys, about hormones. She didn’t talk about a thing.“

Shriver said, “I loved my mom, but I didn’t want to be like that.” According to Maria Shriver, she follows a different approach to parenting than her mother. She talks to her daughters about all aspects of their personal lives. 

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Maria also disclosed how her mother believed that if Maria concentrated on her appearance, people would not take her seriously. Whenever someone complimented Shriver for her looks, Eunice would say, “Your looks are gonna go. Concentrate on your brain.“

Per Maria, women have the right to feel beautiful and embrace their femininity, and there must not be a choice between being intelligent and beautiful. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria tried to be the best version of themselves for their kids

Maria Shriver proved all her words true when she made her career at NBC. When Arnold Schwarzenegger became the Governor, Shriver had to leave her job, but she didn’t take a back seat. She actively made sure to uplift the status of women in California as the state’s first lady.

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Maria and Arnold Schwarzenegger raised four children together. Although the couple separated in 2011, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria have always been there for their kids.