Kelly Clarkson, the powerhouse singer, Grammy winner, and beloved daytime talk show host, is no stranger to the spotlight. Yet behind the scenes, the American Idol alum is a fiercely protective mother with strict parenting rules that might catch some parents off guard.

As of May 2025, Clarkson is raising two children—daughter River Rose (10) and son Remington “Remy” Alexander (8)—with her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock. Their 2022 divorce put Clarkson in primary custody, and since then, she’s drawn firm boundaries aimed at shielding her kids from the pressures that come with growing up in the public eye.

The No-Social-Media Rule Under Her Roof

The most headline-grabbing rule Clarkson enforces is a complete ban on social media for her children while they live with her. In multiple interviews, including a candid conversation with People magazine, Clarkson made it clear: “I have informed [my kids] they’re not allowed, under my roof, ever to have [social media].”

Clarkson explained the rationale plainly—social media poses serious mental health risks for kids, especially those with famous parents who already face intense public scrutiny. Even during their time with their father, Brandon Blackstock, the rule holds firm. Clarkson humorously recounted her daughter’s questioning: “Well, what if Dad lets me?” Her response: “Well, you’re there four days a month. Enjoy that.”

Fans have rallied behind this strict stance on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), praising her for prioritizing her children’s wellbeing in a world saturated by online pressures. Comments like “Her house, her rules” and “It’s smart” echo the public’s support.

Clarkson remains open to revisiting this policy as her kids mature, but for now, the social media ban stands strong—a protective shield in an age of digital overexposure.

A Look Back: Spanking as Discipline

While spanking is a controversial topic today, back in 2018 Clarkson openly admitted to using spanking as discipline with her then-toddler daughter. TMZ and TODAYshow highlighted Clarkson’s frankness about spanking, sparking mixed reactions online. Some defended it as a common disciplinary tool, while others criticized it as harsh.

However, spanking has faded from Clarkson’s recent parenting narrative. Now that River Rose and Remy are older, there are no current reports suggesting spanking remains a disciplinary method. Instead, Clarkson’s focus has shifted to setting boundaries that suit their growing independence and public lives.

Navigating Co-Parenting and Public Life

Clarkson’s co-parenting journey with Blackstock, finalized in 2022, adds layers to her parenting approach. Although some reports note general frustrations in their shared parenting, these do not translate into strict household rules. Clarkson’s primary focus remains protecting her children’s mental and emotional health amid fame’s challenges.

Conclusion

Kelly Clarkson’s parenting style blends old-school discipline with modern protective measures. While spanking made headlines years ago, today her defining rule is a firm social media ban at home—an increasingly popular stance among celebrity parents mindful of digital pitfalls.

Clarkson’s candidness about her parenting choices offers a window into the complexities of raising kids under the public gaze, balancing the demands of fame with the desire to nurture a safe, grounded childhood. For many parents, celebrity or not, her strict rules serve as a thought-provoking example of protecting the next generation in a fast-changing world.