Gavin Rossdale, the 60-year-old frontman of the band Bush, has opened up about the dynamics of co-parenting his three children with his ex-wife, singer Gwen Stefani. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Rossdale described their arrangement as working effectively despite their differing approaches.
Rossdale and Stefani, who separated in 2015, share three sons: Kingston, 17, Zuma, 15, and Apollo, 10. Stefani has since married country singer Blake Shelton, while Rossdale also has an older daughter, Daisy Lowe, 35, from a previous relationship.
A 'Two-Lane Highway'
When asked about their co-parenting, Rossdale used a metaphor to explain the system. "It's a very, it is an interesting kind of… It's a two-lane highway, you know, but they don't ever seem to merge, which is fine," he told the outlet. He emphasised that the primary goal for both parents is the well-being of their children, with each contributing in their own way.
"Probably doing the best she can, and I'm doing the best I can. And the kids are growing up, so I'm a proud proponent of the system. It's fine," Rossdale stated.
Raising 'Decent People'
The musician detailed that his core parenting philosophy is to raise considerate and empathetic individuals. "Making them likable. I think that if you've got kids that are unlikable, they've got a tough life ahead, you know. Life is hard enough without being a jerk, without being kind of aware of other people, mindful of other people, considerate of other people, empathetic," he explained.
He added that he strives to lead by example, saying, "And so all those things that I try to do my best in my life to be... Just try to show by example with my kids, consistent friends, consistent people around and a sort of a steady approach to life."
An 'Incredible Perspective' for the Children
This is not the first time Rossdale has commented on their parenting styles. In a 2023 appearance on the "Not So Hollywood" podcast, he acknowledged their differences, stating they are "really different people."
"I don't think there's much similarity in the way we bring them up, but I think that gives them an incredible perspective to then choose which pieces of those two lives they'd like to inherit and move on with," Rossdale said. He reiterated this point in a separate 2023 interview with Fatherly, noting, "They get two opposing views, and they can take and glean what they want and what they believe in. And, they don't have to believe either of us."
The singer's comments highlight a modern, collaborative approach to separated parenting, focusing on providing children with diverse viewpoints and the autonomy to form their own values from both households.