Dutch actress Tjitske Reidinga has opened up about a significant regret regarding her approach to raising her three sons, admitting in the latest issue of the magazine *Nouveau* that she made a mistake in how she framed the concept of ambition for her children. While the 54-year-old actress is currently enjoying positive reception for her portrayal of a social advocate in the new NPO series *Pro Deo*, she has shifted her focus from professional acclaim to personal reflection, acknowledging that the advice she once gave her sons was based on a false premise. [1] [2]
Reidinga explicitly told her sons that the belief she once instilled in them—that 'the world is at their feet' and that they could become anything they wished—was a lie. Recalling moments sitting on the edge of their beds, she described telling them that any goal was achievable through willpower. However, she now asserts that this perspective ignores the harsh realities of modern life, where success is not solely determined by individual effort but is significantly influenced by external factors such as the era in which one is born, one's inherent personality, and whether they experience traumatic events. [2]
The actress expressed empathy for the younger generation, noting that she struggles with a group of people who work extremely hard, sometimes holding down three jobs, yet still find it impossible to purchase a home. This realization stems from her own experiences living in Amsterdam, where she has observed parents who were able to buy properties for their children while she herself was unable to do so. She described growing up in a realistic environment and stated that she will have to continue working hard for her livelihood throughout her life. [2]
Despite retracting the earlier message of unlimited possibility, Reidinga maintains that her sons lead good lives with ample opportunities. She believes that what individuals make of those opportunities depends on more than just their own dedication. Her current parenting approach emphasizes resilience and self-reinvention. Inspired by advice from her own father—that it is acceptable to pause, re-evaluate oneself, and not have immediate answers for the future—she encourages her sons to accept these periods of uncertainty as a normal part of life. [2]
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