Popular German actor Moritz Bleibtreu has opened up about his views on fatherhood, reflecting on his experiences and choices surrounding parenthood during his recent appearances on the podcast "Mit den Waffeln einer Frau" with Barbara Schöneberger. At 52, Bleibtreu shared personal insights on being a late father, acknowledging some regrets about not starting his family sooner.
Bleibtreu, who became a father at the age of 38, stated, "If you start so late like most people today, you miss so many aspects". With his son now 15 years old, the actor expressed how things have been surprisingly smooth, but he emphasized the loss of potential moments with family—particularly the bond his son could have had with his grandmother, Monica Bleibtreu, who sadly passed away from lung cancer just six months after his birth.
Acknowledging societal pressures surrounding parenthood, Bleibtreu criticized the fear instilled by previous generations. "My generation was taught to be afraid of having kids. There was always this talk about money and responsibilities—like you need to have everything perfectly planned out before you can even think of becoming parents," he reflected.
During their conversation, Schöneberger shared her own sentiments, admitting she might have had her first child sooner had she known it was possible to balance motherhood with career and other life goals. Both emphasized the importance of familial bonds and the emotional connections children can form with their grandparents, highlighting how late parenting often deprives both generations of these experiences.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Bleibtreu expressed gratitude for having his mother as part of his life during his formative years and expressed wishful thinking for how different things could have been had he started to build his family earlier. He also touched upon the impact of cultural shifts over time, voicing concerns over the anti-authoritarian sentiments prevalent since the 1970s, which he thinks may have inadvertently discouraged family creation.
He believes society is currently prioritizing individualism but argues strongly for the need to embrace families and communal ties. "I don't believe in individualism, rather the opposite," he said, focusing on the values of community and family unity he intends to impart to his son.
Bleibtreu’s views resonate with many who grapple with the decision of starting families later due to career ambitions and social expectations. Following his marriage to Saskia de Tschaschell, he recently entertained the possibility of having more children, expressing openness but also the weight of responsibility
Another relevant moment during their talk was when Bleibtreu pointed out societal misconceptions surrounding parenthood encountered by his generation. He believes society should move away from labeling parenthood as burdensome, emphasizing instead how rewarding and fulfilling it can be.
This conversation ignited discussions over the societal expectations placed on men and women around career and family planning. Schöneberger lamented how many women feel they must choose between their ambitions and motherhood, mimicking sentiments shared by countless parents struggling to balance life’s demands.
Bleibtreu's revelations touch upon important themes within modern parenting discussions: the fears, societal pressures, and the sometimes unexpected regrets many feel. His transparency offers both comfort and support to others who may be questioning their own timelines and choices when it relates to family building.
Such conversations surrounding personal journeys of parenthood allow for broader discussions about societal norms and possible future changes. Bleibtreu’s narrative, alongside Schöneberger’s, encourages individuals to enjoy the nuanced adventure of parenting, emphasizing the flexibility of time and the rich experiences deeply rooted within family connections.
