Rachel Bilson Reveals Secret to Co-Parenting With Hayden Christensen

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Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen don’t need to use the Force when it comes to their dynamic.

The actress known for The O.C. shared a glimpse into how she and her ex, a Star Wars actor, successfully co-parent their 11-year-old daughter, Briar Rose, even after their relationship ended, keeping their family close.

“That’s awesome,” Rachel told Kristin Cavallari on the January 20th episode of the Let’s Be Honest podcast. “Our relationship is really special – we get along great and spend a lot of time together.”

In fact, as she emphasized, “We have been able to keep it very copasetic and nice for her.”

Rachel and Hayden, who dated from 2007 to 2017, found it easier to create a custody arrangement that suited both of them because they never got married.

We never got married, so we created our own approach to things,” she said. “My advice would be to focus on communicating and being willing to compromise.

That bond goes beyond just her current relationship with her Jumper costar.

She also mentioned being very close to his family, adding that they’ve known each other for nearly 19 years – a significant amount of time.

Rachel has always prioritized her family, especially while raising Briar, and she stresses that she and Briar have a remarkably close relationship.

She described it as a really enjoyable and lighthearted experience, a place where they could relax, chat, and just be themselves. She also referred to the other person as her close companion.

Briar and her mom both agree – they don’t want any more children.

“I’m probably past the age for that,” she joked to Kristin. “I might have considered it, but I don’t think my daughter would be happy about it. She’s eleven now and has made it clear she doesn’t want a brother or sister. We have a good family dynamic, and I don’t want to risk changing that.”

Rachel says her daughter, Briar, isn’t bothered by her parents being famous.

My daughter comes from a family of people in the entertainment industry—both her parents work in the business. She doesn’t even seem to notice when her dad gets recognized, which is great. She’s very accepting of it and seems completely unfazed.”

She added, “We’re just mom and dad, it’s definitely good.”

For more stars who have shared their co-parenting journeys, keep reading…

Despite ending their romantic relationship in 2023, the Grammy-winning musician and Swedish-Syrian artist continue to co-parent their children, Lucia and Renn.

I was so touched reading Jwan’s recent interview! They shared that things are genuinely wonderful between us, and it meant a lot to hear them say that. We’ve really created a peaceful and stable co-parenting arrangement – we even live just ten minutes apart! We talk almost every day, and honestly, our kids are at the center of everything. We both adore them more than anything.

He described it as more than just an experience, but a truly wonderful way of life. He said, “It’s been incredibly enjoyable—it’s how I live now.”

Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green, parents to Noah, Bodhi, and Journey, prioritize their children’s well-being as they navigate co-parenting. Brian explained to TopMob News in April 2024 that their main focus is always ensuring the kids have a positive experience, acknowledging that a breakup will inevitably impact them, but the way it impacts them is within their control. He emphasized the importance of choosing your battles, as disagreements that led to their separation won’t magically disappear when co-parenting. It’s about shifting from a relationship dynamic to a co-parenting one, which requires a different approach.

Megan, whose divorce from Brian was finalized in 2022, agrees. On The Drew Barrymore Show in 2023, she stated that it’s crucial to never speak negatively about the other parent, even subtly. She avoids allowing any negativity around her children because accepting and loving their father is essential to accepting and loving a part of them—he’s a fundamental part of who they are.

Josh Duhamel and Fergie continue to demonstrate a positive co-parenting relationship. In a 2023 interview on The Jess Cagle Show, Duhamel praised Fergie, calling her “an amazing woman” and highlighting her welcoming attitude towards his wife, Audra Mari. He noted how fortunate they are to have a civil dynamic, especially considering how things could have gone.

Duhamel shared that Fergie was genuinely happy for him and Audra when they announced their pregnancy with their son, Shepherd, who was born in January 2024. Shepherd joins big brother Axl, whom Duhamel shares with Fergie. Duhamel emphasized Fergie’s kind nature and excitement for their growing family. The couple finalized their divorce in 2019, two years after initially announcing their separation.

Irina Shayk, who has a daughter named Lea with Bradley Cooper, doesn’t like the label ‘co-parenting.’ In a 2021 interview with ELLE, she explained that when she’s with her daughter, she’s fully a mother, and when Lea is with her father, he’s fully her father. She believes parenting is simply parenting, regardless of the parents’ relationship status.

Irina and Bradley ended their four-year relationship in 2019, but they’ve remained friendly. Despite their busy lives, they continue to take family vacations, spend time together in New York, and support each other. Irina told the magazine in 2023 that Bradley is ‘the best father Lea and I could dream of,’ and that their successful arrangement is due to their commitment to making it work.

Finding a comfortable co-parenting routine takes time, as Mariah Carey knows well. Fortunately, she and Nick Cannon, parents to twins Moroccan and Monroe, have found their groove.

Cannon described their relationship as a successful co-parenting partnership and a genuine friendship, emphasizing the valuable lessons Carey has taught him. She considers their connection to be family.

Carey also expressed pride in how they’ve navigated co-parenting since their divorce in 2014, ensuring their children enjoy quality time with both parents. She wants to be fair to them, understanding the challenges of growing up with divorced parents.

In addition to Moroccan and Monroe, Nick Cannon has several other children: Zion and Mixolydian, Zillion Heir and Beautiful Zeppelin with Abby De La Rosa; Golden “Sagon,” Powerful Queen, and Rise Messiah with Brittany Bell; Legendary Love with Bre Tiesi; Onyx Ice with LaNisha Cole; and Halo Marie and the late Zen with Alyssa Scott.

We can’t talk about amicable breakups without mentioning Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. The Oscar-winning actress and the Coldplay singer famously coined the term “consciously uncoupling” when they announced their separation in 2014.

Gwyneth explained on The Drew Barrymore Show in 2020 that prioritizing their children, Apple and Moses, was challenging. She said there were times she didn’t want to be around Chris during their divorce, but they committed to things like family dinners. This meant taking a deep breath, making eye contact, remembering their agreement, and finding ways to connect with humor and affection to build a new kind of relationship.

The Goop founder also emphasized that she and Chris will always be a family. She stated that while things aren’t always perfect, they both strive for unity, love, and what’s best for their children. She believes that breaking up doesn’t mean losing all affection for the other person.

Following their divorce in 2022, Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady have been navigating the challenges of co-parenting. Gisele admitted in a 2024 interview with Robin Roberts that some days are harder than others, but acknowledged her and Tom’s children, Benjamin and Vivian, are intelligent and adaptable. She focuses on controlling her own actions and allowing the kids to navigate boundaries. Gisele emphasized the importance of balance, explaining that both she and Tom spend quality time with the children, exposing them to different perspectives and enriching their lives. Tom echoed this sentiment, stating that he and Gisele are both committed to raising their children—including Jack, his son with Bridget Moynahan—with love, kindness, empathy, and strong values, recognizing that today’s children are growing up in a different world.

Ben Affleck, having played a superhero himself, recognizes one in his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner. He considers her a “superhero mom” because of her dedication to their three children, Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel. Affleck, who divorced Garner in 2015 after several years of marriage, has praised her as an amazing mother and a great co-parent. Jennifer Lopez, who was married to Affleck from 2022 to 2024, also acknowledged Garner’s skills as a co-parent, noting that they both work well together to raise the children.

Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik separated in 2021, but they’ve successfully navigated co-parenting their daughter, Khai. Zayn shared in a 2023 interview on Call Her Daddy that they maintain a good relationship for Khai’s sake, emphasizing that her well-being is their priority. Gigi told The Sunday Times that same year that keeping a child’s happiness central is key for parents in similar situations, as you’ll have a lifelong connection with the other parent. She also expressed her happiness that Khai gets to spend time with both of them.

Khloe Kardashian is committed to co-parenting with her ex, Tristan Thompson, despite past difficulties. She admits it’s challenging to be friendly with someone who has hurt her, especially when their children, True and Tatum Thompson, are present. In an interview with tmrw in January 2024, she explained she had to learn to manage her emotions and avoid impulsive reactions, like posting regrettable things online. Ultimately, Khloe wants her kids to have a strong, positive relationship with their father. She believes that if Tristan wants to be an involved and hands-on parent—which he is to Prince (with Jordan Craig) and Theo (with Maralee Nichols) as well—she shouldn’t stand in the way.

Okay, so, I’m obsessed with Orlando, Miranda, and Katy, and honestly, their blended family situation is just…goals. Even though Orlando and Miranda split back in 2013, they’re still totally committed to co-parenting Flynn, and it’s amazing! And get this – Katy Perry is right there with them! Miranda actually said she adores Katy and is so happy Orlando found someone who makes him happy! She’s all about Flynn having happy parents, and that’s all she cares about. It’s so sweet! They’ve both moved on – Orlando and Katy had little Daisy Dove, and Miranda and Evan have three adorable boys, Hart, Myles, and Pierre – but they still make it work. Miranda says they always figure things out for special occasions, always putting Flynn first. Honestly, it’s just the most mature and heartwarming thing ever, and I’m living for it! They genuinely respect each other, and it’s all about what’s best for the kids. I just can’t get over how well they handle everything!

Kate Hudson believes it’s important to maintain positive relationships with her exes, Chris Robinson and Matt Bellamy, unlike letting a friendship wither away. She explained in a 2022 interview with The Sunday Times that she and Chris simply need to check in with each other occasionally, especially as they co-parent their son, Ryder. She also praised Matt, Bingham’s father, as a “wonderful” co-parent. Kate feels that love doesn’t disappear after a breakup, but can evolve into a different kind of connection, allowing them to focus on their shared love for their children. Kate also shares daughter Rani with her fiancé, Danny Fujikawa. She acknowledges that her family structure might not seem conventional, but feels incredibly strong and successful. She’s proud of the close-knit unit she’s created with her three children and their three different fathers.

It can be challenging for co-parents to get along, but Anna Faris says her relationship with her ex-husband Chris Pratt, his wife Katherine Schwarzenegger, and their children is improving. Faris, who shares son Jack with Pratt, told People magazine in 2022 that everyone is getting closer and she really appreciates that. She noted that both families are protective of each other and supportive, which she values.

Faris described Schwarzenegger, who also has children Lyla, Eloise, and Ford with Pratt, as “awesome” and praised her for being very organized and great with Jack.

Now married to Michael Barrett, Faris expressed happiness with how the blended family is functioning. She said that with time, things have become much easier and she’s relieved to have moved past any difficult feelings.

It’s helpful when co-parents agree, and Mel B says it took time for her and Eddie Murphy to build that kind of connection.

Mel B, of the Spice Girls, recently shared that past struggles with PTSD and controlling behavior made it difficult to build a strong relationship with Eddie Murphy. She explained to Us Weekly in May 2025 that it took time, but she gradually managed to improve things.

Despite past difficulties, Mel B, who has a teenage daughter named Angel with Murphy, says their friendship has actually grown stronger in recent years.

Angel often visits Murphy’s home, and they enjoy spending time and going on vacation together. Mel B praised Murphy as a dedicated father to his ten children.

Just because the TV show The O.C. was full of drama doesn’t mean Rachel Bilson and her ex, Hayden Christensen, have a difficult co-parenting relationship. Bilson told People magazine in 2024 that things are going well. She said their daughter, Briar Rose, is thriving and has plenty of support from both parents and their families.

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2026-01-22 22:19