Cameron Diaz has been an actress for over two decades. You probably can name many of her films, which vary in genre so much. She’s starred in everything from funny flicks to drama films and everything in between. However, not too long ago, she decided to take a step back from acting to pursue a new life she’s always dreamed of.

When she announced her retirement, she told Gwyneth Paltrow on her digital series In Goop Health: The Session that she was really craving some more time for personal things vs. business all the time. “I just decided that I wanted different things out of my life. I had gone so hard for so long, working, making films and it’s such a grind. I didn’t really make any space for my personal life.”

“It’s so intense to work at that level and be that public and put yourself out there,” she continued to explain to Paltrow. “There’s a lot of energy coming at you at all times when you’re really visible as an actor and doing press and putting yourself out there.”

Diaz recently appeared on Kelly Clarkston to discuss her life post retiring. Though she’s been a successful actress, she says being home with her toddler is one of the best decisions she’s ever done. Diaz had her daughter, Raddix Madden, in late 2019 with husband Benji Madden, who she married in 2015.

“I love it, I feel like it’s the best thing… Well I don’t feel like it, I know it’s the best thing I’ve ever done in my life,” she said of leaving acting and taking care of her daughter.

Even though Raddix is in her “terrible two” stage, Diaz says she doesn’t mind, and that being an older parent (she’s 49 years old) has helped her practice patience and understanding with her.

“I think because I am an older parent… and I really worked hard to get a child… I’m very fortunate to have been able to take the time to do it and be there with her,” she explained. “I feel like as a parent my job is to help her find the words to her emotions, her experience, what she’s going through, and be able to help her identify that, and then move through it,” she explained.

She actually has a lot of good tips for practicing patience with tough littles. Check out the entire interview with Diaz and Clarkson in the video below. On top of discussing motherhood, she also gives Clarkson a taste of her Avaline organic canned wines.

What’s your favorite film Diaz has starrd in? What are your thoughts on her calming parenting strategy?