Hilary Duff says she divorced when her son was 2 to show him you have to 'fight for your happiness'
Business Insider
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Hilary Duff revealed that her decision to divorce when her son Luca was just 2 years old was intended to teach him the importance of fighting for his own happiness. The "Lizzie McGuire" star shared this insight during a recent episode of "Call Her Daddy," emphasizing that parents should prioritize their well-being, even when raising children. Duff explained that she wanted to set an example for her son, showing him that personal happiness shouldn’t be sacrificed, regardless of maternal guilt or societal expectations.
Duff split from her first husband, Mike Comrie, in 2015 after they had one child together, Luca. She reflected on how her own parents’ divorce shaped her approach to parenting and relationships, leading her to decide that ending an unhappy marriage early was better for her son’s long-term well-being. She acknowledged the challenges of balancing motherhood with personal identity, stating that therapy played a crucial role in helping her process the divorce and learn to stand up for herself.
The star also highlighted the importance of finding balance between family life and individual happiness, calling it a constant effort to choose oneself while still prioritizing children. Duff’s experience aligns with broader discussions among celebrities about navigating divorce and co-parenting, such as Kim Kardashian’s approach to protecting her children’s view of their father and Miranda Kerr’s focus on peaceful co-parenting through forgiveness.
Duff’s story resonates not only as a personal journey but also as a lesson in self-ownership and resilience. For readers interested in business or finance, her emphasis on investing time in personal growth and happiness can be seen as a metaphor for career success—where prioritizing one’s own needs is essential to thriving both personally and professionally. Her message encourages readers to view parenthood as an opportunity to model healthy, self-aware behaviors for their children, fostering independence and confidence in the next generation.
Ultimately, Duff’s experience underscores the importance of authenticity and self-care in parenting, offering a valuable perspective on how personal choices can shape a child’s understanding of happiness and resilience. Her journey serves as a reminder that while raising children is a team effort, parents must also remember to nurture their own well-being to set the best example possible.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/26/2026