Being a parent in Hollywood is a weird tightrope walk. You want to share your joy, but you also want to keep your kids' lives from becoming public property. For Justin Baldoni, that balance has been tested more than ever lately. Between the massive success of It Ends With Us and the messy legal drama that followed, people are looking closer at his personal life. But if you look past the headlines, the real story is about how he and his wife, Emily, are raising their two children, Maiya and Maxwell, to be "human enough" in a world that often demands perfection.
It’s not just about cute Instagram photos. Honestly, the way they handle parenting is kinda radical for a celebrity couple. They talk about the hard stuff—the tantrums, the gender stereotypes, and the importance of crying in front of your kids.
Who are the Baldoni kids?
Justin and Emily Baldoni have two children who are currently growing up faster than the internet can keep track of.
Maiya Grace Baldoni is the eldest. Born on June 27, 2015, she’s now 10 years old. From the jump, Justin has described her as a "force of nature." She actually made her "acting" debut as a tiny baby on Jane the Virgin, but she’s more recently been spotted behind the scenes. During the filming of It Ends With Us, her dad even called her a "natural director." She's got a strong sense of self, too. Justin once shared a story about how they tried to dress her in gender-neutral clothes when she was younger, but Maiya basically said "no thanks" and leaned fully into her own style.
Then there’s Maxwell Roland-Samuel Baldoni, born on October 18, 2017. He’s 8 years old now. When he was born, Justin wrote this incredibly emotional letter to him about how masculinity doesn't have to mean being "tough" or "silent." It’s clear that Maxwell is the more sensitive soul of the two, at least from what his parents share. He made a quick cameo alongside his sister in the final scene of It Ends With Us at the farmer's market. They ran into the frame, Justin yelled "action," and that was that.
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Breaking the "Tough Dad" Mold
Justin Baldoni has made a whole career out of "undefining" masculinity, and that starts at home. You won't find him telling Maxwell to "man up." Instead, he’s the guy who goes viral for lying on the floor of a Whole Foods while his daughter has a meltdown.
Why? Because he wanted to show that a child’s big emotions aren't something to be embarrassed by or suppressed.
He treats parenting as a service. It's about being present, not being in control. He and Emily are very open about their Baha'i faith, which heavily influences how they see their children—not as "theirs" to own, but as souls they are meant to nurture. This plays out in their daily lives, from prayer gatherings to how they handle conflict.
Privacy in the Age of Social Media
While they share glimpses of their kids, you'll notice a shift recently. As the legal battle with Blake Lively heated up in late 2024 and throughout 2025, the Baldonis have become a bit more protective. They still post the big milestones—like their 12th wedding anniversary in July 2025 where Maiya took the photo—but the "inner sanctum" of their family life is being guarded more closely.
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Last year, while the Hollywood rumor mill was churning, Justin was spotted in Maui, Hawaii, just being a dad. No cameras, no red carpets. Just grabbing lunch in Paia with the kids. It was a reminder that while the industry sees him as a director or a defendant, Maiya and Maxwell just see him as the guy who makes them laugh.
What it's like growing up with a "Man Enough" father
Growing up in the Baldoni household seems to involve a lot of deep conversations. Through his Man Enough podcast, Justin has explored how his own upbringing shaped him, and he's clearly trying to do things differently for Maxwell.
- Emotional Intelligence: The kids are taught that "tears are good." Justin has been public about crying in front of them to normalize male vulnerability.
- Gender Norms: They let their kids lead. If Maiya wants to wear sparkles, she wears sparkles. If Maxwell wants to be gentle, that’s celebrated.
- The "Fortress of Love": This is a phrase Justin uses a lot. He wants his home to be a place where the kids feel safe enough to fail.
It hasn't all been easy. The deposition for the Lively case in October 2025 was a heavy time for the family. Justin reportedly held a prayer gathering with friends and family the night before. Even in the middle of a $400 million legal storm, the focus remained on the "fortress."
The reality of the "Acting" cameos
A lot of fans wondered if Maiya and Maxwell were going to be the next big child stars after their It Ends With Us appearance. Justin was pretty quick to shut that down. He told E! News that while they loved the experience, neither of them has expressed a real interest in being professional actors.
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They’re kids. They want to be at the beach or playing with their friends.
Actionable Insights for Parents
You don't have to be a famous director to take a page out of the Baldoni parenting book. Here is how you can apply some of their "human-first" philosophy to your own family:
- Normalize "The Mess": Stop trying to hide your stress or sadness from your kids. Showing them how you handle difficult emotions (like a bad day at work or a disagreement) teaches them resilience.
- Audit Your Language: Watch out for phrases like "be a big girl" or "don't cry like a baby." Replace them with "I see you're having a hard time" or "It's okay to feel frustrated."
- Create a "No-Judgment Zone": Set aside time where your kids can say anything without getting in trouble. It builds the trust they’ll need when they hit the teenage years.
- Prioritize Presence Over Perfection: Justin’s "Whole Foods floor" moment wasn't about being a perfect parent; it was about being present for his daughter's struggle. Sometimes the best thing you can do is just stay close while they work through a tantrum.
As the trial dates for May 18, 2026, approach, the Baldoni family is likely to lean even further into their private life. For Justin, the goal has always been clear: to ensure that no matter what the world says about him, his kids know they are loved for exactly who they are.