Honestly, if you look at Nicole Kidman’s life from the outside, it looks like a series of perfectly curated movie stills. But when it comes to being a mother, things have been way more complicated—and a lot more human—than the red carpet photos suggest. We’re talking about a journey that spans decades, two high-profile marriages, and four children who couldn't be more different from one another.
Nicole Kidman’s kids aren't just names in a tabloid; they are individuals navigating some pretty heavy stuff. As of early 2026, the family dynamic is shifting again. With her divorce from Keith Urban finalized just this month, the "Big Little Lies" star is finding herself in a familiar yet totally new territory of single motherhood, or at least primary parenting, while also trying to bridge gaps with her adult children from her marriage to Tom Cruise.
The First Chapter: Isabella and Connor Cruise
People often forget that Nicole’s journey into motherhood didn't start in a hospital. It started with adoption. Back in the 90s, when she was one half of Hollywood’s ultimate power couple with Tom Cruise, the pair adopted Isabella (born 1992) and Connor (born 1995).
Things got messy after the 2001 divorce.
The kids stayed with Tom. They were raised in the Church of Scientology, a fact that has sparked endless speculation about whether Nicole was "cut off" from their lives. She’s always been incredibly protective of them in interviews, basically saying that as a mother, her job is to offer unconditional love, regardless of their choices or beliefs.
- Isabella "Bella" Kidman Cruise: Now 33, Bella lives a relatively quiet life in London with her husband, Max Parker. She’s an artist and a designer, often sharing her graphic illustrations on social media rather than selfies.
- Connor Cruise: At 31, Connor is living in Florida. He’s into deep-sea fishing and golf—basically the opposite of the Hollywood glitz.
There have been reports lately, specifically following the passing of Nicole's mother, Janelle, in late 2024, that Nicole is making a massive push to reconcile and spend more time with her eldest two. It’s that realization that life is short. It hits everyone, even Oscar winners.
The Nashville Era: Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret
Then you have the "second act." When Nicole married Keith Urban in 2006, it felt like a fresh start. They settled in Nashville, away from the paparazzi, to raise their two biological daughters.
- Sunday Rose Kidman Urban (17): Born in 2008, Sunday is currently the one to watch. She recently made her runway debut for Miu Miu and is becoming a regular at Paris Fashion Week. She’s got that tall, ethereal look of her mom but seems to have inherited a bit of Keith’s rebellious streak.
- Faith Margaret Kidman Urban (15): Born via surrogate in 2010, Faith is the "baby" of the family. She’s also starting to dip her toes into the industry, recently appearing in a beauty campaign alongside Nicole.
The Reality of the 2026 Divorce
The biggest news right now is the finalized divorce between Nicole and Keith. It’s a shocker because they were the "stable" couple. But the court documents filed in early January 2026 tell a specific story. Nicole was granted primary custody of Sunday and Faith.
The schedule is intense. The girls spend 306 days a year with Nicole and 59 days with Keith.
It’s a lopsided arrangement that has sparked rumors. Some insiders suggest the girls are "siding" with their mom, especially with rumors swirling about Keith moving on quickly. Whether that’s true or just typical gossip, the reality is that Sunday and Faith have been "inseparable" from Nicole all through the last few months. They’ve been seen together at every major fashion event, looking more like a tight-knit squad than a fractured family.
The Parenting Philosophy: Armor and Independence
Nicole recently spoke about how her teenage daughters have developed a sort of "armor" against social media. It’s fascinating. She admitted to Ariana Grande in an interview that she actually learns from them. They don't take the trolls personally. They "shake it off."
She’s also a stickler for rules. Sunday Rose mentioned in a Nylon interview that she wasn't allowed to do any fashion work until she turned 16. School comes first. Always.
It's a "push-pull" dynamic.
Nicole wants them to find their own path but is clearly terrified of the "fishbowl" of fame. Having seen how it affected her older children, she seems determined to keep the younger two grounded, even as they start walking Dior runways.
How Nicole Manages the Gap
The hardest part for many fans to wrap their heads around is how she balances being a mom to 30-somethings and 15-somethings simultaneously. It's two different worlds. One involves navigating adult relationships and distance; the other involves high school plays and driving lessons.
She has called it her "purpose."
Key Takeaways for Families Navigating Change
Looking at how Nicole handles her public and private family life, there are a few things anyone can take away, especially those dealing with blended families or divorce:
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- Protect the privacy of adult children: Even if you're "estranged" or distant, speaking respectfully about their choices in public keeps the door open for reconciliation.
- Set firm boundaries on "entry ages": By making Sunday wait until 16 to model, Nicole gave her a chance to develop a sense of self before the world started judging her.
- Lean on a support system: Nicole has been vocal about leaning on friends like Reese Witherspoon during her recent split. Don't try to be a "Super Mom" in a vacuum.
- The "Armor" Mentality: Teach kids to view online opinions as noise that doesn't define their reality.
If you’re following the Kidman-Urban-Cruise family saga, keep an eye on Sunday Rose's upcoming college decisions. She’s expressed a major interest in filmmaking—not just acting—and might be the one to eventually step behind the camera, following in the footsteps of her mother’s producing career. For now, the focus is clearly on healing and staying close as they navigate this new "normal" in 2026.