In a candid interview, acclaimed actor Tom Hanks opens up about his childhood experiences and how they have shaped his approach to parenting his own four children. The 68-year-old star delves into the complexities of growing up with "preoccupied" divorced parents and the lasting impact it has had on his life.

Navigating the Ups and Downs of an Unconventional Childhood

A Fluid Home Environment and Frequent Moves

Hanks, the third of four siblings, recalls a childhood marked by instability and change. "My home environment was fluid in that we moved a lot. And we were suddenly living with a whole different set of people because my parents got remarried and whatnot. By the time I was seven, I had lived in eight different homes. By the time I was 10, I lived in ten different homes," he shared.This constant upheaval and exposure to new family dynamics had a profound effect on the young Hanks. He acknowledges that the experiences of his childhood have inevitably shaped his own approach to parenting, though not without its challenges.

Reflecting on the Positives and Miseries of His Upbringing

Hanks candidly admits that his parents were "very preoccupied with the positives and miseries of their lives," a dynamic that he has sought to avoid in his own parenting. "I like to joke that they pioneered the marriage dissolution laws for the state of California," he quipped, underscoring the tumultuous nature of his family life.Despite the difficulties, Hanks recognizes that there were also positive aspects to his unconventional upbringing. "But I would say at the same time... does it come up to be 50-50? Maybe the attitude and the life that we led. The laughs, that stuff's worth its weight in gem-encrusted gold."

Acknowledging Mistakes and Seeking Forgiveness

Reflecting on his own parenting journey, Hanks admits that he has made his fair share of mistakes, just as his parents did. "I try to, but I made every mistake. You know, you scar the kids somehow in the same exact way," he confessed.However, Hanks has found solace in the ability to acknowledge his shortcomings and seek forgiveness from his children. "And as they get older, you come back around and (say), 'Hey, can I talk about what a knothead I was with you for all those years?' And (they say), 'Yeah, sure, dad. Yeah, I've been kind of waiting for this. Why don't you unload.'"

Embracing the Unique Individuality of His Children

One of the key lessons Hanks has learned from his children is the importance of recognizing their individuality. "How different they all are. They are not the same type of human being ever," he observed.Hanks recounts a poignant moment with his youngest child, Truman, that exemplified this realization. When Hanks had to cancel a planned outing to the park, Truman's response surprised and delighted him. "And he looked at me with a look on his face and said, 'Dad, I'm never bored.' And that... speaks to curiosity and drive and also the comfort of where one is in order to feel free in order to explore whatever world that is."This experience reinforced Hanks' belief that his children possess the "ability to pursue their own interests without being prodded, without being forced to." It's a lesson he has carried with him throughout his parenting journey.

Navigating the Differences Between Older and Younger Children

Hanks has also recognized the distinct experiences of his older and younger children, acknowledging that his approach to parenting has evolved over time. "My son Colin was born when I was very young. As well as my daughter, but that means we have this gestalt understanding because they remember when their dad was just a guy trying to, you know, make the rent. My other kids, they were born after I had established a beachhead in every way. And so their lives were just different."This realization has prompted Hanks to reflect on the mistakes he may have made with his older children and the lessons he has learned along the way. "I start thinking about mistakes I made with my own kids and not explaining things or not being there for them. Or being so preoccupied with other things that are going on in our adult world," he shared.Through his candid reflections, Tom Hanks offers a glimpse into the complexities of parenting and the profound impact that one's own upbringing can have on the way we approach the challenges and joys of raising a family.