From Motherhood to Activism: How Angelina Jolie’s Kids Keep Her Grounded

Over the years, superstar mom Angelina Jolie has taught her six kids a lot, but they’ve returned the favor times six so that even in her darkest hours, their words can help her stay strong and moving along.

“I was 26 when I became a mother,” says Angie, 49. “My entire life changed. Having children saved me and taught me to be in this world differently. I think, recently, I would’ve gone under in a much darker way had I not wanted to live for them.”

Back in 2002, Jolie became a mom for the first time when she adopted Maddox Chivan, now 23, from an orphanage in Cambodia. Three years later, she adopted Zahara Marley, 19, who was born in Ethiopia. It wasn’t long until partner Brad Pitt entered the picture and adopted Jolie’s first two children.

They expanded their family by having daughter Shiloh Nouvel, 18, and then adopting son Pax Thien, 21, from Vietnam. Then in 2008, their household grew even more when they welcomed twins Knox Léon and Vivienne Marcheline, now 16.

The star jokes that she doesn’t really “have a social life” as she prefers to spend time with her multicultural brood.

“They are the closest people to me and my life, and they’re my close friends,” she says. “We’re seven very different people, which is our strength.”

Over the years, Angelina says her six kids have taught her:

■ Empathy and compassion: By exposing her to different cultures and viewpoints, her kids have encouraged her to be more empathetic toward others.

■ Self-acceptance and individuality: Angie says her children have taught her to embrace their unique identities and reminded her to value her own individuality.

■ Social awareness and activism:Her children’s curiosity about the world and willingness to speak up for what they believe in has inspired Angie to be even more vocal about social issues.”