Demi Wanting a Healthier Childhood for Her Future Children

Demi Lovato, the former child star turned advocate, has shared her views on raising future children in the spotlight, emphasizing that she would shield them from fame until they turn 18. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Lovato, who uses she/they pronouns, reflected on their own tumultuous experience growing up in Hollywood and expressed a desire to offer a different childhood for their future kids.

“I’d say, ‘Let’s study music theory and prepare you for the day you turn 18, because it’s not happening before that,’” Lovato explained. “’Not because I don’t believe in you or love you or want you to be happy, but because I want you to have a childhood, the childhood that I didn’t have.’”

Currently engaged to musician Jordan “Jutes” Lutes, Lovato is determined to ensure their children experience a more traditional upbringing. They emphasized the importance of having a backup plan, reflecting on their own career and the challenges of relying solely on music for income.

Lovato’s career began at age 6 with Barney & Friends and soared with roles in Disney Channel’s Sonny With a Chance and the Camp Rock films. Despite initial excitement and gratitude, Lovato’s early success came with significant emotional and physical strains. “Having the child be the breadwinner almost inherently changes the dynamic of a family,” Lovato recalled. “I’d be like, ‘But I pay the bills,’ and what do you say to that?”

The singer, known for hits like “Heart Attack,” has been open about her struggles with substance abuse and eating disorders during her rise to fame. Lovato’s experience led her to realize the potential trauma associated with child stardom, which she explored in her YouTube docuseries, Dancing With the Devil.

Lovato is set to delve further into the impact of child stardom with the upcoming Hulu documentary Child Star, which marks her directorial debut. The documentary will feature intimate conversations with fellow former child stars, including Drew Barrymore, Christina Ricci, JoJo Siwa, and Kenan Thompson, as Lovato explores the shared experiences and challenges of growing up in the limelight.

Through these projects, Lovato continues to advocate for a more balanced and healthy approach to childhood and fame, aiming to create a safer and more nurturing environment for future generations.