Macaulay Culkin Reflects on Parenting Lessons from Estranged Father

Macaulay Culkin shared that his strained relationship with his father has significantly impacted his own parenting. In the March 31 episode of the "Sibling Revelry Podcast," the 44-year-old actor, known for "Home Alone," discussed how early experiences shaped his views on fatherhood.

Culkin recalled one of his earliest memories with his father, Christopher "Kit" Culkin. He stated, "When I grew up, this is how I'm not gonna be with my kids." As a father of two sons—Dakota, almost 4, and Carson, 2—with his fiancée Brenda Song, Macaulay reflected on his past as he embraced parenthood.

He remarked that becoming a parent revived difficult emotions from his childhood. "Now that I have kids of my own, it kicks up some dust," he said. "I can't believe he was like that. He had all these lovely kids." Macaulay expressed sorrow that none of Kit's children or grandchildren share a bond with him.

Having not spoken with his father for about 30 years, Macaulay stated that Kit "deserves it." He commented, "He's a man who had seven kids, and none of them want anything to do with him." Macaulay considered how he would feel in Kit's position, noting he believes Kit does not share this sense of accountability.

Describing his father as "narcissistic," Macaulay reiterated past accusations of abuse. He recalled the strained custody battle as a child, firmly stating, "Like, he was just the worst." When a judge mandated visitation, he resisted.

"I told my lawyer, I said, ‘I'm not doing that.’" Macaulay expressed his belief in challenging the system: "I dare the judge to put me in jail for not wanting to visit my abusive father." He has previously shared his view that Kit has lived in the shadows since their estrangement, mainly focusing on his children while making little effort to reconcile.

In 2018, Macaulay accused his father of both physical and mental abuse during a podcast interview. He shared painful memories, asserting, "[He said] 'Do good or I'll hit you.' He was a bad man." Macaulay stated he excelled despite his father's negativity, saying he achieved significant feats before age ten.

Kit's late partner, Jeanette Krylowski, denied that he was abusive. In a 2001 interview, she claimed that Macaulay’s mother, Patricia Brentrup, alienated their children from their father. Krylowski said, "She was the only one not getting famous and she felt left behind," attributing the kids’ alienation to Brentrup’s influence.

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