At a Glance
- Rachel Bilson says co-parenting with Hayden Christensen is going “great” and they spend holidays together
- The pair never married, allowing them to craft their own custody arrangement without court-ordered schedules
- Their 11-year-old daughter Briar Rose is “flourishing” and “kind,” according to Bilson
- Why it matters: Shows how unmarried exes can successfully co-parent without traditional custody battles
Rachel Bilson has offered a rare, upbeat look at how she and ex-boyfriend Hayden Christensen are raising their 11-year-old daughter, Briar Rose, more than a decade after splitting.
Appearing on the Let’s Be Honest with Kristen Cavallari podcast, the 44-year-old Hart of Dixie alum told listeners that the co-parenting dynamic “is going great” and described their setup as “a unique version” of shared parenting.
“We get along really well. We do a lot of stuff together,” Bilson said, noting that the three of them routinely spend holidays as a unit.
Inside Their Holiday Routine
When host Kristen Cavallari asked whether the former couple spends holidays together, Bilson quickly confirmed.
“Yes,” she replied, adding that they have “been able to keep it very copacetic and nice.”
That cooperative spirit extends beyond special occasions. According to Bilson, she and the Star Wars actor frequently coordinate so that both parents can be present for Briar’s milestones and everyday moments.
No Court-Ordered Schedule
Because Bilson and Christensen were never married, they sidestepped the formal custody negotiations that many ex-couples face.
“Well, we weren’t ever married, so we never, you know, [had that problem],” Bilson told Cavallari, who splits her time with three children and ex-husband Jay Cutler under a traditional every-other-weekend arrangement.
Instead, the actors “figured out our own way. Our own path,” Bilson said, stressing that open communication and flexibility have been key.
“Advice is just…I don’t really have an answer other than communicating, and sometimes you have to compromise a lot,” she offered when Cavallari asked for tips on new co-parents.
Briar Rose Is “Flourishing”
In an earlier interview with News Of Los Angeles last August, Bilson painted the same positive picture.
“Everything’s good. Everything’s in a really good place,” she said at the time. “She is so beautifully flourishing and has the support completely surrounding her from every side.”
Bilson told Ethan R. Coleman that Briar, now 11, actually dreads the idea of growing up too fast.
“Oh, my God, it’s crazy. She does not want to get old,” Bilson laughed. “She likes being young. She’s not one of those kids that just wants to speed it up and have a car and all that.”
Pride in Her Daughter’s Kindness
For Bilson, the most rewarding part of motherhood has been witnessing Briar’s empathy.
“You know what I love? She is kind and that’s the best thing that you can hear or want for your kid,” she said.
Other parents have echoed that observation, which Bilson says makes her “very proud.”
Key Takeaways
- Bilson and Christensen’s unmarried status allowed them to design a flexible, cooperative parenting plan without court intervention
- The former couple prioritizes joint attendance at holidays and activities, keeping conflict minimal for Briar’s benefit
- Their arrangement highlights an alternative route for ex-partners who want shared involvement without rigid custody schedules
