Drew Barrymore shared an extraordinary account of her daughter’s quick thinking during a severe e-bike accident in France on ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.’ The incident, which occurred during a mountain biking trip, involved her daughter suffering a serious elbow injury when the e-bike was involved in an accident in the mountains outside of a picturesque French location. The young girl’s immediate action of using her own bra as a tourniquet to stabilize the wound before medical help arrived was nothing short of remarkable. Barrymore recounted the event with a mix of relief and admiration, expressing her awe at her daughter’s calm and resourceful response to the emergency.
Stephen Colbert, who was hosting the show, immediately took note of the situation and praised Barrymore for her parenting. He remarked that the daughter’s response was a testament to the family’s upbringing and the values they instilled. Colbert quipped, ‘You raised her right,’ and asked Barrymore if she had any hand in training her daughter for such a moment. Barrymore replied with a light-hearted tone, indicating that it was more about her daughter’s natural inclination and less about intentional training, stating, ‘That’s who she is and I just marvel at her.’
The incident brought to light the importance of fostering children’s independence and problem-solving skills, especially in unexpected situations. Barrymore reflected on her own parenting experience, noting that she did not initially have a structured approach when raising her two children, Olive and Frankie. She shared how she felt like a failure at first, but over time, she learned to navigate the challenges of parenthood by observing and adapting on the fly. Her candid comments resonated with many parents who struggle with the transition from inexperienced to confident parenting.
Barrymore also touched upon the contrast in parenting styles over the years, comparing past methods with current ones. She mentioned that older generations often allowed children more freedom, such as leaving them in the driveway for hours to play, which led to increased resiliency. In contrast, modern parenting involves a more hands-on approach, which can sometimes be perceived as overly protective. While she acknowledged the positives of modern parenting, such as increased safety and support, she also expressed a desire to find a balance that encourages children to think for themselves and adapt to challenges without constant oversight.
The episode served as a reminder of the significance of resourcefulness and quick thinking in emergency situations. It highlighted the role of family support and the value of a nurturing yet encouraging environment. As Barrymore reflected on the incident and her parenting journey, it became evident that her daughter’s actions were not just a product of a single moment but a reflection of the values and lessons she and her husband have shared with their children throughout their upbringing.