Kelly Clarkson shares how she guides preteen daughter, 12, through 'hard' junior high years after ex Brandon Blackstock's tragic death

Kelly Clarkson gave insight into motherhood while sharing how she is helping her daughter through 'hard' junior high years. 

The 44-year-old songstress, who was recently roasted by Obsession star Inde Navarrette on SNL, opened up about the topic during an interview with E! News at The Voice season 30 red carpet event on Monday.

The former American Idol contestant is mom to daughter River, 12, and son Remington, 10, whom she welcomed with ex-husband Brandon Blackstock. He tragically passed away in August 2025 at age 48 after a battle with melanoma. 

'They're growing up,' the music artist said of her kids. 'One's in junior high, and junior high sucks. It's a hard age with friends, and arguing and stuff like that.

'I do offer advice, and I've had my daughter come back and be like, "So you were right."' 

Clarkson explained that sometimes her children won't follow her advice and added, 'I've had them be like, "Okay, so I didn't do that, and I should have."' 

The Because Of You singer explained to the outlet that she lets her kids know that making mistakes is okay. 

'I'm a pretty progressive parent, so I'm like, "No, no. You're gonna make your own mistakes, and that's okay."' 

The Voice coach continued, 'I'm not like an "I told you so," but I do implement advice.' 

Daily Mail has reached out to a rep of Clarkson for comment, but has yet to hear back. 

Clarkson and Blackstock were previously married from 2013 until their divorce in 2022. 

Blackstock passed away on August 7, 2025 following a 'brave and courageous' three-year battle with melanoma, according to an obit shared by Butte Funeral Home at the time.

One day before his death was announced, Clarkson took to Instagram to announce the postponement of the remainder of her Las Vegas residency concerts for August 2025.

The following day, a rep for the family said in a statement: 'It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away.

'Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family.'

The statement concluded with, 'We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family's privacy during this very difficult time.' 

A source told People at the time that the singer was 'heartbroken' for her two children after Blackstock's death.

'Losing their dad is incredibly painful and confusing. But she's also very grounded. She's not someone who falls apart.'

The insider added, 'She looks at life realistically and does everything she can to make things as steady and loving as possible for her kids.' 

Last month in October, it was revealed that Clarkson is not dating out of consideration for her two children following their father's death. 

'My kids right now, I think - there's a lot behind that - but I think that would rock their boat a little bit,' she explained in the Las Culturistas podcast. 

'And honestly, this is not a bulls*** answer: I love my life right now. It just got to where I am not exhausted at every point of it.' 

The music artist added that 'if you're gonna be in a relationship, you have to be willing to give some of your time up, and I am unwilling.'

Clarkson has been keeping busy and returned to the stage last month in Las Vegas after her viral feud with a Brooklyn shop. 

The songstress belted out lyrics for the crowd during a corporate event at Las Vegas' Allegiant Stadium.

Back in February, Clarkson shockingly revealed she was quitting her NBC talk show after seven seasons.

The Stronger hitmaker explained she was stepping back from the show to 'prioritize' her two children and sent gratitude to the team she has worked with over the years.

She broke her silence on the exit during an appearance on the Today show shortly afterwards and admitted it was not an easy decision.

Clarkson also expressed that her priority is her two children. 

'Well, I think everybody probably gets the timing. Our family life, the dynamic changed a bit and it has changed for a minute now.'

The singer continued, 'I know everybody thinks, "Oh she quit." I'm like, "I still have other jobs. I'm still doing stuff." There's just too much on the plate. So I'm like, "You know what, it's time to kind of pull back."'

The final episode of her daytime talk show aired on August 31.