Madonna’s approach to parenting presents a paradox. As a symbol of sexual liberation in the ’80s and ’90s, she maintained strict rules for her daughter, Lola, prohibiting her from dating until the age of 18. While Lola may not have followed all of her mother’s rules, she has grown into a woman who makes Madonna proud. Now a mature and striking young woman, Lola offers her perspective on her disciplined upbringing.
Madonna, renowned for her bold persona, revolutionized the music industry with provocative imagery and lyrics in the ’80s and ’90s. However, her approach to parenting is surprisingly strict, a departure from her public image.
Lourdes “Lola” Leon, Madonna’s daughter, experienced a childhood unlike most. From a young age, Lola was subject to a set of rules that shaped her upbringing. At just 10 years old, Madonna laid down a clear directive: no dating until Lola turned 18. This was just one of many rules imposed by Madonna, who took on the role of disciplinarian in the family.
Television was banned in their household, deemed by Madonna as “trash,” and Lola had to adhere to strict cleanliness standards. Madonna’s approach to teaching Lola about tidiness was unique; if Lola left her clothes strewn around, Madonna would confiscate them. Madonna also tied Lola’s weekly allowance to the condition of her room, reducing it if it was left untidy.
As Lola grew older, the rules became even more stringent. By age 15, Madonna had prohibited Lola from altering her appearance with hair dye, tattoos, or piercings, stating firmly that Lola could make such decisions once she turned 18. Despite these restrictions, Lola managed to maintain a semblance of a normal teenage life, often attending events with her mother and sporting braces, making her relatable to the public.
In a 2019 interview, Madonna expressed regret over giving her older children phones at 13, feeling that it negatively impacted their lives by fostering unhealthy comparisons with others. As her family expanded, Madonna became more protective of her children, emphasizing the importance of shielding them from harmful influences rather than relaxing her rules.
