Millie Bobby Brown: A Trailblazer for Gen Z Family Dynamics
MILLIE BOBBY BROWN SHAKES UP THE WORLD OF PARENTHOOD WITH HER YOUNG AGE AND ADOPTION DECISION
In a shocking move that's got everyone talking, 21-year-old Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown and her husband Jake Bongiovi have adopted their first child together. But what's even more stunning is that they're doing it at such a young age, challenging traditional norms of parenthood and adoption.
The couple made the announcement on Instagram, sharing a sweet photo with their new baby girl and revealing that they've been keeping their adoption plans under wraps until now. "This summer, we welcomed our sweet baby girl through adoption," they wrote. "We are beyond excited to embark on this beautiful next chapter of parenthood in both peace and privacy. And then there were 3. Love, Millie and Jake Bongiovi."
The news has sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry and beyond, with fans and experts alike praising Brown's bold decision. But what does it mean for the younger generation? Can her choice spark a ripple effect, inspiring others to consider adoption as an option?
According to psychologist Dr. Michele Leno, host of Mind Matters with Dr. Michele, Brown's decision is a game-changer. "Becoming a mother at 21 is not unusual, and the biological clock concept encourages women to conceive sooner than later; however, it's not every day that we see someone looking to adopt at 21," she explains.
Dr. Leno believes that Brown's choice may inspire others to consider adoption as a viable option for building their families. "Some may consider adoption as a short-term goal, while others may see it as an option to become a mother later in life, eliminating the pressure to conceive or freeze your eggs by a certain age," she adds.
But what sets Brown apart from other celebrities who have adopted children? Her youth and Gen Z status make her a unique influencer. "Although we are accustomed to hearing about celebrity adoption, they are usually much older than 21," Dr. Leno notes. "Millie's situation is uniquely polarizing, as some will criticize her decision and others will celebrate it."
Kelly Oriard, a licensed family therapist and co-founder of Slumberkins, a children's education and emotional wellness brand, sees Brown's choice as groundbreaking. "This is a real opportunity to broaden cultural conversation about what it can mean to build a family," she explains.
According to Oriard, celebrity influence can be transformative. "When celebrities make big life decisions, and choose to share the journey with something like adoption that often comes with stigmas, it can do a great job of reframing that narrative. Millie choosing to be open with her experience sets the stage to inspire a generation to see adoption as a beautiful, empowering way to build a family as opposed to a secondary plan."
Dr. Leno agrees that Brown's influence could push adoption into the mainstream for younger audiences. "Some will explore adoption as a first resort simply because they realize it is an option they have never considered. Sometimes we don't think about our available options until someone, in this case a celebrity, reminds us," she says.
With over 64 million Instagram followers, Brown's decision has been widely discussed and praised. "The influence of the celebrity is truly immeasurable," Oriard says. "When someone like Millie is modeling vulnerability, accountability, and emotional maturity, there is going to be resonance with much of her fan base who has almost grown up together."
Dr. Leno points out that parasocial relationships, the feeling fans have of growing up alongside Brown, could make her choice even more impactful. "Her decision may feel shocking to some of her fans who still feel too young to have a child. However, some of her fans will feel closer to her because her decision hits home for them," she explains.
Perhaps most importantly, Brown's move could help dismantle the idea that life must follow a rigid order of school, career, marriage, then children. "Millie's decision is validating for those who don't associate parenting with marriage or traditional family," Dr. Leno says. "Her decision is a start to normalize non-traditional timelines, but it does get the ball rolling."
Oriard echoes that view: "It implies love, intention, and emotional maturity, not age, are the hallmarks of parenting. If Millie is directed by these ideals when it comes to motherhood, it would convey the important perspective that unconventional doesn't equate to unqualified."
In a 2025 interview with SmartLess podcast, Brown shared her views on adoption, stating, "For me, I don’t see having your own child as really any different as adopting. My home is full of love for anyone and anything. And so, that is what we kind of stand by. The energy in our house is the door is always open, and we want everyone to feel comfortable."
According to experts, her comments raising awareness about adoption now inspire a new generation. "It sends the message that becoming a parent is not simply about age or perfect circumstances," Dr. Leno says.
As Brown's decision continues to spark conversation and inspiration among fans and experts alike, one thing is clear: she's shaking up the world of parenthood in more ways than one. And we can't wait to see what's next for this talented young star and her family.