Teresa Giudice's Parenting Revealed: The Hidden Truth About Sleepovers with Daughter Gia
Discover the untold parenting secrets of ‘Real Housewives of New Jersey’ star Teresa Giudice as she opens up exclusively to Us From dating rules to her approach as a ‘cool mom,’ delve into the world of this fascinating celebrity parent
Teresa Giudice of The Real Housewives of New Jersey does her best to be a "cool mom" for her daughters while also adhering to some non-negotiable rules. "My parents were very strict," said the 51-year-old reality star when discussing her upbringing and parenting style in the latest installment of "Mama Knows Best." While promoting her Giudice Girls x Shein collection with her oldest daughter Gia, 22, Giudice reflected on her own experiences, stating, "I wanted to go to FIT and my dad wouldn’t let me … I didn’t want to be like that with [my kids]."
Teresa shares daughters Gabriella, 19, Milania, 17, and Audriana, 14, with her ex-husband Joe Giudice, along with Gia. Despite growing up in the Bravo spotlight, Teresa has always encouraged her daughters to pursue their own dreams. Gia shared, "The best advice that I've received from my mom is to do everything that she has never done. She always said, 'Make sure you girls travel and experience everything.'"
Gia graduated from Rutgers University earlier this year. Her mother, meanwhile, attended Berkeley College in New Jersey — just 10 minutes away from the house she grew up in. “I never went away to college, so I wanted them to have that experience,” Teresa shared.
Gia Giudice and Teresa Giudice. Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
Yet, Teresa's easygoing parenting approach didn't prevent Gia from experiencing rules that her younger sisters were not subjected to later on - a struggle that older siblings are all too familiar with. "I was stricter with Gia in the beginning, she never had a sleepover," Teresa revealed to Us.
Gia felt upset when her siblings were allowed to have sleepovers with friends. "I didn't understand why they were allowed," she remembered.
Teresa's view on sleepovers changed after she and Joe were involved in legal troubles, referring to the time they spent in jail after pleading guilty to fraud in 2014.
The Giudice household also has some rules about dating. “They can’t bring their boyfriends in their rooms, obviously” Teresa told Us. “And they can’t sleep over.”
Gia Giudice, Teresa Giudice, and Audriana Giudice, pictured above. Gia has taken dating advice from her mother and it has clearly made an impact. "The best dating advice my mom has given me is to always prioritize my own happiness in a relationship and to maintain high standards," Gia shared.
The Giudice girls are familiar with being in the spotlight, as their lives have been captured on RHONJ, even including the recording of Audriana's birth. In 2021, a TikTok video of Gia singing a heartfelt song she wrote about her family's reality show drama went viral. Despite Teresa's starring role in the series, her children often provide her with support and guidance during filming. Gia shared with Us, "I give my mom advice. Me and Gabrielle are the voice of reason."
Teresa's primary concern is the well-being of her daughters, despite her reality TV celebrity status. "Don't make any decisions that you'll later regret, or consult with me first and I'll give you a definitive answer," Teresa humorously advised Gia. "I'm the most laid-back mom."
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Explore the Giudice Girls x Shein collection, showcasing Teresa, Gia, Milania, and Audriana styled for the festive season. This extensive 100-piece line offers a variety of options, including two-piece blouse sets, bodycon dresses, silky pajamas, and more, available in sizes up to 5X.
With reporting by Christina Garibaldi
