Nicole Richie's Life as a Mom: All About Her Cool Kids with Joel Madden

Nicole Richie has come a long way since her Simple Life days. The fashion designer and actress has managed to build a beautiful family life while keeping her kids largely out of the spotlight—although when they do make rare appearances, it’s clear they’ve inherited their parents’ incredible genes and cool sense of style. 

While Nicole grew up in the public eye as Lionel Richie‘s daughter, she’s taken a different approach with her own children, choosing to give them a more private upbringing. But that doesn’t mean she’s shy about sharing her honest takes on motherhood, including the struggles of being a working mom and the importance of women supporting each other through parenting challenges. 

“Saying that it is difficult sometimes is very comforting for other women to hear,” she told PEOPLE in 2020, adding that motherhood is “just about doing what you can, finding the balance in your own life.”

Keep reading for everything to know about Nicole Richie’s kids.

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How many kids does Nicole Richie have?

Nicole is mom to two teenagers: 16-year-old daughter Harlow and 15-year-old son Sparrow. According to Mom herself, they’re typical teens who are mainly interested in getting rides to their friends’ houses. 

During a chat with PEOPLE in May 2024, Nicole joked that her kids aren’t impressed with her upcoming show with Paris Hilton, Paris and Nicole: The Encore. “They are like, unless you are driving me to my friend’s house or picking me up from where I need to go, I don’t care about anything else,” she shared.

Related: All About Paris Hilton’s Family Life

Who is the father of Nicole Richie’s kids?

Nicole shares both children with her husband Joel Madden, the Good Charlotte frontman whom she married in 2010.

The two met at a party in 2006, introduced by their mutual friend Samantha Ronson. “He just kind of kept to himself. I couldn’t get a read on him for the life of me,” Nicole told 60 Minutes Australia about their initial meeting. But it must have been good, because before long they were coupled up and now they’re parents! Time flies!

How old was Nicole Richie when she had her first baby?

Nicole was 26 years old when she welcomed her first child, Harlow, with then-boyfriend Joel Madden on Jan. 11, 2008.

Who are Nicole Richie’s kids?

Harlow Madden (16)

Born on Jan. 11, 2008, Harlow Winter Kate Madden is every bit her mother’s daughter, especially when it comes to style! Like many fashion-forward teens, she’s been known to raid her mom’s closet so often that Nicole had to start marking her clothes with an “N” in Sharpie to keep track of them. 

But Harlow’s interests go beyond fashion. She was described as more reserved in her younger years, preferring to make art on the tour bus when the family joined Dad on tour. She’s also politically engaged. She once attended a Women’s March with her mom after expressing interest in participating alongside her friends.

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Sparrow Madden (15)

Born Sept. 9, 2009, Sparrow James Midnight Madden is his father’s mini-me. From an early age, he showed signs of following in his rocker dad’s footsteps, with Nicole sharing that even at age 3, he was particular about his look. He wanted to have bandanas tied around his belt just like Joel, and insisted on having all his shirt sleeves cut off. 

True to form, he’s maintained his edgy style preference, with Nicole saying that “Sparrow does his own thing. He likes to wear all black like his dad.” Fun fact about his unique name: Nicole revealed it was partially inspired by Captain Jack Sparrow, though she admits she didn’t even realize both her kids’ names ended in “ow” until after the fact!

Related: They Are His World, They Are His Children: All About Lionel Richie’s 3 Kids and Their Moms