Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin, celebrated for their early fame, have transitioned into equally rewarding roles as parents. Their journey from co-stars to life partners has blossomed into a family with two children, Dakota and Carson. This article delves into everything known about Brenda Song’s kids, from their unique names to their parents’ dedication to raising them outside the spotlight.
Dakota Song Culkin: Honoring Family Legacy
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Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin at Stand Up To Cancer event in 2018.
Dakota Song Culkin, the firstborn of Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin, arrived on April 5, 2021, in Los Angeles, weighing 6 lbs., 14 oz. The couple expressed their joy in a simple statement: “We’re overjoyed.” The name Dakota carries a profound meaning for Macaulay, as it honors his late sister Dakota Culkin, who tragically passed away in 2008. This touching tribute reveals the deep family connections and values that Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin cherish.
Engagement After Baby Dakota’s Arrival
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Brenda Song, Macaulay Culkin and son Dakota at Macaulay Culkin’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in December 2023.
Approximately nine months after welcoming Dakota, news broke of Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin’s engagement. Brenda was seen sporting a diamond ring in Beverly Hills, confirming the couple’s commitment to their growing family. Brenda later shared with PEOPLE the challenges of wedding planning amidst new motherhood, highlighting the balance she sought between family life and personal milestones. She even launched a wedding collection with Amazon Handmade, showcasing her resourcefulness and entrepreneurial spirit even while navigating parenthood.
Carson Culkin: Welcoming Baby Number Two
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Macaulay Culkin with his brother Kieran Culkin at Michael Jackson 30th Anniversary event.
The arrival of Brenda Song’s second child, Carson Culkin, remained largely under wraps until Macaulay’s brother, Kieran Culkin, confirmed the news in December 2022. While attending the premiere for the final season of Succession, Kieran mentioned he had yet to meet his newest nephew, Carson. This discreet announcement aligns with Brenda and Macaulay’s overall privacy regarding their children, keeping them away from the public eye.
Hands-On Parenting Approach
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Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin enjoying time at Sesame Place with their kids.
Brenda Song has openly discussed their “hands-on” parenting philosophy. She and Macaulay have chosen to navigate parenthood without a nanny, relying instead on Brenda’s mother for support since Dakota’s birth. Brenda shared with The Cut in January 2022 how her mother would bring Dakota to set during her workdays, allowing her to breastfeed and connect with her son. This dedication highlights their commitment to being actively involved in their children’s upbringing, despite their demanding careers.
Family Connections with Cousins
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Brothers Kieran and Macaulay Culkin pictured together.
Despite living in different cities – Macaulay in Los Angeles and Kieran in New York City – the Culkin brothers value family bonds. Kieran acknowledged the challenge of arranging cousin meet-ups due to distance and busy schedules. He mentioned it took time even to meet Dakota after his birth, highlighting the logistical hurdles of family gatherings across the country. However, the connection between the brothers and their growing families remains evident.
Balancing Motherhood and Career
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Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin pictured closely together.
Brenda Song has been candid about the pressures of returning to work after having children. She expressed the difficulty of balancing her career with the demands of motherhood, including the challenges of pumping breastmilk on set and the emotional toll of time away from her newborn. Brenda also spoke about experiencing “imposter syndrome” as she navigated this new phase of life, grappling with societal expectations placed on mothers to excel in both career and home life.
Public Appearance at Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony
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Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin at Macaulay’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in December 2023.
In a rare public appearance, Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin brought both Dakota and Carson to Macaulay’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in December 2023. This special occasion marked a significant moment for the family, as they celebrated Macaulay’s career achievement together. Macaulay’s heartfelt tribute to Brenda during his acceptance speech, acknowledging her as “everything” and one of his “three favorite people” after their sons, underscored the importance of family in his life.
Father’s Day Reinvented
Macaulay Culkin has openly shared his evolving perspective on Father’s Day. Having had a “complicated relationship” with the holiday in the past, he now embraces it as a celebration of his children. In a June 2024 Instagram post, he described how he focuses on making the day fun for his sons, recognizing them as the ones who made him a father. This heartwarming sentiment reflects his dedication to creating positive family experiences and cherishing his role as a dad to Brenda Song’s kids.
Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin continue to navigate parenthood with a strong focus on family, privacy, and creating a loving environment for Dakota and Carson. While they remain protective of their children’s privacy, glimpses into their family life reveal a deep commitment to hands-on parenting and cherishing every moment.
