Here’s Why Gisele Bündchen’s Approach to Parenting Has Raised Eyebrows Over the Years

The Brazilian model has been in the spotlight for years. But when she's not walking the runway or posing in front of the camera, she is a hands-on mother. Though, not everybody agrees with her parenting choices...

Attached at the Hip

After birth, immediate skin-to-skin contact secures a bond between a newborn and its mother. As time passes, a baby naturally becomes more attached to their parents. However, Gisele took this method to an extreme.

The model is transparent about her baby-wearing method. Meaning, Gisele held her babies close to her at all times… no matter what circumstance she was in. Though she has never spoken publicly about it, she was spotted in 2014 on a trip in Costa Rica cruising in an ATV with her baby Vivian in a sling.

Onions for the Sick

Gisele is renowned for being deeply connected with Mother Nature and is a strong believer in natural remedies. While the model is always eager to find an alternative given to her by Earth, she prefers to forget about those over-the-counter medicines. Instead, she can be found in the veggie aisle at the grocery store.

When her children are feeling under the weather, Gisele will stick to a strict ritual: every day, she will massage aromatherapy oils into their feet to stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxins. But it doesn't stop there. By popular demand, onion slices are put in their bedrooms which she has found to effectively reduce temperatures.

Breastfeeding Beliefs

When it comes to breastfeeding, every mother is different. However, while Gisele prefers to stick to all things natural, it is as if any bottle of Enfamil or Similac is a crime to all mothers. Gisele expressed her thoughts to Harper's Bazaar UK, claiming there should be a "worldwide law" to breastfeed children for six months.

She continued, "some people think they don't have to breastfeed, and I think, 'Are you going to give chemical food to your child, when they are so little?'" Considering every mother has their own preference, she received lots of backlash. However, she made it clear her intentions were rooted in her passion for children.

Candy Only on Halloween

As far as health matters, it is taken to a whole new level in the Bündchen-Brady household. The saying, 'like a kid in a candy store,' doesn't lie. All children love a good Mars bar and candy corn. Though Gisele doesn't completely eliminate candy from their diet, it's definitely frowned upon.

There's only one time of the year candy is almost anywhere and everywhere: Halloween. The spookiest time of the year is most definitely Gisele's worst nightmare. She told People, "we don't really have that kind of sugar in our house." While this is the only occasion they eat candy, they have one piece and donate the rest to charity.

Potty Training Methods

Learning how to go potty is not something a child picks up overnight. Babies become fairly comfortable doing their business anywhere they can. Of course, it gets to a certain point where they learn how to properly use a toilet - a potty, for starters. It typically takes 3 - 6 months, more or less, but Gisele won at the 6-month mark.

Gisele's method is simple. It is the 'elimination communication' method and can seem quite controversial. While Gisele sticks to keeping the diaper on during the night, she ends up paying all her attention to her children's eyes which should determine if they need to go to the bathroom, rather than relying on the diaper.

Mandatory Meditation

While Gisele is known for her toned physique, it doesn't happen naturally. Considering her almost zero-sugar policy and all-natural lifestyle, she has also installed a strict physical and mental fitness regime into her family's routine. The term 'strict' can come off lightly, but this daily routine is non-negotiable.

In 2017, Gisele spoke to Vogue, "it's important to give something to yourself, so you can give from a place of being full, instead of giving from a place of being depleted." Who wouldn't want to work out with their model mom every day? Her daughter Vivian loves sharing these moments with mom - and can we blame her?

Homeschool Curriculum

It's not completely uncommon for a star to homeschool their child. However, it is a bold and brave move to make. While her children are predominantly spending all of their time at home, Gisele decided to shake things up. As established, she likes to do things differently -which includes her academic curriculum.

Gisele received help from a professional teacher to custom design how and what her children would learn while being homeschooled. This included focusing more on creativity and active work instead of the typical pop quizzes and assignments. Gisele also incorporated cooking and gardening glasses which keep them in touch with nature.

Plant-Based To Go!

For Gisele, it is a given she is highly careful about what kind of foods she puts in her body. Whole foods are usually the go-to, while junk foods remain out of the question - most of the time. We're all human at the end of the day. Still, Gisele has maintained a plant-based diet, and so have her kids.

Where some kids enjoy a plate of dino nuggets and fries, Gisele prefers to feed her children exactly the same as her. Talk about an all-around diet! Gisele told People, "It's not only good for our health and makes us feel good, but it is also good for the planet." She definitely practices what she preaches.

"Stinky" Nighttime Ritual

Once again, it's au natural for the Bündchen clan. It's no surprise that Gisele ultimately avoids the basic Advil or night nurse, for that matter. Setting aside the sliced onions for a while, another one of Gisele's home methods for sickness comes from the comfort of her own home.

While onions can't solve everything, cold milk and a cloth usually fix a sore throat. Gisele explained, "I pour really cold milk onto a cloth, cover the outside of the cloth in plastic wrap and arrange it around (Vivian's) throat. It's a little stinky the next morning, but Vivi's sore throats are usually gone – I have no idea why."

"Hardest Part" of Parenting

They might do things differently, but they're certainly living large: Brady told Drive podcast, "we have people that clean for us… make our food… drive us to the airport… we get off a plane, and there's people waiting there for us... That's my kids' reality, which is the hard part to say, 'Guys, this is not the way reality really is.'"

With parents like Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen, it's far from a simple life. Their kids were born into a lavish lifestyle. And they can't help but provide everything they can for their children. However, this doesn't settle well with everyone - including Brady, who calls their wealth the "hardest part" of parenting.

Daily Sun Gazing

Gisele and her family have redefined the celeb bohemian lifestyle. The natural living seems to be working in her favor, and she has no plans to change any time soon. In fact, while she strives for her family to become more in touch with nature, she enjoys the early hours to 'sun gaze' before things gets hectic.

According to Healthline, sun-gazing "is a method of meditation that attempts to harness the healing power of the sun." This can be done both at sunrise and sunset. However, Gisele prefers to start at the crack of dawn, around 5 or 6 a.m. As the image above shows, Gisele and Vivian have chosen the beach for healing activation.

Morning Chores Are a Must

Gisele and Tom's children definitely are lucky enough to live a lush life. But this doesn't mean it's okay for them to have whatever they want, whenever they want, without a little hard work. As both of them aim to keep their children grounded, Gisele ensures her children complete morning chores before anything else.

According to the Brady bunch parents, the children have their own set of chores that are completed every morning. Vivian is assigned to dish duty while brother Benjamin is asked to feed the family dogs. This way, they are being taught to earn and work for the things they want. Not a bad idea, and a great way to keep the kids active.

The Most Important Meal of the Day

American supermarkets are filled with high-sugar breakfasts, but Gisele is not one to put any in her shopping cart. Breakfast, the most important meal of the day, is highly thought of in the Bündchen/Brady household. While Gisele has made it clear she differs from a regular mom, she has ensured her children are fuelled correctly.

According to Vogue, their 6 am wake-up begins with warm lemon water to "balance the body's alkaline levels and kick-start the digestive system." A herbal juice and a "super-vitamin smoothie" is also devoured. Then it's "fresh fruit, eggs, avocados, gluten-free bread, and coconut butter." But weekend treats involve oatmeal pancakes!

More Fresh Air, Less Screen Time

In this day and age, children are accustomed to the world of technology. Unlike the good old days when Lego, Bratz, and Barbie dolls were the epitome of fun, iPads are taking over. Though, not under Gisele's roof. While technology can keep kids occupied, Gisele believes active use of the mind is more powerful.

In an interview with Marie Claire, Bündchen positively explained how her children have a strictly limited time on the iPad which encourages them to go outside more. When it comes to family time, especially at the dinner table, gadgets are an absolute no-no. "This is a time we use to reconnect and catch up about our day."

No Shouting, Tom

With Vivian and Benjamin's parents being a supermodel and star NFL quarterback, things get can hectic and stressful rather quickly. With busy schedules on both their hands, it's Gisele's utmost priority they do not take anything out on their children.

After a rough day on the field, Tom typically passes out wherever he can, which Gisele understands, according to Radaronline. However, what she does not stand for is the lack of patience during the time they do spend together as a family. Gisele reportedly "feels he should be more patient," especially after all that family meditation.

Breastmilk Always Wins

We have already seen a vast range of Gisele's unique parenting skills. She is highly proud of them, and we can see why. It seems like they work in her and her children's favor. Forget about the critics and mom-shamers, especially because her love for leftover breast milk might take us by surprise.

The model/mom told People, "My kids never got sick when I was breastfeeding." As one experience led to another, she began to rely on breastmilk to cure illness. Despite the cold milk and cloth trick, Gisele explained how she would put the milk in their eyes if irritated - and even up their nose to avoid "bacteria on the plane."

Dinner Time, Bed Time

While Gisele was heading into the height of her fame, she became accustomed to a strict routine. As this helped her become the best version of herself, why not continue these traditions? She only has the best intentions for her children. This meant installing a healthy nighttime routine to help the body rest properly.

According to Vogue, Gisele's practice of eating dinner with her children "between 5:30 pm and 6 pm" has become a ritual. She insists these hours are the key to healthy digestion before bedtime, allowing the body enough time to cleanse and wake up with an abundance of energy. Still, it is unconfirmed if her kids agree with this one.

Public Schools?

Growing up in the spotlight, Vivian and Benjamin don't know any different - especially when it comes to everyone knowing their parents. So, as imagined, school could get a tad uncomfortable. Although they started off in public school, considering busy schedules, they quickly switched to homeschooling when Tom retired in 2022.

Things backtracked when Tom came out of retirement and decided to play the field for one more year. The family had already relocated, and the kids left friends behind in Boston. Gisele did not think it was healthy for them to dive into a new school in a new town. Yet, they had no choice but to adapt to an improved home curriculum.

Bilingual Household

There's perhaps nothing better than being able to speak multiple languages. Gisele, born in Brazil, is fluent in Portuguese and English -but also is proficient in speaking German, Italian, Spanish, and a little French. While this skill is useful for many situations, Gisele became dedicated to teaching her children the same.

Considering Gisele's parents don't speak English well, while her nieces and sister do not understand or speak English at all, she has prioritized a bilingual culture so they can interact with family members. She teaches Portuguese by reading to them in the language. And rumor has it they've picked it up a lot better than Tom.

Super Bowl Streak

Every parent is entitled to their own approach. However, in 2018, after a Super Bowl loss, celebrities questioned Gisele's teaching methods after explaining to Vivian 'why' Brady lost against the Philadelphia Eagles when playing for the New England Patriots.

Gisele was overheard telling Vivian, "Sometimes you have to let other people win… We have to share. Sharing is caring." Then, Whoopi Goldberg spoke on The View, "I'm sorry. Didn't the Eagles bust their behinds and earned that? It's not like Tom Brady said, 'Shhh. Let's let them win.' Na-ah. They beat you. And that's what happens."

Au Natural Births

If there's a natural/organic alternative, Gisele will find a way to do it. This includes her own childbirth. However, this doesn't come as a surprise. While pregnant with her son, Benjamin, she endured an 18-hour labor. But there was no epidural in sight. Instead, she powered through with a home water birth - but Tom wasn't so sure.

Without a midwife, she felt the powerful connection between her and Benjamin, conquering the gift of life together. She told Vogue, "He (Tom) was like, 'You're not going to do that, because you're going to die.' I made it clear that this is my body, and I'm going to decide how I give birth."

Saving The Planet

Out of all Gisele's natural experiences, she is definitely finding her way more as time goes on. That being said, she has discovered amazing ways to save the planet whilst getting her family involved for quality time. While they are doing an amazing job at maintaining a healthy lifestyle, this still requires a lot of energy.

The family loves to share images of them getting down and dirty, planting trees, and even growing their own produce. Gisele told People, “I feel we are all so blessed we get to live on this beautiful planet… In a way, we are all Earth trustees, and we need to make sure we leave it in a better place for future generations.”

Sunscreen Is Poison

Although sunscreen was made for a very valid reason, Gisele has found ways to avoid the UV-protective product. After much scientific research, sunscreen has objected to the majority of skin damage. Whether it's by the pool or out for a stroll, it doesn't take long to slab on some sunblock. But, Gisele disapproves.

Despite Gisele's daily sun-gazing activity, she told the Daily Mail, "I cannot put this poison on my skin. I do not use anything synthetic." Instead, Gisele has used everything in her power to find an organic alternative. Still, she tends to avoid any outdoor time when the heat is strongest, justifying her 6 am wake-ups.

Post-Partum Bounce Back

Considering Gisele is all things health, she has also theorized on post-partum. As we incorporate birth into the natural circle of life, baby bumps, stretch marks, and even post-birth bumps also fall into the loop. Not to mention, the gift of cravings! Though, the celeb 'snap-back' ideology has turned a few heads.

Gisele told Vogue she believed pregnant women turn into "garbage disposals," indulging as they eat for two. However, while Gisele mentioned how she maintained a healthy weight and only gained 30 pounds, she has also set a standard for the ultimate healthy lifestyle, which everyone plays differently. No shame in the baby game, moms!

Beauty Is Pain

It is no secret most parents follow through with piercing their child's ears as a baby. While some wait for the child to decide themselves at an older age, a baby can definitely avoid acknowledging the pain - plus, it can also be super cute. But, when it comes down to a celebrity's decision, everyone is up for criticism.

Gisele pierced Vivian's ears at eight months old. Some users became critical, but others supported her. "I think what a lot of people don't realize is that this is something that's very popular in Gisele's culture. She's Brazilian, and in Latin America, it is very common to get your infant daughter's ears pierced," one noted.

Always on the Move

If it hasn't already been made clear, Gisele is a strong believer in moving her body and staying in touch with the real world. With that in mind, she has made a vow to never become a couch potato. There's never a lazy Sunday in sight. While her kids might have a slightly different take on this, she will never slump around.

She has previously told Elle, "I love outdoor sports, like volleyball, and I play them whenever I can. But my secret is that I watch TV maybe twice a year. I'm not a potato sack; I've never sat on my couch. If I'm home, I'm cleaning, feeding my dogs, doing stuff. Life is too precious to waste time."

Words Have Power

While Gisele is now one of the most famous and successful women in the world, she didn't always have it so easy. Growing up, she was surrounded by a couple of bullies, mocking her for being tall and lanky. Well, who's laughing now. Now as a mother, she continues to teach her kids how to choose their words carefully.

She has explained her past to Vivian and Benjamin and emphasized if there is nothing loving to say, then it shouldn't be said at all. Most importantly, she injects the idea into her children that everyone is different and has something to add to the world. And we're here for it.

A Lean, Green, & Clean Machine

For Gisele and Tom, it is no secret they pay to have a few extra hands in the house. At the end of the day, a clean house equals a clean mind. Though Gisele has become so addicted to this mentality, she likes to add her own touch after a workday is done.

In 2009, the model proudly spoke about how she cleans, does the laundry, and cooks for her family. While someone comes to their house once a week, she has admitted to being a "perfectionist," crediting cleaning as her form of therapy. It's not a bad habit to have at all. Right? Go, Gisele!

Name Changes

Perhaps the only thing better than a celebrity pregnancy is waiting for the child's name. It is no secret stars are known to come up with unique choices - and Gisele can vouch for this. While Vivian and Benjamin are considerably common, it would have been different if it wasn't for Tom.

Gisele originally intended to call Benjamin 'River,' as she believed the meaning behind it would follow in his character, something that would flow. However, Tom was not crazy about it. At one point, they even compromised on naming him Reinaldo after Gisele's father. Yet, they landed on Benjamin - and it remains just as beautiful.

Co-Parenting

Unfortunately, fast forward to October 28, 2022, and it was revealed that Gisele and her husband had filed, and finalized, their divorce. But with their latest chapter now leading them in different directions, the Brady-Bündchen clan will always be a team.

Tom has been dubbed as the "calm and cool" parent. Where Gisele enjoys outdoor outings with the kids, he found other ways to bond with Vivian and Benjamin. "I want to be a great father to my children and always try to do things the right way as well," he reflected recently. And we can't wait to see where this next chapter takes them...