Gwyneth Paltrow isn't always an iron mom.
The Marvel star shared that she's experienced a rollercoaster of emotions now that her 20-year-old daughter Apple Martin and 18-year-old son Moses Martin—who she shares with ex-husband Chris Martin—have both left for college.
"It's very different," Gwyneth said of being an empty nester in a video shared to her Instagram Story Oct. 21. "I have waves of grief and sadness."
But there are positives to Apple leaving for Vanderbilt University in Nashville and Moses attending Brown University in Rhode Island. In fact, the 52-year-old has had an opportunity to tap into some of the emotions she experienced during an earlier phase in her life.
"I am kind of getting back in touch with this part of myself that I haven't felt like since I was in my 20s before I had kids," Gwyneth shared. "Like, a little more space and imagination, maybe. A little more inner space for what I might want to do that day, stuff like that."
And as for her kids? She thinks they're more than ready for this level of independence.
"My kids both really know themselves very well," the Oscar winner explained in an Instagram Stories video back in July, "and that's a trait about them that I both love and admire."
And watching her kids come into their own has only strengthened her bond with them. In particular, Gwyneth pointed out the new ways in which she's been able to connect with Apple as she enters her next life chapter.
"She's an adult woman now," Gwyneth previously told E! News, "so we relate to each other like that."
And while she noted that she's "always her mama," the Emma actress expressed feeling excited to see her daughter continue her evolution. As she put it, "It's very interesting to really watch her step into herself as a grown woman."
Of course, Gwyneth—who married Brad Falchuk in 2018—still worries about her children, especially when it comes to their anxiety.
"This is, as we know, the anxious generation," she noted. "So, that's probably what I worry about."
Keep reading for more sweet moments between Gwyneth, Chris and their kids.
Sweet Moments
Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin took their daughter Apple Martin and son Moses Martin to the Museum of Ice Cream in 2017.
Making Memories
The former couple reunited for Apple's high school graduation in June 2022.
Summer Fun
The Goop founder shared this pic with Apple and Moses in July 2024.
Blended Family
Gwyneth's husband Brad Falchuk posed next to Chris and Apple in this heartwarming blended family portrait.
Adventure of a Lifetime
Gwyneth rang in Chris' 40th bithday in 2017 with this photo of their family of four, calling the singer the "best daddy in the world."
Ho Ho Happy
The Oscar winner and Moses enjoyed a Christmas morning walk on the beach in December 2023.
Feeling Festive
"California Christmas," Gwyneth captioned this December 2023 snapshot.
Three Generations
Gwyneth's mom Blythe Danner joined the family for a beach vacation.
Lasting Legacy
The Shakespeare in Love star honored her late father Bruce Paltrow by bringing her children to visit his grave on Thanksgiving 2020.
"Life has incredible highs and lows," she wrote on Instagram. "Perhaps feeling it all at the same time is the art."
Forever Family
To celebrate Chris' birthday in 2018, Gwyneth shared this adorable family photo alongside the caption: "Thank you for giving me these two."
Mom Life
Gwyneth had double the reasons to celebrate on Mother's Day 2023, when her daughter's birthday also coincided with the holiday.
"Happy Birthday my angel," she wrote on Instagram. "Thank you for sharing your birthday this year with Mother’s Day, a fitting conjugation, a double celebration of you and what you have given to me- the GIFT of being your mom. I love you so deeply and wholly, it defies articulation."
Sunny Days Ahead
"Summer 2022, you brought it all unsparingly," the actress caption this photo of the trio. "Elation, adventure, transition, joy and heartbreak alike. Thank you for your reminders, connections and deepenings."
Family Meal
Gwyneth celebrated Easter 2024 with her kids in Nashville.
Something Just Like This
Chris accompanied Moses on the piano during an impromptu backyard concert.
Father-Daughter Memories
The Coldplay frontman held his daughter's hand during a boating trip.
Twinsies
The mother-daughter duo rocked matching boots in August 2023.
Mama's Boy
"Happy 17th birthday to the boy that fills my soul up every time I look at him," Gwyneth wrote on Instagram April 2023. "You keep us all laughing with your perfect impressions and you inspire us with your harmonies. I deeply adore you more than you could ever imagine!"
Paradise
Chris snuggled up with his kids in this Father's Day 2019 snapshot posted by Gwyneth.
Blondes Have More Fun
Gwyneth and Apple snapped a silly selfie during a mother-daughter day out.
Beach Buds
The Iron Man actress kicked back with her kids during a tropical getaway.
Thankful
"Here is to reunions, togetherness, family, and love love love," Gwyneth wrote in November 2016. "Happy thanksgiving eve, everyone."
Like Mother, Like Daughter
For National Daughter Day in September 2021, Gwyneth captioned this selfie with Apple: "Oh man do I love you."
Ride or Die
Gwyneth snapped a car selfie with Moses for National Son Day in September 2021, writing in the caprion, "Total heart melter."
His Universe
Chris and Moses twinned in this adorable father-and-son snap from 2017.
Viva la Vida
"Thank you to my two beauties for the best morning, and for my entire life," Gwyneth wrote on Mother's Day 2019. "I love you both so much."
In Their Place
Chris and Apple showed off their jumping skills.
When in Spain
Gwyneth and her children visited Barcelona in May 2016.
Hymn for the Weekend
Apple watched her dad perform from backstage during Coldplay's 2016 tour.
Mini Me
The mother-daughter duo cuddled up in this throwback photo.
Enchanted
Gwyneth introduced her son to Taylor Swift in 2015, quipping on Instagram, "Thanks for giving me and my little man our best date night ever."