Ryan Phillippe on His, Reese Witherspoon’s Kids Bond

Ryan Phillippe always has the best of intentions when it comes to his children. 

The Cruel Intentions actor shared a rare glimpse into his life as dad to kids Ava Phillippe, 26, and Deacon Phillippe, 22—who he shares with ex-wife Reese Witherspoon—and how grateful he is to see who they have become.

“My ex-wife and I are blessed with kids who have [an] incredible sense of self,” Ryan exclusively told E! News’ Will Marfuggi, “and also are incredibly conscientious and very academically driven—intelligent. So, they make really good choices.”

That’s why Ryan—whose movie One Mile, one story told in two films releasing on digital Feb. 20—and Reese, 49, are comfortable with being “sounding boards” for their kids, offering guidance and advice as Ava and Deacon embark on careers of their own. 

“It’s nice to offer your experience to them,” the 51-year-old said, “and to let them know what you’ve been through and to guide them that way.”