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Helena Christensen attends the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones© Leon Bennett

Parenting Styles

Helena Christensen charges son Mingus rent after graduating college

The iconic model and former partner Norman Reedus embraces a new parenting milestone


APRIL 21, 2025 12:45 PM EDT

The 56-year-old model Helena Christensen is mother to son Mingus, 25, with her former partner Norman Reedus, and decided that as soon as his education was finished, she would start charging him rent to live under her roof.

She told People: "I wish I gave him great advice. We were just so happy that he had come to that milestone, and I was like, 'Okay, free rent is up now that you've graduated.'"

Helena Christensen and her son Mingus Reedus are seen out with their dog Kuma in New York City© Robert Kamau
Helena Christensen and her son Mingus Reedus are seen out with their dog Kuma in New York City

Helena also noted that she is "so obsessed" with music, a passion that has strongly influenced her son. She said: "I am so obsessed with music and would play it all the time when he was in my belly and throughout his childhood. 

His name is also in honor of jazz musician Charles Mingus, making it a heartfelt tribute. It really makes me feel grateful and happy that he shares my passion for music and creates these beautiful pieces."

Helena Christensen and her son, Mingus Lucien Reedus during New York Fashion Week 2025 in New York City© Dave Benett
Helena Christensen and her son, Mingus Lucien Reedus during New York Fashion Week 2025 in New York City

Reflecting on motherhood, Helena shared valuable parenting insights, noting that she has "learned every day" since becoming a parent and has learned to see the world through her son's eyes. 

She explained: 

"Having a child makes you learn every day because you see it through your child's eyes. Your child ensures that the inner child within you, sometimes hidden deeper, returns to the surface. You discover everything anew through the curious eyes of a very young person."

Helena Christensen was among the top most famous models in the 90s. Along with Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford and Carla Bruni, she ruled the catwalk© WWD
Helena Christensen was among the top most famous models in the 90s. Along with Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford and Carla Bruni, she ruled the catwalk

Helena added that celebrity motherhood has given her the "greatest gift" by allowing her to rediscover her younger self through Mingus. "I think that's probably one of the greatest gifts of having a child, the fact that you rediscover the child within you. I always feel connected to my inner curiosity and childlike nature, but having a child lets you have fun with it again. It's such a blessing."

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