Most 21-year-olds are just starting to imagine their futures, but Millie Bobby Brown is already rewriting the script on what it means to build a family.
Earlier this month, the Stranger Things star and her husband Jake Bongiovi revealed in an Instagram post that they had quietly adopted their first child together.
‘This summer, we welcomed our sweet baby girl through adoption,’ they shared. ‘We are beyond excited to embark on this beautiful next chapter of parenthood in both peace and privacy. And then there were 3. Love, Millie and Jake Bongiovi.’
Her announcement prompted an outpouring of excitement from fans and raised an important question: could Millie’s choice at such a young age help reshape how Gen Z and millennials think about family and parenthood?
Experts believe her decision could spark a ripple effect, inspiring younger generations to expand their view of what family can look like and what it truly means to be ‘ready’ for parenthood.
‘Becoming a mother at 21 is not unusual, and the biological clock concept encourages women to conceive sooner than later; however, it’s not every day that we see someone looking to adopt at 21,’ says psychologist Dr. Michele Leno, host of Mind Matters with Dr. Michele.
Millie Bobby Brown is only 21, but she’s already sparking a cultural shift; seen in 2023
‘Her decision may spark curiosity and motivation for those Gen Z interested in becoming a parent. Some may consider adoption as a short-term goal,’ Leno adds.
Others may see it as an option to become a mother later in life, as adoption eliminates the pressure to conceive or freeze your eggs by a certain age.’
Stars like Angelina Jolie, Madonna, and Sandra Bullock helped bring adoption into the spotlight in past decades, but Millie’s youth and Gen Z status make her stand out.
‘Although we are accustomed to hearing about celebrity adoption, they are usually much older than 21,’ Dr. Leno explains. ‘Millie’s situation is uniquely polarizing, as some will criticize her decision and others will celebrate it.’
Kelly Oriard, a licensed family therapist and co-founder of Slumberkins, a children’s education and emotional wellness brand, sees Millie’s choice as groundbreaking.
‘This is a real opportunity to broaden cultural conversation about what it can mean to build a family,’ she explains. ‘Many younger generations are already choosing to be led by essential self-reflection in their life choices, and Millie’s transparent acceptance of her identity could further normalize non-linear life choices, for example, parenting as a first goal instead of a follow up to marriage or a plan to make a family that does not use biological means.’
For Oriard, celebrity influence can be transformative.
‘When celebrities make big life decisions, and choose to share the journey with something like adoption that often comes with stigmas, it can do a great job of reframing that narrative.
Experts believe her decision could spark a ripple effect, inspiring younger generations to expand their view of what family can look like and what it truly means to be ‘ready’ for parenthood
Earlier this month, the Stranger Things star and her husband Jake Bongiovi revealed in an Instagram post that they had quietly adopted their first child together; seen in 2023
Millie choosing to be open with her experience sets the stage to inspire a generation to see adoption as a beautiful, empowering way to build a family as opposed to a secondary plan.’
Dr. Leno agrees that Millie’s influence could push adoption into the mainstream for younger audiences.
‘Some will explore adoption as a first resort simply because they realize it is an option they have never considered. Sometimes we don’t think about our available options until someone, in this case a celebrity, reminds us.’
With more than 64 million Instagram followers, Millie’s decision has been widely discussed and praised.
‘The influence of the celebrity is truly immeasurable,’ says Oriard. ‘When someone like Millie is modeling vulnerability, accountability, and emotional maturity, there is going to be resonance with much of her fan base who has almost grown up together.’
‘Her decision may spark curiosity and motivation for those Gen Z interested in becoming a parent. Some may consider adoption as a short-term goal,’ psychologist Dr. Michele Leno explained
Dr. Leno points out that parasocial relationships, the feeling fans have of growing up alongside Millie, could make her choice even more impactful.
‘Her decision may feel shocking to some of her fans who still feel too young to have a child. However, some of her fans will feel closer to her because her decision hits home for them.’
Perhaps most importantly, Millie’s move could help dismantle the idea that life must follow a rigid order of school, career, marriage, then children.
‘Millie’s decision is validating for those who don’t associate parenting with marriage or traditional family,’ says Dr. Leno. ‘Her decision is a start to normalize non-traditional timelines, but it does get the ball rolling.’
Oriard echoes that view: ‘It implies love, intention, and emotional maturity, not age, are the hallmarks of parenting. If Millie is directed by these ideals when it comes to motherhood, it would convey the important perspective that unconventional doesn’t equate to unqualified.
Stars like Angelina Jolie, Madonna, and Sandra Bullock helped bring adoption into the spotlight in past decades, but Millie’s youth and Gen Z status make her stand out
‘If Millie holds true to these values, her decision could be a strong lighthouse for younger generations who want to define family on their own terms,’ Oriard stressed.
Even before adopting, Brown stated in March 2025 interview that she does not see any difference between biological and adopted children.
‘For me, I don’t see having your own child as really any different as adopting,’ she said on the SmartLess podcast. ‘My home is full of love for anyone and anything. And so, that is what we kind of stand by. The energy in our house is the door is always open, and we want everyone to feel comfortable.’
According to experts, her comments raising awareness about adoption now inspire a new generation.
As Dr. Leno puts it: ‘It sends the message that becoming a parent is not simply about age or perfect circumstances.’