Supermodel Cindy Crawford Discusses Balancing Career and Motherhood on 'Today' Show

Cindy Crawford discussed balancing her modeling career and motherhood in a May 8, 2025, interview on the Today show. She shared that her son Presley once told his preschool teachers she didn't work, which she saw as a sign of successfully prioritizing family. Crawford emphasized her family-first approach, despite her fame. Her children, Presley and Kaia Gerber, have followed her into modeling, supported by Crawford's non-pushy parenting. The family values authenticity and balance, maintaining traditions and adapting to changes as the children grow.

A Supermodel and a Mother First

At 59, Cindy Crawford remains one of the most recognizable faces in fashion history. But behind the glamour and global campaigns, she has always placed her role as a mother at the forefront. During the interview with her children, Presley, 25, and Kaia, 23, Crawford reflected on how she managed to keep her family life grounded despite her career’s intensity.

“The greatest thing about having kids is you just... instantly know your priorities,” Crawford said. “You know it's always family first.”

This philosophy was put into perspective when Presley, as a young child, told his preschool teachers that his mother didn’t work. Rather than being offended or concerned, Crawford took it as a compliment. “I was like, wow, that means I'm doing a great job, because he doesn't feel my absence so much,” she explained.

Presley’s Perspective: A Child’s View of Fame

While Presley eventually became aware of his mother’s celebrity status, it wasn’t always clear to him as a child. In the same interview, he recalled moments of public recognition that hinted at his mother’s fame. “It was definitely the attention, like when people would walk by and you’re like, ‘Oh my God, that’s Cindy Crawford.’ I was like, ‘Yeah, yeah. I think. I’m pretty sure it is,’” he said.

Despite growing up in the spotlight, Presley and his sister Kaia describe their upbringing as relatively normal. Crawford and her husband, former model and businessman Rande Gerber, made a conscious effort to shield their children from the pressures of fame while instilling a strong work ethic.

Kaia and Presley: Following in Their Mother’s Footsteps

Both Presley and Kaia have since followed their mother into the modeling world, carving out successful careers of their own. Kaia, who began modeling as a toddler alongside her mother, has graced the covers of major fashion magazines and walked for top designers. Presley, too, has modeled for brands like Calvin Klein, Moschino, and Dolce & Gabbana.

Despite their success, both children emphasized that Crawford never pushed them into the industry. “You are so not a stage mom,” Kaia told her mother during the interview. Presley agreed, adding, “Not at all.”

Crawford has previously stated that while she didn’t encourage her children to pursue modeling, she supported them once they showed genuine interest. “It’s in a way where I’m like I kind of wish you were a little bit more [of a stage mom], but she’s so not a stage mom at all,” Kaia added.

A Family Grounded in Tradition

Crawford’s commitment to family extends beyond her parenting style. She also spoke about the importance of maintaining family traditions, especially during the holidays. In a December interview with PEOPLE, she shared how the family adapts their celebrations to accommodate everyone’s schedules and dietary needs.

“We usually end up going away, ever since the kids were little and it was during school holiday,” Crawford said. “But before they leave home, we always put up the tree and do a little decorating.”

As her children have grown older and started their own lives, Crawford has learned to be flexible. “I think the older I get, the less — I just realize it's about being together without the stress,” she said. “So if you end up celebrating your family Christmas on the 26th, that's okay.”

A Legacy Beyond the Runway

Crawford’s influence on her children is evident not only in their career choices but also in their values. Both Presley and Kaia have spoken about how their mother’s example shaped their approach to work and life. Kaia described her mother as her “biggest inspiration and hero,” while Presley expressed gratitude for her guidance.

The Gerber-Crawford family recently appeared together in a campaign for California lifestyle brand Vuori, showcasing their close-knit bond and shared professional interests. Yet, despite their public appearances, the family remains grounded in the values Crawford has long championed: authenticity, balance, and putting family first.