Naomi Watts Gets Emotional as Son Sasha Heads to College: A Family Milestone Shared With Fans

Actress Naomi Watts has shared an emotional milestone with fans: her eldest son, Alexander “Sasha” Schreiber, is officially heading off to college. In a heartfelt Instagram post on August 18, 2025, the Oscar-nominated actress reflected on the bittersweet emotions of sending a child into the next chapter of life while balancing the challenges of doing so in the public eye.

A Mother’s Proud but Emotional Moment

Watts, 56, posted a series of candid family photos capturing Sasha, 17, packing up and preparing for his freshman year. In the caption, she admitted to shedding “more than a few tears” but expressed pride in his independence.

“Watching my boy take flight is overwhelming in the best way,” Watts wrote. “I know he’s ready, but as a mom, it’s hard to let go.”

Her post resonated with thousands of fans and fellow parents who flooded the comments with messages of support. Many noted that her words reflected the universal experience of parents watching their children grow up and leave home for the first time.

Life in the Public Eye

Sasha is one of two children Watts shares with actor Liev Schreiber, from whom she separated in 2016. Despite their split, both parents have remained committed to co-parenting, often appearing together at major milestones in their children’s lives.

This latest transition, however, carried added weight. By posting about it publicly, Watts joined a growing list of Hollywood figures who share family experiences on social media — a choice that often invites both empathy and scrutiny.

As Variety has noted in recent coverage, celebrities increasingly walk a fine line between maintaining privacy and giving fans glimpses into their personal lives. For Watts, her openness appeared to strike the right balance, highlighting a deeply human experience without oversharing.

Naomi Watts’ Career and Family Balance

The actress, who recently starred in the Netflix drama series The Watcher, has long been candid about juggling a demanding career with motherhood. Friends and colleagues say her vulnerability about family life has endeared her to audiences beyond her on-screen performances.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Watts has upcoming film projects in development, but she has made it clear in interviews that family milestones remain her highest priority.

The Broader Conversation Around Celebrity Parenting

Watts’ emotional post comes amid a cultural moment where celebrity parenting is increasingly visible. From college send-offs to milestone birthdays, stars have begun using social platforms to share moments once kept private.

Critics argue that this trend can blur the line between personal life and public brand-building. Yet others believe it helps demystify Hollywood and reminds fans that celebrities face the same joys and heartaches as everyone else.

Looking Ahead

With Sasha starting college this fall, Watts will begin a new chapter of her own — navigating life as a mother with one child out of the house. While she admitted to being emotional, she ended her post with optimism.

“Every parent knows this day comes,” she wrote. “It doesn’t make it any easier, but it makes me proud to see the young man he’s become.”