Graduation season can be an emotional time for parents as they watch their kids grow up and take their first steps into adulthood. “Dawson’s Creek” actor Busy Philipps is one of those proud parents as she recently celebrated her 17-year-old daughter, Birdie Silverstein, graduating from high school.
Philipps had to travel across the country to watch her daughter graduate, sharing in an emotional tribute on Instagram that Silverstein chose to attend a boarding school in Sweden. The “Mean Girls” actress shared several photos of her daughter’s special day, with Philipps’ A-list friends posting sweet, supportive messages.
Busy Philipps Celebrates Daughter Birdie’s Graduation From Boarding School in Sweden
GettyHollywood actress Busy Philipps made the trip to Sweden to watch her daughter, Birdie Silverstein, graduate from high school. The 17-year-old, who chose to attend boarding school abroad, looked overjoyed as she celebrated her major milestone surrounded by family and friends.
In an emotional Instagram post, Philipps shared numerous photos of Silverstein’s graduation, including snapshots of her daughter wearing the traditional white sailor cap worn by students who have graduated, a proud mother-and-daughter moment where Philipps is seen wearing a polka-dot dress, and a video of Silverstein hugging her dad, Marc Silverstein.
“i don’t really know how exactly to put into words how proud i am of Birdie. i mean- i get that we’re all proud of our kids all the time, yes. But to have a kid like Birdie is definitely something extra(which i mean in all the ways but especially the best ways),” Philipps wrote.
In her caption, Philipps wanted to point out that it was Silverstein’s idea to go to school abroad, sharing, “She has always been her own very unique person with exactly her own ideas- like for instance- going to high school at a boarding school in Sweden, a country we have no real familial ties to but she was adamant was the right thing for her.”
She continued, “These last three years have been challenging in ways we couldn’t possibly have ever imagined but she did it! She made it through and stayed, even when i think most kids- oh my god ANYONE would have thrown in the towel and just gone home. And today our brilliant Bird graduated! 🎉 To know Birdie is to be in constant awe of her and i can’t wait to see where she takes us next.”
To end her post, the actress also thanked Silverstein’s friends, house parents, and those who helped Silverstein when she experienced a seizure. “Sigtuna & Stockholm, jag älskar dig ❤️ @sarah.sandberg_ i will never be able to repay you for how you saved Birdie when she had her seizure but trips to Disney are on me for life.”
Philipps is also a mom to her daughter, Cricket Silverstein, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Marc. The couple announced their separation in 2022 after nearly 15 years of marriage.
Hollywood Stars Share Messages of Love & Support for Philipps and Her Daughter
GettyAfter sharing her emotional post, several Hollywood stars close to Philipps shared sweet messages congratulating Silverstein, with many acknowledging the bittersweet emotions that come with watching your child reach such a significant milestone.
“The joy is practically vibrating from all of these pictures. So happy for you and the family. So grateful to call one of the most inspiring moms I know a friend,” Sophia Bush shared.
“Awwww!!! Congratulations to your sweet gal! Big hugs Birdie!! ❤️” Angela Kingsley wrote.
“Congratulations mama! Can’t wait to see what she does next. Love to you and your family. Xo” Hilarie Burton said.
“And to such beautiful and courageous parents for allowing her to march to the beat of her own drum. Bravo Birdie! 👏🥹🙌🙌,” Michelle Monaghan shared.
Philipps Opened up About Her Daughter’s Decision to Go to Boarding School Abroad
GettyIn 2023, Philipps spoke to People about her daughter’s decision to attend a boarding school in another country, sharing that it took “a lot of conversations” and that she ultimately believed it was a good choice for Silverstein after being cooped up at home during the pandemic and unable to socialize properly.
“Ultimately, the plan is that she will be where she goes for all of high school, but I’m also open to this if it’s just a year. That would be an amazing experience for her to have either way,” she shared, adding, “One thing I also took into consideration is that these kids have been through a really intense few years with the pandemic and essentially being stuck in the house with their parents. So maybe it’s not a bad thing for Birdie to go live with some other kids and have that socialization that maybe was missed out on a bit during the pandemic.”
Philipps also knew that sending her daughter abroad meant coming to terms with having her far from home. However, she knew that Silverstein was a “strong individual” and felt “confident in her ability to succeed in whatever situation she’s in.”
