Kate Hudson Is Making Sure Son Ryder, 21, is Prepared for Life After College

Kate Hudson is making sure that her older son knows what is waiting for him if he decides to move back home after college.

The actress, whose new series Running Point premieres on Netflix on Thursday, Feb. 27, spoke to Bustle in a new interview and shared that she sometimes has to tap into tough love when parenting — especially when it comes to setting her kids up for success.

Hudson said she’s ensured her son Ryder, 21, is aware that if he moves back home after college, it won’t just be a walk in the park. “He’s like, ‘I got to figure out what my life is going to look like and how I’m going to achieve the things I want to achieve and how I can live,’ ” she told the outlet.

“I think you should be teaching your kids those things way earlier on so that when they get to that point, they’re not like, ‘Oh my god, how do I afford my life and not lean on my family?'”

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Hudson shares Ryder with ex ex Chris Robinson. She is also mom to son Bingham, 13, whom she shares with ex Matt Bellamy, and daughter Rani, 6, whom she shares with fiancé Danny Fujikawa.

In January, the mom of three shared a Reel on her Instagram full of throwback photos of her son Ryder as she celebrated his 21st birthday. In the post, Ryder could be seen cuddling with his mom, making funny faces and spending time on vacations with his family.

“Oh my baby Ryder ⭐️21 today⭐️ My cozy, hilarious, smart, dedicated, loving son. As a mama you wonder what this day will feel like and I have to say it is nothing as I expected. It’s better,” Hudson wrote in her caption.

“Every milestone on this journey to adulthood has been a joy and every year as wonderful as the next. I love you so!!! 🥳Happy Birthday🥳.”

Ryder commented on his mom’s post, saying, “Love you Ma ❤️ ❤️ ❤️.”

Speaking with PEOPLE for a June cover story, the Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery actress opened up about her relationship with her son Ryder. Noting that now that her son is older the two have a real friendship, Hudson said she will always be his mom.

“But because I guess I was young when I had him, it’s a different relationship than with my other kids. So he’s seen me through all of my good times, my bad times, this boyfriend, not that boyfriend,” Hudson said.

“He’s seen me through it all. And that’s very different because I never had an adult life really without him,” she noted of Ryder. “So it’s a little, I think more protective, meaning I think he’s very protective of me. And then I think my other kids will be because we’ve been through so much together.”

“I mean, he really was my partner in crime, and I never went anywhere without him,” the mom of three told PEOPLE. “So it’s very, very close. And I think, yeah, he does get protective.”