Mariska Hargitay Reveals What Has Made Her a ‘Better Parent’

Mariska Hargitay is not only celebrated for her role on Law & Order: SVU, but she is also a dedicated mother to three children: August, Amaya, and Andrew. Happily married to fellow actor Peter Hermann, Hargitay often reflects on the profound impact her family has had on her life. In a candid interview, she shared what she believes has made her a “better parent,” attributing this growth to her children.

Hargitay and Hermann began their relationship in 2002 and tied the knot in 2004. Their first child, August, was born in 2006. In 2011, they expanded their family by adopting Amaya and Andrew. This happy family of five often delights fans by dressing in coordinated Halloween costumes each year.

In a 2018 interview with People, Hargitay discussed what she believes has enhanced her parenting skills. “The thing that’s made me a better parent is my kids,” she revealed. “Because they taught me to really listen. My husband is my North Star, and my kids are my teachers.”

Hargitay had long harbored the desire to adopt, a sentiment echoed by her character, Olivia Benson, who also adopted a child named Noah on Law & Order: SVU. Hargitay felt a natural inclination towards adoption, believing she would intuitively know what to do.

During a 2018 appearance on The View, Hargitay was asked if losing her mother, Jayne Mansfield, in a tragic car accident when she was only three years old, influenced her decision to adopt. Reflecting on her upbringing, she shared, “I have more siblings, there’s a whole slew of us, but I grew up with my two brothers. And three was sort of a magic number for us. I had a fantastic stepmother, and I learned very young that families are made in many different ways. From the time I was little, I knew that I wanted to adopt because I felt like I might know what to do.”

Hargitay’s devotion to her family is evident, and she has clear ideas about what defines a mother. In a 2012 interview with Good Housekeeping, she delved into the topic, saying, “What makes a mother? I think a mother is somebody who will kill to protect you, somebody who will love you and make sure that you’re always OK.”

In 2011, after adopting Amaya, Hargitay and Hermann received an unexpected call from their adoption lawyer about another child. Although they had planned to wait before adopting again, the timing felt right. They adopted Andrew, who was a premature newborn at the time, naming him in honor of a close friend who had recently passed away. Hargitay described the decision as a “no-brainer,” adding, “Peter and I both thought, ‘Let’s do it! I’m in!’ It was like a miracle. And I don’t use that word lightly. I’ve never made a bigger decision so quickly. The whole thing happened in a total of two days.”

Through the trials and joys of adoption, Hargitay’s family journey highlights her deep love and commitment to her children. Her reflections on parenthood emphasize the lessons she’s learned from her kids and the unwavering support from her husband, painting a picture of a family bound by love and mutual growth.