In a candid interview featured in the December 2020 issue of Men’s Health, Aquaman star Jason Momoa opened up about his emotions surrounding his daughter Lola’s milestone birthday as she entered her teenage years. Momoa revealed that he couldn’t help but shed tears, expressing his apprehension about the prospect of Lola dating and his desire for her to find someone who treats her as well as he does her mother, Lisa Bonet.

“I’m not going to do well with it,” the 41-year-old actor confessed. “I’ll just hate it if she brings home some dipsh*t bad-boy. … I’m like, ‘If you find a man who treats you better than I [treat your mom], good luck!’”

Drawing parallels to his own role as a father, Momoa compared his feelings about Lola dating to how Bonet’s ex-husband, Lenny Kravitz, handled their daughter Zoë Kravitz’s romantic interests. “Lenny is way cooler than I am,” Momoa humorously acknowledged.

Reflecting on the challenges of parenting during the COVID-19 pandemic, Momoa highlighted the strengthened bond within their family. “We’ve all gotten so much closer,” he shared. “My wife is very sophisticated and smart, and our kids and I are kind of like animals that need to be trained a little better.”

Acknowledging his own growth as a father and husband, Momoa admitted to being a constant work in progress. “I’m constantly a work in progress, and I’ve just been trying to get better as a father and a husband,” he revealed.

Momoa and Bonet welcomed Lola in 2007 and Nakoa-Wolf in 2008, before secretly tying the knot in October 2017. The actor has been vocal about his protective instincts when it comes to his children, emphasizing the importance of being a steadfast presence in their lives.

Bonet, known for her media-free approach to parenting, has echoed Momoa’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of nurturing her children’s imagination and creativity.

Despite their blended family dynamics, both Momoa and Bonet maintain close relationships with their respective exes, fostering a harmonious environment for their children’s upbringing.

Ultimately, Momoa’s emotional response to Lola’s coming of age highlights the universal experience of parents grappling with their children’s growth and independence, while striving to impart valuable lessons and guidance along the way.