Busy Philipps is one proud mom. The Dawson's Creek star took to Instagram on Monday to celebrate her eldest child, Birdie, after the teenager graduated from high school following three years at a boarding school in Sweden.
Sharing a series of joyful photos from the graduation festivities, Busy, 46, opened up about the challenges, surprises and triumphs that came with watching her daughter pursue an unconventional path thousands of miles from home.
In one sweet image, Busy wrapped her arm around Birdie as the graduate proudly wore her traditional white student cap and medals.
© InstagramOther snapshots captured Birdie laughing with friends, celebrating among classmates and carrying a large sign featuring a baby photo of herself, a beloved Swedish graduation tradition.
The actress revealed that attending school in Sweden was entirely Birdie's idea. "She has always been her own very unique person with exactly her own ideas," Busy wrote, before recalling her daughter's decision to attend boarding school in a country with no family connections.
"Like for instance, going to high school at a boarding school in Sweden, a country we have no real familial ties to."
© InstagramBusy hinted that the hit Netflix series Young Royals may have played a role in inspiring the move, adding that Birdie had been convinced it was the right choice for her.
The decision ultimately led to a transformative experience, although it was not without its difficulties.
"These last three years have been challenging in ways we couldn't possibly have ever imagined but she did it!" Busy shared.
"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."
The actress's admiration for her daughter was evident throughout the heartfelt tribute. "Today our brilliant Bird graduated!" she continued. "To know Birdie is to be in constant awe of her and I can't wait to see where she takes us next."
The emotional post also revealed that Birdie experienced a serious health scare while living overseas. Busy paid tribute to a friend in Sweden who stepped in when her daughter suffered a seizure. "Sigtuna & Stockholm, jag älskar dig," she wrote.
© Instagram"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."
While Busy did not share further details about the medical emergency, her message highlighted just how significant the support network around Birdie became during her years abroad.
The Girls5eva actress went on to thank Birdie's teachers, friends and house parents for helping care for her daughter during her time away from home. "Tack så mycket to all of Birdie's teachers and friends," she wrote.
© Instagram"And especially her house parents for taking such great care of our precious person."
Busy also expressed gratitude to the family members and friends who contributed to the colourful graduation traditions by sending gifts and keepsakes to hang around Birdie's neck, a custom commonly seen at Swedish student celebrations.
"To all of Birdie's friends and family who couldn't be here but made sure they sent me something to hang around her neck today, I love you all beyond. You are my village!"
The actress also thanked the Stockholm hotel that became her home away from home during visits and acknowledged the creators and stars of Young Royals, suggesting the series had a profound impact on Birdie's journey.
Busy shares Birdie, 16, and younger daughter Cricket, 12, with her ex-husband Marc Silverstein. The former couple announced their separation in 2022 after nearly 15 years of marriage but have continued to co-parent their daughters.
© Instagram"I don't really know how exactly to put into words how proud I am of Birdie," she admitted.
"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." The graduation celebration comes at a busy time for the actress, who recently revealed she will spend much of the summer filming her new CBS series, Cupertino.
Speaking to People, Busy explained that work commitments mean she will be spending more time away from her daughters in the coming months. "I'm working all summer on Cupertino, the new TV show that I'm doing for CBS, so the girls have to kind of be with their dad a lot," she said.
