Nicole Richie has been married almost a decade, which is a lifetime in Hollywood. She recently opened up about how she keeps her marriage to Joel Madden so strong while raising pre-teens.

When asked what the secret is to her long-lasting relationship, Nicole told Us Weekly there’s no one, single thing she can credit. “I don’t know [if there’s] a secret [to it], other than we love to laugh and have fun,” the 37-year old explained. “It’s nice doing the journey of life together. Doing it with somebody else that has the same goals as you is a really fun way to live.”

Nicole began dating the Good Charlotte rocker in 2006 and they tied the knot in 2010. They have two children: daughter Harlow, born in 2008, and son Sparrow, born in 2009.

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Although Nicole was always in the headlines during her younger years, the same can’t be said for her two kids (at least for the time being). The reality star went on to open up about her and Joel’s approach to parenting, revealing they just hope to raise good, caring people. “I think we just have to encourage kids to be themselves and to stand up for what they believe in and to stand up for something,” she explained.

Last month, Nicole made headlines for her powerful statement on mom friends. The star knows a thing or two about being judged in the media, so she has a no-judgement policy when it comes to fellow parents.

“I had two friends that were moms before me — I had kids very young,” she explained to People. “It was really so refreshing to see two women that have such different taste and parenting styles maintain a friendship and not judge each other for the way that they bring up their kids.”

Nicole continued, “That’s something that’s always stuck with me because there’s not one way to raise children. There’s no one right way to be a mother. It depends on your house and lifestyle. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is not to judge and to be open and honest with other women. That really helps them to relax and know that they’re not alone.”

Many fans have wondered if the former Simple Life star would ever welcome a third child to the mix, but Nicole has previously said it’s unlikely. In 2015, she went on record stating two kids are all she’s planned for. “I am not planning on any more, but you never know. I don't wanna say I don't want them and then they come and I feel bad,” she told E! News, though she sounds like she’s keeping all doors open.

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