Parenting

Inside Jessica Marais’ unbreakable bond with her daughter Scout

''I learn things about myself by watching myself in Scout. She teaches me as much as I teach her.''
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Scout Edie Stewart is Jessica Marais’ “beautiful angel”, who is now seven years old and the perfect mix of both her famous parents.

Jess and her ex partner, James Stewart, welcomed their only child together, back in May 2012.

“It is with much joy and pride that Jessica Marais and James Stewart announce the birth of their baby girl, Scout Edie Stewart,” their rep said in a statement at the time.

READ NEXT: James Stewart and Jessica Marais’ ill-fated love story in pictures

In 2010, Jess and James become engaged but sadly in 2015, the Packed To The Rafters castmates-turned-couple announced their split after five years together.

Despite their break-up, the exes have always worked harmoniously together to help raise their daughter.

Jessica, 35, says becoming a mum has taught her many important life lessons.

But the one person who’s most had an influence on her life choices is her seven-year-old daughter Scout. Jess says Scout has encouraged her to see the brighter side of life.

“When you’re in this industry, it’s a bit like being inside a perspex box. And sometimes you feel voiceless and powerless,” she told TV WEEK in 2018. “Breaking through that is important, but it’s also a journey.”

“I’ve learnt so many things since becoming a mother. I learn things about myself by watching myself in Scout. She teaches me as much as I teach her,” the Wrong Girl actress explained.

“She’s taught me patience and how to let go of the things you can’t change. She reminds me of the immediacy of today and to be present in the important moments, because I tend to hang on to things.”

Keep scrolling to check out Jess and Scout’s best mother-daughter moments

(Image: __jamesstewart__/Instagram)

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Scout Edie Stewart was born in 2012 and is the only daughter of former Packed To The Rafters co-stars, James Stewart and Jessica Marais.

(Image: jay.may.ray/Instagram)

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Girl gang! Jess and Scout enjoy a mother-daughter date.

(Image: __jamesstewart__/Instagram)

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Jess and her ex James Stewart with Scout in November 2017 before her first day of school. “First step into big school.. I think Jess and I are more nervous than Scout.. hah! Argh,” James penned.

Jessica Marais
(Image: Getty)

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In 2016, Jessica gave Scout a very special shout-out during her acceptance speech for the Silver Logie Award for Best Actress in Love Child. “I’d just like to say happy birthday to a little lady who’s turning four years old tomorrow. Mummy loves you very much,” Jess said at the time.

Watch the heartfelt moment in the next slide

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Jessica Marais wins Best Actress and talks about daughter Scout

(Image: jay.may.ray/Instagram)

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“I’ve learnt so many things since becoming a mother. I learn things about myself by watching myself in Scout. She teaches me as much as I teach her,” Jess told TV WEEK.

(Image: jay.may.ray/Instagram)

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“She’s taught me patience and how to let go of the things you can’t change. She reminds me of the immediacy of today and to be present in the important moments, because I tend to hang on to things.”

(Image: __jamesstewart__/Instagram)

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Milestone moment: Jess and James see off their little girl on her first day of school at the start of 2018.

(Image: __jamesstewart__/Instagram)

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Mum and dad’s double: Seven-year-old Scout is the perfect mix of both parents.

(Image: Matrix)

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Over the years Jess, who suffers from bipolar, has credited Scout for helping her stay strong. “My bipolar is actually very manageable. And having a child to pull me out of it has made all the difference in the world,” she once explained to the Australian Women’s Weekly.

(Image: Matrix)

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The bond between these two is undeniable.

(Image: jay.may.ray/Instagram)

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Fearless: Jess has opened up about Scout’s desire to take up surfing, despite being scared of the water. “In this photograph I see a girl looking forward and finding her feet. Against the elements, a steely resolve of fire in her belly, love in her heart and no other option than to keep moving; held by her body, the water and the board that supports her,” Jess penned.

(Image: Matrix)

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Jess plants a loving kiss on Scout’s hand.

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