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Nicole Richie Reveals the Easiest and Hardest Parts of Being Married to Joel Madden, Talks About Motherhood

Joel Madden and Nicole Richie attend an event on February 24, 2013
Nicole Richie opened up about married life with Joel Madden and being a mother to their two children during the Sunday, July 27 episode of Oprah Winfrey's Where Are They Now?

Nicole Richie and Joel Madden made somewhat of a pact before tying the knot. Richie revealed during the Sunday, July 27 episode of Oprah Winfrey's Where Are They Now? that the hardest and easiest parts about being married to the Good Charlotte rocker are one and the same.

Related: PHOTOS: Nicole and Joel's most romantic moments

"We met and we were partners from day one. And from the second we found out we were going to be parents together, we looked at each other and we said, 'Okay, both of our parents are divorced. We both have had ups and downs with our parents and we don't really have a strong example of what a healthy family life is," the 32-year-old told Winfrey during the interview.

Related: PHOTOS: Nicole's style transformation

"But, we're recognizing that now, so let's work at it and let's go through this together as a team,'" she continued. "It's been great."

Richie and Madden, 35, began dating in 2006, but only after Lionel Richie's daughter finally gave in to the singer's advances. "When I first would see her around, we were friends," Madden told Australia's 60 Minutes last April. "But I don't think I'm the obvious choice. I'm always like, 'Just give me a shot. Just give me one date.' If I can get my foot in the door…"

Related: PHOTOS: Rockstar romances

Madden indeed got his foot in the door, and the couple married four years later in December 2010. They've since welcomed daughter Harlow, 6, and son Sparrow, 4, into the family.

"I have to always come from a place of love and compassion with them. My kids operate best when I let them have a voice," Richie said on Where Are They Now?. "And I really explain things to them, because really, kids want to be told the truth. They just do. They just want you to be truthful."

Related: PHOTOS: Famous celebrity families

When asked what kind of mother she is, she replied that there's always room for improvement. "I do know I do the best that I can," she admitted. "I'm probably constantly—every day—talking to other moms figuring out the best way to have a strong relationship with our kids."

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