If you still think of Macaulay Culkin as the wide-eyed kid slapping aftershave on his face, you're not alone. But honestly? The guy is 45 years old now. He’s a dad. Twice. And while the internet loves a good nostalgia trip, the reality of life as a macaulay culkin son is way more "suburban bliss" than "Hollywood chaos."
He and Brenda Song have pulled off something almost impossible in 2026: they’ve raised two kids in Los Angeles without turning them into Instagram props. It’s kinda refreshing. You won't find their toddlers, Dakota and Carson, doing "get ready with me" videos or wearing designer gear for the paparazzi. Instead, they’re living a life rooted in Hmong culture, Lego sets, and a very deliberate shield of privacy.
The Heartbreaking Reason Behind the Name Dakota
When their first child arrived on April 5, 2021, the name was a surprise to many, but deeply personal to the family. Dakota Song Culkin wasn't named because it sounded "trendy" or "outdoorsy." He’s named after Macaulay’s late sister, Dakota, who tragically passed away in 2008 after a car accident in Los Angeles.
She was only 29.
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Losing a sibling like that leaves a hole. By naming his firstborn after her, Mack—as his friends call him—basically ensured her memory stays a living, breathing part of their daily routine. It’s a heavy legacy for a kid, sure, but the couple handles it with a lot of grace. Dakota, now four, is reportedly a total firecracker. Brenda has joked in interviews about how he’s already "running the house."
Meet Carson: The "Secret" Second Son
For a long time, the public didn't even know there was a second child. That’s how good they are at this.
Carson Song Culkin was born in late 2022, likely around Christmas time, though the couple didn't bother with a formal press release. Why would they? We only really found out because Macaulay’s brother, Kieran Culkin (the Succession star), accidentally let it slip on a red carpet. He mentioned he hadn't met "Number 2" yet because he lives in New York and the travel with his own kids was a "nightmare."
Classic sibling move.
Carson is now three. While he’s younger, he’s already part of the "social calendar" Brenda mentioned in her 2025 Bustle cover story. Apparently, these kids are more popular than their parents. They’re at soccer practices, birthday parties, and playdates constantly. They just happen to do it without a camera crew following them.
The "No Nanny" Rule and Breaking the Cycle
One thing that really shocks people is that they don’t have a live-in nanny. In Hollywood, that’s practically unheard of.
Instead, they rely on a "village." Brenda’s mom, Mai Song, moved in when Dakota was born and has stayed a staple of the household ever since. It’s a very traditional Hmong-American setup. Brenda has been vocal about how important it is for her sons to speak Hmong. Every night, the boys say "Good night" and "I love you" in both English and Hmong.
Mack is all in on this, too. He’s even learned some of the language himself.
But there’s a deeper layer to his parenting style. Macaulay has been open about the "P-word"—Proud. He didn't hear it much from his own father, Kit Culkin, during his child-star years. Because of that, he’s made it his mission to tell his sons he’s proud of them every single day. Even if they just try something and fail. Especially then.
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That Viral Walk of Fame Moment
The world finally got a good look at the family in December 2023. Macaulay was getting his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It was a huge deal. Catherine O'Hara (his Home Alone mom) was there. The speech he gave to Brenda was a tear-jerker.
But the real stars were the boys.
Dakota was rocking a mohawk that looked exactly like his dad’s from back in the day. Carson was a tiny, blonde infant in a knit vest. It was the first time we saw them, and maybe the last for a while. Brenda later admitted that Dakota was actually pretty freaked out by the cameras. He didn't understand why people were shouting and flashing lights.
That moment solidified their decision to keep the kids out of the limelight. "They didn't ask for this life," Brenda said. It’s hard to argue with that.
Living With Kevin McCallister
Does a macaulay culkin son know his dad is the most famous kid in movie history? Sorta.
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Macaulay has admitted that they watch Home Alone during the holidays. It’s a family tradition. The hilarious part? Dakota actually thinks he is the one in the movie. He sees the little boy on screen and identifies with him so much that he’ll tell people he’s the one who fought off the Wet Bandits.
Mack doesn't correct him. Why ruin the magic?
Eventually, they’ll figure out that their dad is a global icon, but for now, he’s just the guy who makes dinner and plays Legos. The couple is adamant about the boys having a "normal" childhood—or as normal as it can be when your parents are worth millions and everyone recognizes them at the grocery store.
Key Takeaways for Fans
- Privacy is Paramount: Don't expect a reality show. They share what they want, when they want.
- Cultural Heritage Matters: The boys are being raised with strong Hmong roots.
- Generational Healing: Macaulay is actively working to be the kind of father he didn't have.
- Normalcy Over Fame: They prioritize soccer games and family dinners over red carpets.
If you’re looking to support the family’s privacy while staying "in the loop," the best thing to do is follow Brenda Song’s occasional (and very curated) updates on social media. She’ll post about her work or general life, but she almost always keeps the boys' faces hidden. It’s a boundary that more celebrity parents are starting to adopt, and honestly, it seems to be working for them.
The Culkin-Song household is a masterclass in how to be famous without letting the fame rot the foundations. They've built a quiet, bilingual, Lego-filled life that prioritizes the kids over the brand. And in 2026, that’s the most "A-list" move they could make.