Eva Mendes got real about some of the changes shes experienced in her parenting journey over the years.

During an appearance Thursday on The Drew Barrymore Show, Mendes explained that she felt a sense of clarity as a parent when her children were very young but that she felt lost as they got older.

The Hitch star shares two daughters with her longtime partner, fellow actor Ryan Gosling: Esmeralda, 10 and Amada, 8.

It was like, OK, who am I now after the kids can survive on their own? she said. I mean theyre only 8 and 10, but they dont need me every second.

Its a little different, she said.

But the actor shared that she now enjoys being able to talk to her daughters about anything.

So, I feel very fulfilled, she added.