Brad Pitt Reportedly Hopes the Holidays Could Help Rebuild Ties With His Children

Brad Pitt is said to be holding on to hope that he can one day repair his relationship with his six children, according to a source quoted by RadarOnline. The report says the actor believes their growing independence may eventually make them more open to reconnecting with him. An insider described the estrangement as deeply painful for Pitt, while claiming he has not given up on a possible reunion. The source said Pitt loves his children and hopes time could ease the distance between them. The report also notes that the relationships remain strained and that the children have reportedly changed their contact details. Several of the children have taken steps that signal a wish to distance themselves from their father's surname. According to the article, Maddox, Zahara, Shiloh and Vivienne have legally sought to remove Pitt from their last names. Knox has not reportedly pursued a legal name change, though the article says he used “Jolie” on his high school diploma. Pax is described as the only child who has retained the Pitt surname. The report says that detail offers Pitt some comfort, even though he and Pax are not currently speaking. A source quoted by RadarOnline characterized the retained surname as a bright spot amid the family estrangement. Pitt and his girlfriend, Ines de Ramon, have reportedly begun buying holiday gifts for the children. The insider said Pitt hopes the gesture will let them know he is thinking of them, while recognizing they may not be ready to speak with him. The account is based on unnamed sources; the article does not report a direct comment from Pitt or his children.