Andie MacDowell Says Her Kids Send Her 'Self-Care Messages' When She’s Feeling 'Blue' (Exclusive)

Andie MacDowell's family is her No. 1 source of support.

The actress, L'Oréal Paris brand ambassador and mom of three has learned a thing or two from her kids — including how to focus on self-care.

"It's so funny because a lot of the lessons that I taught them, they bring back to me. So, they will repeat to me things that I've said to them [like], 'No negative talk. Don't say anything derogatory about yourself,'" MacDowell, 65, tells PEOPLE ahead of the Women of Worth event on Nov. 16.

The star adds, "We all really are good about taking care of ourselves. We exercise every day. We all do yoga. We take really good care of ourselves. A lot of self-care messages, I think that I gave to them, they repeat back to me if I'm ever blue, or if I'm having a hard time."

MacDowell also finds that her kids and their friends bring "youth and vitality" into her life.

"The way they see the world is different than my generation. So, I learn a lot of... just a different way of seeing things through their eyes. It's a new generation, so I enjoy their company, and I enjoy the company of their friends as well," she says.

The star, who shares daughters Rainey and Margaret and son Justin with ex Paul Qualley, a former model and rancher, has always taught her children to pave their own paths.

"I think I try to instill in them a feeling of being their own person: Not being afraid to be an individual, trusting their instincts as far as not following the crowd, but just being exactly who they are," she shares.

"I think that's the way I live my life and I think that's a really important lesson for your kids," MacDowell continues.

For the actress, her children are the joy in her world — and she's soaking in every new chapter with them.

"I'm so proud of all three of my children, and they're such a vital part of my life. I've had to work really hard on being less needy with my children because I'm so attached to them," she says.

She adds of the holidays: "They're all coming for Christmas, and my granddaughter just adores me. She thinks I'm fantastic. It's a really interesting bond. So, it's a new time in my life that's evolving. And I'm really looking forward to it, enjoying this chapter."

MacDowell also opened up about her journey with L'Oréal Paris.

"I've aged with them. When I signed with them, I found out I was pregnant. And [I felt] I had to tell them I was pregnant," she recalls.

"I was afraid that I would lose the contract — but it didn't have any negative effect. I did commercials when I was eight months pregnant. So, I have grown up with L'Oreal, and that's been a huge part of my life.

She shares, "It has just been an amazing journey for me. And to have this company make a commitment and see me through to having silver hair has been just an amazing journey."

Now, she's working alongside fellow ambassadors, Eva Longoria, Aja Naomi King, Camila Cabello and Helen Mirren, to amplify other women making a difference in the world through L'Oréal Paris's Women of Worth initiative. 

"[This program] is a beautiful opportunity to find women throughout the nation that are just these incredible people that change their communities, or get involved in their communities in a very dynamic way.

These are really extraordinary people. Extraordinary humans. That always makes me feel like I'm not doing enough. But I love shining the light on them, and supporting them, and hearing their stories."

She concludes, "I think you leave [the event] inspired and to look[ing] for ways in your own personal life to give back to your community, or to seeing if you have something you can offer the world to lift somebody else up."