Will Smith and his wife Jada Pinkett Smith still maintain their views on how to raise children despite mixed opinions from the public.
The Smiths are one of the most powerful and famous families in the world. Will Smith and his wife – actress Jada Pinkett Smith – are famous movie stars and have supported their two children to enter showbiz since they were young.
In the eyes of the audience, this couple has a unique way of raising children, and this creates unique children in Hollywood. Will Smith and his wife have their own principles, always respecting the freedom of their children.
First of all, the actor never punishes his children. Instead, he lets them be independent and responsible for their decisions.
In addition, Will Smith always encourages the creativity and individuality of his children. The Smiths’ first son – Jaden Smith – can do everything he wants, such as moving out when he was only 14 years old.
For his daughter Willow Smith, the American actor also gives her full authority to make decisions. Will Smith was criticized for being too lenient with his daughter and letting her shave her head when she was only 12 years old. However, the actor affirmed that he gave his daughter freedom and that she had the right to control her own body.
Even in the family, Will Smith also promotes equality: “We tell the kids, ‘You don’t have your own room, it’s our room and we’re lending it to you.’ It’s like when you lend someone your car, they have to wash it for you. So we feel it’s reasonable to ask our kids to clean their rooms
Will Smith strives to promote his children’s freedom, becoming a solid support for them against the “axe” of public opinion. However, the Smith children have been involved in many scandals because of their liberal and indulgent personalities.
In 2014, when she was only 13 years old, Willow Smith shocked the world when she shared a photo of herself lying in bed with her boyfriend, actor Moises Arias. Immediately after the photo was posted, Jada Pinkett faced backlash from the online community for letting her daughter take sensitive photos at such a young age.
Facing strong opposition from the public, the mother of two still believes in and is proud of her way of raising her children: “I want my children to be happy and live as themselves. That photo is not erotic at all.”
Meanwhile, her son Jaden Smith also caused controversy when he made statements on social media. Will Smith’s son posted the status: “School is a tool to brainwash young people” and made many netizens angry. However, like his wife, Will Smith also expressed his absolute support for his two children despite mixed public opinions.
At the age of 15, the Karate Kid star became a model for a women’s fashion brand, not afraid to wear dresses and gender-neutral clothing when attending events. Many times causing a stir in public opinion because of his different appearance, Jaden has always been supported and defended by his parents.
Sharing about his son’s interests, Will Smith said that Jaden is never afraid and dares to do everything. The 23-year-old son is always ready to live and die with his artistic ideas without being forbidden by his family.
“You can’t protect your children from everything, but give them the support of a loving and supportive family. Accepting your children to live true to their nature is the best thing you can give them.” Will Smith confided on Psychology Today in 2013.