Being a parent is never easy, but when you’re in the public eye, every decision you make as parents can have magnified consequences on your child’s life. This rings true for power couple Jada and Will Smith, who have faced their fair share of struggles while raising their two children, Jaden and Willow. Even Jada’s own mother disagrees with some of the choices they’ve made as parents.
Growing up in the spotlight is challenging. Jaden Smith, in a 2018 interview, opened up about the difficulties he faced as the child of famous parents. The constant scrutiny and perception of others made it hard for him to establish his own identity. However, Jaden found solace and a sense of self at the skate park.
Will Smith has praised Jaden for always finding a balance and displaying bravery despite the media attention. But one announcement from Jaden broke Jada’s heart. At the age of 15, he expressed his desire to leave the family home and become independent. It was a decision that devastated his parents, but they ultimately agreed to hold Jaden accountable for his actions. Jada believed in her son’s readiness to venture out on his own, while her mother, Adrienne, strongly disagreed.
Jada understands that each child is unique, and she believes that giving Jaden the freedom to make his own choices will strengthen their relationship. Although Jaden ultimately didn’t leave home, his parents offered him full independence, recognizing the importance of respecting his individuality.
Jaden’s journey also involved dietary changes. He initially embraced veganism but struggled to maintain a balanced diet, which had a negative impact on his health. Concerned for his wellbeing, his parents stepped in and advised him to become a vegetarian instead. Jaden learned the importance of eating properly and acknowledged the harm he was causing himself with haphazard eating habits.
In 2017, Jaden made the decision to move out of his parents’ house and into his own home in Hidden Hills. Despite the physical distance, Jaden maintains a close relationship with his parents and considers them as role models in his life. Their love and support have played an integral role in his journey of self-discovery.