Still, the teenager had to do something to establish his independence from his family. There’s only so many haircuts and dresses you can sport before realizing that you’re still a kid getting coddled by your parents.
This was a good move for young Jaden, as it helped him gain a stronger sense of confidence and ability to get things done on his own.
The Ellen Interview
Back in 2013, tabloids began reporting that Jaden had filed for emancipation from his parents. Jaden went on to appear that year on an episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show and firmly denied these rumors, including the idea that he was planning on leaving home. It seems that the young actor and musician had apparently inherited his father’s sense of humor, which was eminently clear when he explained to Ellen about his decision to stay at home.
Jaden said to Ellen, "See, here’s the thing that you need to understand: I’m not going anywhere… The thing that people don’t get is [that] everything at this house is free! So I can get anything and everything at this house, so I’m going to be there [for] 20 [or] 30 more years.” We sense some excellent sitcom material in this young boy’s blood!
A Fresh Start
It took a few years from then before Jaden Smith finally moved away from his family’s home in Malibu, California. In June 2017, the 19-year-old celebrity moved into to a $4 million mansion right next to his parent’s house in Los Angeles’ Hidden Hills neighborhood.
While Jaden definitely made a bid to freedom by leaving his parents' house, it’s clear that he never meant to go far, as his move was so close to home.
The Talk
Like most kids that leave home, Jaden explained to his family during their Red Table Talk how moving out changed his entire outlook of the Smith family and helped him gain a new sense of love and respect for them.
He said, “It just makes you appreciate being at home, being with your parents [and] spending quality time with your family. You get out into the world, and then you just kind of understand things.”
A Newfound Appreciation
All in all, Will and Jada ended up benefiting greatly from their decision to give Jaden his freedom and respect his desire for independence. His moving out gave the young actor newfound appreciation for his parents and actually made him to miss his family.
While it was amazing to see how much he and his sister matured over the years, both children have suggested on various occasions that their parents could have done a better job keeping them away from the spotlight a bit longer before exposing them to the celebrity lifestyle.