The Trendsetters
The Smiths’ free and relaxed approach when it came to raising their children, along with a strong push for authentic communication caused some unintended consequences. Jaden and Willow often choose their own wacky hairdos and fashion decisions.
Despite pressures from the media, Will and Jada have always supported their children’s decisions when it came to fashion, although there were admittedly some very strange ones.
Sharing isn't Necessarily Caring
Although the idea is certainly commendable, there are many things that children don't want to share with their parents for various reasons. It didn’t take long for the Smith's to realize that forcing their children to share everything about their lives might backfire horribly.
Will admitted later that having his fifteen-year-old daughter, Willow, share her deepest thoughts and feelings, was a bit too much for your average dad to listen to.
Father and Daughter Boundaries
During his interview with Jimmy Fallon, Will explained to the host, “As a father, you do not want a circle of safety with a 15-year-old daughter. You do not… I’m like, ‘Baby, you need to start lying!’”
While they were being honest with each other, the A-list actor also told the truth to his daughter and asked her to talk about certain subjects exclusively with her mother Jada. He joked in the interview, “[I’m like,] ‘Nope! You and your mom can talk about that one!’”
Not So Traditional
As an example, Will has often seen his son, Jaden, wear various articles of clothing that are traditionally considered as feminine. The young boy has been spotted wearing everything from skirts to full-blow dresses. Despite some public backlash, his father fully supports whatever Jaden decides to wear.
In a recent interview on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Will told the host that he views his son as “100 percent fearless”, and explained just how proud he is of Jaden’s various life choices.
Like Father, Not Really Like Son
It’s not easy to see your son down a path that is extremely different from your own, as Will Smith is mostly known for being your everyday macho guy, and wouldn’t be caught dead in women’s clothing. He added, “[Jaden] will do anything. As a parent, it’s scary; it’s really terrifying. But he is completely willing to live and die by his artistic decisions, and he doesn’t concern himself with what people think.”
It’s quite brave and impressive that both Will and Jada manage to curb their fears and allow their son to express himself freely, but they believe there’s a good reason for it…