JADA PINKETT-SMITH TO CRITICS: “THERE ARE SO MANY OTHER KIDS YOU CAN WORRY ABOUT”
“If I survived everything that I survived in Baltimore and Will survived everything he survived in Philly, these kids surely can survive the Hollywood game.”
Actress and mom Jada Pinkett-Smith talks about family, sacrificing for her kids, and much more in a new interview with Uptown Magazine. Check out highlights from the interview in which she addresses people’s concerns about how she and her husband Will Smith are raising their kids Willow and Jaden.
On Jaden and Willow’s personalities:
“Believe it or not, they’re both like me and Will,” says Pinkett Smith of the couple’s children. “Willow’s a lot like me – just in the chances she’ll take. And then, Jaden has the drive of his father. Jaden and I are what I call introverted extroverts. Willow and Will are more pow! Jaden and I, well, we don’t give that to just anybody.”
On the stage parent rumors:
There are so many other kids you can worry about. My kids? They’re going to be all right. I get why people would criticize. But people need to know that Will and I would never put our children in a situation that would bring them detriment,” she says, her hazel eyes flashing.
“My kids have no idea how I grew up,” Pinkett Smith continues. “Even in knowing my story, they couldn’t know what that means. They have no RE-ALI-TY. None. My feeling is, my kids need to have challenges, in a safe way. If I survived everything that I survived in Baltimore and Will survived everything he survived in Philly, these kids surely can survive the Hollywood game. With so many heavyweights surrounding them—from Beyoncé and Jay-Z to Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith to Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony—if they can fail in a circle like that, then they weren’t going to win in the first place.”
On disbanding her band “Wicked Wisdom” and on abandoning her music career for her kids:
“When Jaden did The Pursuit of Happyness, I was supposed to go on tour with Guns N’ Roses in Europe,” she says softly. She turned down the offer and eventually disbanded the group. “It was probably the most heartbreaking experience. But what I realized is that sometimes God will place things in your life that will make you recognize what your priorities are. I adore my son; he’s my soul seed. There was no way that I was going to allow him to do [a movie] and not have his mother.”
Read More at Uptown Magazine.com
62 Comments to “JADA PINKETT-SMITH TO CRITICS: “THERE ARE SO MANY OTHER KIDS YOU CAN WORRY ABOUT””
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How many kids have you sponsored to participated in a community that provides community development and educational projects? How many poor Africans have you provided clean water for? How many computers have you donated to a school?
Well Will and Jada Smith have—do your research!!!
Bottom line is this as someone ese has already stated, A..MONEY changes “norm” and just like we change from no-name brand “bread” to “wonder Bread” when we’re not on welfare to going from shopping at the dollar store for shoes to Payless when we get our income tax check, Money changes what NORMAL is at any given point in time.
As a professional wife and mother of 3 kids, I’m sure some people would consider us “wrong” for allowiing my 13 yr old to intern this summer at my job. However, this is HIS choice and if this is what he wants for his future and his grades at school are still A’s, why would I stop him. There are parents that object but just as with Will and Jada, you raise YOUR kids, I’ll raise mine.
Like many others have also stated, look to your local community to mentor and raise these kids that need us, Jaden and Willow OBVIOUSLY do not need us. They have a family that is taking care of them. HUNDREDS of kids in your nearby community don’t look it up!!!!
Lol so he was reallly “born and raised in west Philadelphia lol”.
all y’all hating on jada u dont have a right u might not like her ways but its her decision, plus i wanted to hear about trey as well
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Wow I didn’t know that Willow and Jaden were the only child actors, I don’t get what the problem is with how they are raising their children. Willow and Jaden don’t seem forced into this, if anything if they ever did start to act above their station I think Will and Jada would shut it down with the quickness.
it’s funny how she described her kids’ personalities because that’s exactly how i perceived them (i have a psych degree). anyway, her kids are being raised by two people in the business and have been in the business since both were teens themselves. i know they wouldn’t allow anything preventable to happen to those children. it’s not like most Hollywood kids whose parents don’t have a clue about the business their kids are entering. their kids are just precocious, and it’s actually beautiful to see two precocious, black kids in Hollywood, who are well-spoken and come from two parents who genuinely love each other and them. like Jada said, they’re going to be all right.
Aman Jada! Well said.
Her kids are thriving and so are the parents. You have no point!
They can read and speak two languages. So there! Your done!
Where is the proof? You just want to hate on a kid because she is beautiful and talented. You do not know her personally so you have no proof. My proof is on Youtube, in which she spoke mandarin! Thank you and your done.
I wish people would stop labeling others as ‘haters’ when they express an opinion that differs from their own. Please limit that adjective to truly hateful comments, not to ones that you simply disagree with, please. If my boss asked me to provide my feedback on a proposal that I happened to disagree with and I responded with, ‘So and so is a hater,’ I could kiss any future promotions goodbye. If I were in the habit of providing such feedback, I would no longer have a job. If I were still in school, my teacher would give me a well-deserved F for calling someone a hater during a critical thinking exercise.
If you disagree with someone’s opinion, simply and rationally state why you disagree. Understand that you will not be able to convince everyone that your opinions are indeed uncontested fact and move on. Simply calling someone a hater only demonstrates that you cannot rationally articulate why you disagree with the stated opinion.
BTW, name-calling violates one of this web site’s posting policy.
Haters = crabs in a barrel. It’s not name-calling. Haterism is a social condition of people unaccustomed to self-assured, successful black women and children, especially when they are thriving in a world they are not a part of.
@Celeste, lol I guess we’re just making up definitions and saying them “matter of factly”?
Haterism: A social condition of people unaccustomed to self-assured, successful black women and children, especially when they are thriving in a world they are not a part of.
LMBO! That’s definitely YOUR definition.
It is what it is. Now YOU know what I mean. So stop hatin’!
o__O Huh? Rotflmbo!
I LOVE this comment, NK.
Very well said @ NK and LOL @ PlainMean.
How do you say your kids don’t understand reality and then stay but they’ll make it?
I think Jada means that she can tell The kids the stories of her growing up in the hood and Will in his. But it’s not reality . They don’t fully understand it until you experience something..these are kids who live in the Hollywood lifestyle of course it’s not reality to live in baltimore in the hood or Philly. But with strong parents they will survive Hollywood.
she said she and Jaden are extroverted introverts, which means that they don’t let just anyone in, or let just anyone see them be open. they’re pretty judgmental of the people they’ll allow to get close to them and see their full personalities, otherwise they can be stand-offish. that’s pretty apparent by Jaden’s lack of smiling sometimes and Jada’s watchful eyes as well.
as far as the statement about failure, she’s basically saying if they can be surrounded by the aforementioned people and STILL fail, they weren’t destined to win anyway because they couldn’t even pick up the winning qualities when they were handed to them on a silver platter. i’m gonna guess the couples Jada mentioned are close friends. so, by that account, her children should see how to remain successful in the business.
the above comment was meant for “yo’s” previous comment. sorry, lol.
I don’t consider Jaden or Jada introverts. They are always both ON. Always.
As for failure, it depends on how you define failure. Is Jada saying there’s no way they can’t be superstars based on the people that surround her OR is she stating there’s no way they can be druggies?
Instead of uplifting eachother and encouraging and complimenting children on their talents and achievements, they pick out every negative thing they can find and shoot so much hate at them!
Will and Jada worked so hard to provide for their family and raise their kids in a much better place that they were raised. They are wonderful role models to their kids, and naturally the kids want to follow in the footsteps of their parents. The kids are naturally talented, and have their own unique personalities. Every kid is not going to be the same.
With that being said, Good luck Willow, Jaden, and Trey in everything that you decide to pursue!
Oh please! Willow messed up ONE word and now she can not read!? You people Smh. One mistake calm down. If she can’t read then how did she do it on Oprah?! Hosting Oprah she read from the telpromter. Pls stop with the she can’t read. She made one mistake she is 10 years old cut her some slack.
haters on here!
Thank you Jada! good luck to willow and jaden and trey! Beautiful intelligent kids who are pursuing their dreams. Beautiful family! I wish you all the best. I will never understand why people throw so much hate at this family. Its sad. Let them live.
I will never understand the controversy and complaints about Jaden and Willow having careers in entertainment. If they have a talent and want to pursue it why shouldn’t they? I also don’t seem to hear these complaints about any of the Disney kids or any of the other children/young adults who have had careers over the years. I find it very odd how people seem to pick and choose certain kids to single out.
Do people seriously expect movies and tv shows to never show any young characters? Cause if so you can say goodbye to child and pre-teen programming and family shows/films as well. If you don’t want people under the age of 18 in the entertainment industry then what do you expect other kids to watch and listen to?
I see a lot of people pushing this “normal childhood” card. A) normal doesn’t necessarily mean better. Just because something isn’t “normal” doesn’t mean it’s bad. B) Maybe they don’t want a so-called normal childhood. C) I’m quite sure that in their free time they attend birthday parties and hang out with friends and play sports in the backyard and do all the “normal childhood” things. It’s not an either or situation, they can do multiple things.
Some people seem to have this idea that if you have a career or interest in entertainment that you can’t do anything else or that you don’t have any other interest. That is false. Just because YOU may be limited in your interests and abilities doesn’t mean other people are.
I HAVE SAID IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN. I HAVE ALWAYS DEFENDED WILLOW AND JADEN. THEY ARE KIDS! PERIOD! TALENTED, BEAUTIFUL BLACK KIDS. THEY WILL BE OK! PAY ATTENTION TO JUSTIN BEIBER OR LINDEY LOHAN ETC… AND SEE HOW THEY TURN OUT!
Thank you so much Jada. I totally agree! Willow and Jaden are gorgeous talented children. As long as they have a strong foundation at home, then hollywood will not be able to mess with them. I think they are positive kids, they can actually act and sing, and they are black. They will definately succeed!
@PlainMean, I agree. We should give our support, time, concern to the children in the world who really need it. SMH. Will and Jada’s kids don’t need us or our approval.
Thank you Jada thank you so much for this. I literally roll my eyes when people say Willow and Jaden are forced and won’t survive Hollywood. Ummm with parents like Will and Jada and being surrounded by other celebs these kids got this. They want to do this and that is okay.Jada said herself when they want to stop they can. Will and Jada are rich. If Willow said today mom I don’t want to do this anymore. They would be fine with it. As long as the kids are happy it’s not our business.will and Jada and their family should be an example to black families along with the Obamas of course. I love that The Smiths are so close and a tight family who support each other.no matter what.
AMEN. Stop hating on this family.
The day Will and Jada almost literally threw their children into fame and the spotlight when they were barely out of diapers, we had the right to worry about their children. Many other black celebrity parents and the Obamas do their best to keep their children out of the spotlight.
Oh PLEASE. Who is “we”? Not you. You don’t have a right to be in their bizness.
Better off worrying about your own children or the children in our communities who are reading below grade level; not practicing safe sex; being abused at home; growing up without positive role models in the home; dropping out of high school; getting involved in criminal lifestyles; etc. Have you volunteered or mentored a youth? If you’re really worried, let’s start by making a difference with the children in our communities. : )
You barely saw the kids growing up. You would see them a couple of times on the red carpet & they had 1 appearance on the Oprah Show. These kids weren’t in the spotlight as much as other celeb kids. Willow & Jaden each did a movie while they were young. Jaden did the movie w/ his dad & Willow had her little role in that movie (i don’t remember what it was called lol). WE don’t need to worry about celebs. They have aunts, uncles, & grandparents that can worry for Will & Jada. Worry about the little boy living down the street from you that might not have a meal to eat tonight smh
Yeah but there would have been nothing wrong with waiting till they were a bit older. They have only so many years to be kids and many more to be in the business. Just my opinion even though yes, they will raise them how they want to.
What people have to realize is that their normal is not our normal. If you were a millionaire believe me your normal would change. Like she said there are so many other children that need to be worried about…I think they have it under control. Of course there is a potential for the kids to be ruined but I think all of us as parents have a potential to do that to our kids. My husband and I make good money and I have one son and right now I feel like I spoil him and as he gets older I am going to support him to do what he wants to do…We all are doing the best we can (hopefully).
I cosign with everything you have stated. I know I will probably have only one child myself bc I have focused on my education and career first. I know I will more than likely spoil my child too but will stress education. You can be the “perfect” parent but its really up to your child to make good sound decision when they are older. I just tell every parent to do the best that they can do for their child(ren).
Well all of their kids; Trey (who’s headed to college), Jaden and Willow, will be fine. Jaden can actually act and has mad talented from dancing to acting. I hope I see him in more films.
I don’t think that Will & Jada should not have to explain or apologize to anyone for the wealth, stardom or children (who are now stars themselves). Being in the business obviously comes with both it’s ups and downs and it can’t be easy to know that complete strangers ridicule and judge their decisions and their children. I think the world is great place, but the people in it can sometimes make it not so nice. Perhaps people should focus more on bettering themselves instead of being overly concerned with what others choose to do.
I just wonder if it really was “God’s Will” or lack of commercial success that made her disband her band “Wicked Wisdom”?
Jada was not a Pat Benatar with the group, if you get my drift.
It’s nice and she is blessed she can continue to “rock it” vicariously through Willow, though.
I wish them all the success.
Tell them Jada!! Stop worrying about the Smith kids, they have parents and that what they are there for. NOw maybe some people will shut the hell up!!
I agree with Jada.people always looking to judge,and say negative things.
I don’t think Will & Jada are stage parents b/c their kids have horrible stage presence & interview etiquette lol. If they were forced or coached like people say, their interviews would be perfect. When i watch the kids interviews, especially Willow’s she doesn’t know what to say. She doesn’t know where to stand or how to act, thats not something you see in kids that are forced in the business. So you can tell she’s just doing it for fun.
I don’t see nothing wrong w/ them being in the business, if we didn’t have kid actors or singers, what would kids watch. People are complaining about Rihanna, Gaga, & Nicki Minaj not being good role models b/c they talk about adult stuff, but here you have Willow making fun, cute songs for little kids & people don’t think its ok for kids to be in the entertainment world? Ok, what about Sherley Temple? Raven Symone?
I have met plenty of fresh mouthed little kids, who actually mature up. Willow may do the same, she’s only 10 give her a break. The little girl on Tyler Perry’s House of Payne as a fresh mouth that bugs the hell out of me when i watch the show, but thats just a characteristic of little girls.
Willow is most def Jada from back in the day. Let them raise their kids. I’m not a mom, but i know there are people that can say a couple things about your parenting.
I agree with you but China McClain doesn’t have a “smart mouth” that was just the character they told her to play. When she isn’t on camera, she is actually a well spoken & humble little girl. I feel ya though bc my neice irrates the h@ll out of me with her mouth. I want to just womp her butt but I can’t bc its not my kid. I agree with Jada that there are alot of bad kids out here such as the ones; robbing,shooting other ppl, dropping out of school & girls getting pregnant etc. Those are the ones to worry abt and NOT Jada’s kids.
lol I know that’s just her character. But my point is that, its a characteristic that some girls have at the age. China (jazmine on the show) is around the same age as Willow. So when people say mean comments about Willow & her mannerisms, its just like she’s not the only kid out there that acts like that. It has nothing to do w/ her parents being celebs, her hanging out w/ other celebs, or her being a young singer.
I heard about a story about a 12 yr old getting life in prison for killing his little brother. & we’re her complaining about Jada & Will’s parenting smh
Yes, you are so right! When I was younger I would get popped in the mouth for saying something I weren’t suppose to but times have changed and ppl can’t discipline their own kids anymore. I think that has contributed to kids mouth being so grown. But yeah I agree with you that Willow and Jaden will be just fine its these other kids like that 12 yr old you mentioned that ppl should concern themselves with. That just my opinion.
They Do Have a Normal Childhood. Jaden Goes to Public School Those are HER Kids Not Yours She Can Raise Them The Way She Want To. When They We Young That’s All You Heard When Are your Kids going to be in Movies. Now That They are doing it you want them to stop why?
I am one who doesn’t worry about her kids. Whatever happens to them will not affect mine nor my son’s life so do them. I do believe what is meant to be will be. If these kids are going to survive Hollywood, they will; if they are going to fail, they will & there isn’t anything we critics can say nor do to prevent either one.
That is how they choose to raise their children. Only people who has to deal with the success or failure will be them.
I survived growing up on the streets of NY & Chicago, but I know my son wouldn’t be able to so I’m raising him in a state I know he would survive & he’s doing well.
“Exactly, Sherley, well said!”
Ditto, Sherley!
I can’t say I agree with a lot of things in the article but what I do love and respect is the fact that her children come first. She gave up her dream to support her son. She could have easily said “Well, Will is there”. I don’t have children, but I’ve seen my parents sacrafice so much of what they wanted for my siblings and myself, I have no choice but to respect her for that!
It just seems really strange that they are working on albums and movies like adults. But whatever way her kids turn out is on her…. I do agree with some things she is saying. But will they ever have a normal childhood? And will they complain about not having one in there adult years? Are they old enough to be making desicions about whether they want to be in showbiz? Maybe they rather have this life than going to school etc. And it’s not like they’re in for the money…
Jada is freekin beautiful she does not look anywhere near 40
#thatisall Yeah she is damn right Will and Willow look like the POW!
I have to agree with you that today’s Black woman don’t look anything like my mom generation! They are so much younger looking..Halle Berry, Jada,Holly and Garcielle Beavais, are ALL amazingly beautiful. If you keep your safe in shape, dress hip but age appropriately and stay away from drugs etc..you would look like they do your 40s. Heck these ladies are lookiing better than some 20 somethings nowadays. I admire them a lot and plan to keepmyself up like them as I get older.
Well to me you can tell she’s older by her cheek bone structure just like Angelina Jolie.Younger people normally have fuller more round faces.
I wonder if that’s her real hair?
I respect what she’s saying to a certain degree. I’m one of the ppl that actually think Willow is a little too much. I was just brought up in a time where kids was kids and adults where adults. U stayed in a kids place but this is a new time so I guess that’s just out the window. She and Will can raise their kids however they want I still think their too much.
i think thats just willows personality. i think she’d be that way if they were broke. hell one of mine is a personality like that, and we sure as heck dont have will smith money
Willow is a baby she is only 10. And it’s def just her personality. When I see Willoow.. I see Jada ‘s big personality and her dad’s humor. Shes Said herself that her and her mom are strong individuals . Willow sure is. And shell tone down. She’s only 10