Jada Pinkett Smith's parenting tips

Madagascar star, Jada Pinkett Smith is the perfect example of a super mum.  Although she is reaching the big 4-0, she continues to maintain a busy and active lifestyle both at work and at home.  Other than her very successful acting career, Jada has a list of occupations to her name that includes singer, businesswoman, producer and director.  More importantly, despite all that, she never forgets to be an awesome mum to her children; Jaden Smith (13), Willow Smith (11) and step-son, Trey Smith (19).

In an interview with showbizspy, Jada said: ‘I’m very clear about what my priority is and that’s my family.’

Jada married the famous and highly hilarious Will Smith who has starred in mega-hit movies such as Men in Black and The Pursuit of Happyness.  Both Jaden and Willow have followed their parents footsteps into showbiz which made critics chide both Will and Jada for letting them grow up too fast.  These detractors claim she is harming her children by allowing them into the entertainment business.

To them she has this to say: ‘There are so many other kids you can worry about. My kids? They’re going to be all right.  People need to know that Will and I would never put our children in a situation that would bring them detriment.’

Her kids may be approaching their teenage years but she has gone through it all just like any other parent – the nursing period, the terrible twos and more.   And what does she have to say about that?

‘Like any working mother, I used to struggle juggling work and family at the beginning. It’s hard when you change from being single to being married to being a mother.  But now I’m turning 40, I’ve found a peaceful compromise. I feel very contented.’

As we applaud her achievements so far as a working mother, let’s not forget the efforts of other busy mothers out there (yes, even SAHMS!).  To help out other mothers, Jada has dropped several parenting tips over the years.  Here are some of them:

Eat as a family

Jada believes dinnertime is a perfect opportunity for the family to bond together.  Although both the parents and kids are busy, they try to organize family dinners to catch up and keep the familial bonds strong.

Be not afraid of help

There is no harm in seeking help – whether you are getting assistance from your parents, nannies or domestic helpers.  Sometimes all you need is an extra pair of hands to get you through the day, a set of listening ears to hear you out or even the sound advice of someone who has been through it.

Choose your battles

There is no point in arguing with your child over everything.  Set aside your ego and pick your argument.  Choosing your battles does not mean you are accepting what your kid is doing as right.   Instead, it is about letting the situation settle before you calmly advise the young ones on the right things.

Respect your kids (including their space)

Acknowledge that your kids are people in their own rights.  Jada sees her kids as little people and not as robots to control.  She said: ‘Staying out of kids’ space can teach them to be responsible for their own decisions and mistakes. Is it their room, or are they borrowing the space while they’re living in your house? If it’s theirs, then they should be able to do whatever they want with it. If it’s their clothes, they have the right to do whatever they want with those clothes. We have to give them some freedom to be who they are.’

Explore and Expose

While you set boundaries, always remember to let your children be who they are.  By allowing them to explore by themselves, they will learn to be more independent and respect things as well as other people.  Jada believe in allowing her kids the freedom to express their creativity and make their own choices is good for them.  Let them experience every activity possible as long as they are interested in it and it is within the limitations you have set.  As a parent, you too have to keep an open mind and learn along with them.

Sources: Bet.com, Showbizspy, OMG Yahoo

Photo credit: David Livingston/Getty Images, bable.com