Will Smith Opens Up: How His Parenting Style with Jada Pinkett Smith Misfired for Willow and Jaden

Will Smith candidly admits that his parenting approach requires a robust constitution. The cinematic icon has largely shielded his private life from the public eye but recently shared insights on raising his three children. He is the father of Jaden, 26, and Willow, 24, with his spouse, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Trey Smith, 32, from his previous marriage to Sheree Zampino. During an interview on U.K.'s “Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden,” he revealed his struggle with parenting control, stating they erred by choosing radical honesty with their kids. He advised against this strategy, recounting, “We told them truth-telling would keep them out of trouble; however, it led to chaotic freedom.” Will humorously remarked about the challenges this honesty created, suggesting that sometimes it's better not to be privy to every thought and action of one's children. Jada, too, shared her parenting philosophy, focusing on partnership rather than authority in 2012.