Why Jada Pinkett Smith's family doesn't do punishments

by

Sara McGinnis

posted in Celebrities

Jada Pinkett Smith believes she has good reason to take an unconventional approach to parenting. The actress, who is still raising 16-year-old son Jaden and 13-year-old daughter Willow with husband Will Smith, has opened up about their no-punishments policy.

"I think we have to have more trust in our children. People have always got on us about not punishing the kids, and let me just talk to you about that for a minute," she said while speaking to Health magazine for their October issue.

"We raised three kids before Willow and Jaden, and especially on my goddaughter, I put so many boundaries on her, 'No, you can't do that, you can't do this.' And everything I tried to control, every freaking thing I was trying to avoid, happened.

"I learned a lot from that experience and realized that while Willow and Jaden are still with me and have a safety net, I want to give them the opportunity to make mistakes and learn how to put boundaries on themselves. So by the time they're out of the house, they fly.''

As usual, the more I hear about the reasons behind the Smith family's choices the more I'm on board.

I grew up in a strict household with high expectations and many rules set in stone -- a fair portion of which I broke. I always believed that I was a good kid at heart, but wanted to make my own decisions in life. Often, doing so forced me into being sneaky, which I hated. Every once in a while I got caught and was punished, but quite often I got away with it.

My husband, on the other hand, was pretty much given free reign as long as his grades were good. He still did a bit of dumb teenager stuff, but for the most part was smart and responsible despite never having a curfew and not being constantly watched over.

As a parent, being overbearing and strict seems to be my natural instinct, but I'm mighty interested in other ideas.

Join the conversation

How were you raised? Do you think it worked? Will you do the same with your kids?

Photos: PR Photos

A look at how Will and Jada Pinkett Smith's kids have grown over the years: