Gabrielle Union Opens Up About Parenting Styles In a Judgmental World: It’s OK To Nurture Your Child’s Interest, Even If Those Things Don’t Interest You”

Last week, social media erupted over the discussion of different parenting styles when it comes to girls and boys, and even gender roles. But now, in an exclusive statement to Baller Alert, Gabrielle Union is setting the record straight on the realities of parenting.

The conversation kicked off earlier this month after T.I. shared the intimate details about his 18-year-old daughter’s sexual history. Not only were social media users grossly disgusted by the admission and the blatant violation of privacy, but many also highlighted T.I.’s outdated parenting style.

Days later, Alicia Keys opened up about her own style of parenting, sharing an incident where her four-year-old son confided in her about being judged for rainbow nail polish. While many commended Keys for teaching her son the importance of self-expression, others condemned the singer for her response.

Despite the criticisms of both T.I. and Keys, Gabrielle Union, who welcomed her first-born more than a year ago and helps raise her step-sons with her husband Dwyane Wade, says, “It’s OK,” as there is no such thing as a perfect parent.

Union, who has faced her own waves of criticisms over her unwavering support of Zion after taking a family trip to Miami Pride, opened up to Baller Alert about how she’s able to raise her children in a world that’s filled with judgment.

 

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Always find your light baby girl ☀️? @kaaviajames ??❤??❤

A post shared by Gabrielle Union-Wade (@gabunion) on Nov 14, 2019 at 9:49am PST

“Just because you grew up one way doesn’t mean you have to repeat everything you were taught,” Union said, after highlighting her mother’s parenting style, which she revealed she’s loosely following.

“It’s OK to acknowledge that perhaps there’s a better, more loving, more compassionate way of raising kids than in previous generations. It’s OK to lead with love. It’s OK if your children aren’t exactly like you. It’s OK to nurture your child’s interest, even if those things don’t interest you. It’s Ok to evolve your thinking. It’s OK to not live in fear or judgment. There are no perfect parents or perfect children, so just breathe and do your best and lead with love and acceptance.”