Jada Pinkett Smith Has Heartfelt Talk with Her Children, Blows Us Away with Her Parenting Approach
In the Red Table Talk Facebook Watch show, Jada Pinkett Smith and her children Jaden and Willow, along with her mother Adrienne Banfield-Norris, share their extremely personal experiences and thoughts on big issues.
Pinkett recently spoke about believing in her kids, knowing they will make the best decisions, and raising them to be independent.
Jada Pinkett Smith's inspiring parenting approach
This particular episode discusses the ups and downs of parenting, and the difference between how Jada was raised by her own mom, and how Jada and Will raise their own kids. For example, Jada’s mother Adrienne points out that Jada’s kids have had “too much say in their own lives.”
When Jada was growing up and asked why she was told to do something, her mom would say “because I said so!” but Jada’s parenting style is all about allowing her kids to make their own decisions.
“I don’t want to make decisions for you,” Jada says. “I want to prepare you to have power over your own life.” Adrienne agrees that she had a sense of “ownership” over Jada that Jada does not have over her own kids.
How it impacted Jaden and Willow
Willow agrees that too much coddling can harm a child’s ability to live on their own and make their own decisions. Jada has less access to some areas her kids’ lives, and this helps them to know how to live their lives as their own.
“The sooner I let him go, the faster he was going to come back.” Jada says of Jaden, and allowing him his independence to make his own decisions and live his life on his own.
It was that independence to make their own decisions that gave the Smith children the confidence to lead their life on their own at early ages.
“What motivates you and what you think is important is completely different than what was in my engine,” Jada says to her kids, explaining why this freedom was important, because they are their own people with their own needs, and she needed to let them discover what those needs are on their own.
Looking for a fun resource for you and your children? Check out our article on the wisdom of Winnie the Pooh.
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.