Will Smith is seemingly regretting he and Jada Pickett-Smith’s unconventional parenting approach.
He recently visited the U.K for a sit down interview with the “Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden” radio show. The Academy Award actor is kicking off his press run in promotion of his upcoming tour.
During the episode, Smith was candid about the hurdles of raising his children. He shares Jaden, 26, and Willow, 24, with wife Jada Pinkett Smith. He also shares a son Trey Smith, 32, with ex-wife Sheree Zampino.
When asked by host Jamie Theakston if Jaden “does what Dad tells him to?,” Smith admitted “he does not.” Co-host Amanda Holden expounded further, questioning what his parenting approach was when his children were younger.
“We made a very, very, very terrible mistake with our children and we went with radical honesty. Don’t do it. I’m not advocating for it,” he warned with a smile.
“The Pursuit of Happyness” actor explained, “We made a deal from like really young with our kids. The deal was if you tell the truth, you won’t get in trouble. The only way you can get in trouble in this house is if we find out you did something and you don’t tell the truth.”
The unconventional tactic wrecked his peace of mind. “It’s a mistake … It’s terrible … They do whatever they want and they just come tell you. It’s awful. Don’t try it. You want your kids to lie. You definitely — you don’t want to know some of the stuff your kids are thinking and doing,” Will half-jokingly told the hosts.
Smith recently brought out Jaden during a Father’s Day performance at London’s Wembley Stadium on Sunday (June 15).
“Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there,” Smith called out as Jaden embraced his dad before walking off stage. “That’s my guy right there.