Jada Pinkett Smith Reflects On The Importance Of Fatherhood And Family

Richard April 17, 2025

You might think having Will Smith as a dad would be an unforgettable experience, and you’d be right. But Jada Pinkett Smith wants to make sure her kids truly understand just how lucky they are to have him in their lives. In a heartfelt moment on her Facebook Watch show, Red Table Talk, the 49-year-old opened up about her own childhood and the absence of a father figure. This conversation wasn’t just any ordinary chat; it included her brother Caleb, her 17-year-old daughter Willow Smith, and guest Adrienne Banfield-Jones.

Will Smith as a Father: Jada’s Reflections

During the show, Jada shared a poignant memory about watching Will raise Willow. “I remember going through a stage with Will, watching him father Willow, and I was just like, ‘Oh my god, I’ll never have that! Ever!’” she said. Jada admitted that seeing Will’s dedication and love for their children made her reflect on her own childhood. It wasn’t always easy for her growing up without a father figure, and she wants her kids to appreciate what they have.

She often tells Willow, “Listen, I know your dad’s not perfect, but my god, you have a daddy.” It’s something she cherishes deeply, knowing that her kids have something she didn’t. “That is the one thing, to be able to give my kids something I didn’t have and be able to watch it,” Jada said with emotion. Watching Will be an amazing dad has been a gift she never expected.

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Learning to Focus on What Matters

Jada took the opportunity to reflect on her own upbringing, emphasizing the importance of shifting focus from what’s missing to what’s thriving. “What I had to stop looking at was that something was wrong or something wasn’t right, because poor little Jada didn’t have a daddy,” she explained. Instead, she learned to focus on the positives in her life. “Focus on what’s going well,” she advised, a lesson she hopes her children take to heart.

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Jada’s Openness on ‘Red Table Talk’

This isn’t the first time Jada has used her platform to dive into deeply personal topics. On previous episodes of Red Table Talk, she’s discussed everything from not being ready to divorce to revealing her past relationship with Alfonso Ribeiro, aka Carlton Banks. Her candidness has sparked reactions from fans and even her own kids, who reportedly asked her to tone it down a bit. But when you’ve given your kids such a comfortable life and the freedom to pursue their passions—whether in music or on social media—you’ve earned the right to say whatever you want about your family.

Jada’s willingness to open up about her life and struggles shows her commitment to authenticity and connection. Whether it’s sharing her thoughts on fatherhood or reflecting on her own upbringing, her honesty resonates with audiences worldwide. And let’s be real, her voice? It’s like velvet—perfect for narrating our next audiobook.