Will Smith reveals his biggest parenting mistake with kids Willow, Jaden, and Trey

Will Smith is reflecting on one of his biggest regrets as a parent. The 56-year-old actor says he now questions the advice he gave his kids, Trey, Jaden, and Willow, when they were growing up. 

Smith, who shares Trey, 32, with ex-wife Sheree Zampino and Jaden, 26, and Willow, 24, with Jada Pinkett Smith, told his children early on that they should never lie to their parents. At the time, he believed honesty would build trust. Now, he’s not so sure it was the right message.

However, Will has branded that parenting rule as a big mistake because he wishes he did not know about “some of the stuff” Jaden and Willow get up to.

In an appearance on the UK radio show Heart Breakfast with Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston, he explained: “We made a very terrible mistake with our children, and we went with radical honesty. Don’t do it!”

“I’m not advocating for it. We made a deal 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.”

“It’s a mistake. It’s terrible because 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 don’t want to know some of the stuff your kids are thinking of doing.”

© Kevin Mazur

Asked by Amanda if Jaden Smith will make an appearance on his dad and DJ Jazzy Jeff’s world tour, which is in support of Will’s first full-length album in 20 years, Based on a True Story, he said, “I can neither confirm nor deny the presence of Jaden Christopher Syre Smith.“

Jamie then asked: “Doesn’t he do what Dad tells him to do?” Will answered: “He does not! I’m touring all summer, so he’ll be popping in and out, for sure.”

© Jason LaVeris

Jaden made a surprise appearance at Capital’s Summertime Ball at Wembley Stadium, London, on Sunday for Father’s Day.

Will said on stage, “Ladies and gentlemen, this is my son Jaden. It’s a very good time to say I love you.” “Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there. That’s my guy right there.”