Renowned artist Usher, a recipient of multiple Grammy awards and a recent headlining act at the Super Bowl halftime show, recently shed light on the unique challenges associated with parenting while in the limelight during an interview on the Club Shay Shay podcast. The father of two teenage sons, Usher “Cinco” V, aged 16, and Naviyd Ely, aged 15, revealed that his boys often prefer him to maintain a low profile at their gatherings to avoid drawing unwanted attention.
Striking a Balance in Celebrity Parenting
In response to his sons’ preferences, Usher chooses to adopt a more subdued presence by positioning himself towards the rear of the venue. He emphasized the importance of finding a delicate equilibrium between being a supportive parent and ensuring that his celebrity status does not overshadow his children’s experiences. This balancing act poses a unique set of challenges that accompany the territory of celebrity parenting.
Instilling the Value of Diligence
In addition to managing his public persona, Usher is conscious of the privileges his children enjoy as a result of his fame. Residing in a lavish estate and benefiting from household assistance are luxuries that he deeply appreciates, and he stresses the significance of instilling an awareness of these privileges in his children. The musician underscores the necessity of imparting the value of hard work to his sons and acquainting them with the realities of their socioeconomic advantages.
Acknowledging the Burden of a Shared Name
Usher’s eldest son, Cinco, not only shares his father’s name but also bears the weight of the expectations associated with it. Usher empathizes with the pressure that his son must endure and underscores the importance of fostering open communication to alleviate some of this burden. He acknowledges the distinct “normalcy” that his children experience and endeavors to equip them with the skills to navigate their unique circumstances.
With two younger children, Sovereign Bo, aged 3, and Sire Castrello, aged 2, whom he shares with his partner Jenn Goicoechea, in addition to Cinco and Naviyd from his prior marriage to Tameka Foster, Usher’s parenting voyage continues to unfold. He underscores the importance of equilibrium and dialogue in effective parenting, emphasizing that empathy lies at the core of comprehending the distinct world in which his children are raised.