Fans and the media were highly critical; they shared and published comments about Jaden that I choose not to repeat. Jaden had diligently followed all of my guidance, and despite his efforts, he faced an overwhelming wave of public scrutiny. It was a difficult experience for him, and as a father, it was painful to watch him go through such intense public judgment. I had encouraged him to take risks, to put himself out there, and he had done exactly that—only to face a level of backlash that neither of us had anticipated. It was a learning experience for both of us, one that made me rethink the nature of fame and how it affects young artists.
As he reflected on the lessons learned from Jaden’s journey, he also shared insights gained from his experiences with his daughter, Willow, now 21. Raising children in the public eye came with unique challenges, and each of them handled it in their own way. While Jaden faced criticism for his creative choices, Willow had her own struggles as she navigated the music industry at a young age.
Following the success of her hit song “Whip My Hair” in 2010, Willow embarked on a month-long tour as the opening act for Justin Bieber. It was an exciting opportunity that many young artists would have dreamed of, but it didn’t take long for Willow to realize that life on the road was not what she had expected. The rigorous schedule, the constant travel, and the pressure to perform took a toll on her. She soon expressed her desire to conclude the tour after completing the European segment.
Smith reminded her of her scheduled performances in Australia and explained that she was expected to continue. He had believed that she would push through, just as he had done many times in his own career, but Willow had other plans. She wanted to take control of her own life, even if it meant making a drastic decision to prove her point.
“One morning, Willow happily walked into the kitchen for breakfast. ‘Good morning, Daddy,’ she said cheerfully as she made her way to the refrigerator,” Smith recalls in his new book.
“I was completely stunned—my energetic, confident, and aspiring global superstar had made a bold and unexpected choice. Overnight, Willow had shaved her entire head. It was her way of telling me that she was done, that she was serious about stepping away from the tour. She no longer wanted to be bound by expectations that didn’t align with her own desires.”
For Smith, this moment was a turning point. It made him realize that his role as a father wasn’t just about guiding his children toward success—it was also about listening to them, respecting their boundaries, and understanding that their dreams might not always align with his own vision for them. Willow’s decision to shave her head wasn’t an act of defiance, but rather an assertion of independence, a declaration that she was in control of her own path.
Looking back, Smith acknowledges that this experience helped him grow not only as a parent but also as a person. He learned that success isn’t just about pushing forward at all costs—it’s also about recognizing when to step back and prioritize well-being. Both Jaden and Willow taught him valuable lessons about resilience, self-expression, and the importance of staying true to oneself, even in the face of immense public pressure.
