Rihanna talks about parenting: I don’t want kids with tablets in their hands
In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Rihanna, who has two children with A$AP Rocky and is currently pregnant with her third child, spoke openly about how she is raising her children.
In a candid new interview with Entertainment Tonight, Rihanna — who shares two sons with A$AP Rocky and is currently pregnant with their third child — opened up about her parenting philosophy and the role her late father, Ronald Fenty, played in shaping it.
Rihanna, 36, revealed that her father, who passed away in May, had an enormous influence on how she approaches raising her children: RZA, 3, and Riot, 1.
“I always dreamed of what kind of grandfather I would be to them,” she reflected. “It prepared me for this role, to be adventurous, to love nature, to be fearless. That’s how I want to raise my boys. I want them to be outside, in nature. Not kids with tablets.”
The Grammy-winning artist went on to recall that her father was “the most fun” part of her childhood, often encouraging her to run barefoot, climb trees, and spend hours outdoors — experiences she says gave her a lasting sense of independence and creativity.
From Childhood Freedom to Modern Parenting Challenges
Rihanna’s comments paint a picture of an upbringing filled with fresh air and freedom — but they also touch on a larger cultural conversation about parenting in the digital age. In her view, technology should not replace active play and exploration, particularly for young children.
“I just want them to have that same kind of curiosity and courage I grew up with,” she added. “To love the world around them before they get too wrapped up in screens.”
However, what Rihanna likely intended as a heartfelt tribute to her father and a statement of her personal parenting style quickly became the center of a social media firestorm.
Backlash Over Privilege and Perception
While some fans applauded her emphasis on natural, screen-free childhoods, others accused the billionaire singer of being out of touch with the struggles of everyday parents.
One Reddit user wrote:
“Rihanna is a billionaire. I don’t want to be lectured on parenting by someone who probably has a playroom in a villa with staff watching their kids run ‘free,’ maybe on a private beach or by the pool, depending on the mood of the day. If Kim Kardashian had said this, 90% of you would call it ‘parental embarrassment.’”
Another echoed the sentiment, pointing to the singer’s financial freedom:
“She has access to high-quality care and staff. She’s not the one chasing after them all day — she can delegate. Most parents can’t afford that and don’t have the luxury of hours in nature without worrying about work, bills, or dinner.”
A third commenter added:
“It’s easy to say these words when you’re a billionaire. Try being a single mother, then we’ll talk.”
Supporters Defend Rihanna’s Stance
Despite the criticism, many social media users defended Rihanna, noting that her preference for nature-based parenting doesn’t automatically negate her privilege.
“Why do people get angry at a parent who is trying to do the best for her children?” one user asked.
Another shared their own experience:
“I grew up without electronics. We had one family computer, but we were outside all the time. I love that she’s trying to give her kids that kind of childhood.”
One supporter highlighted the developmental benefits:
“Children need to learn patience, problem-solving, and how to interact with others face-to-face. That’s harder to learn when you spend all your free time on a tablet.”
Does Rihanna Really Have Nannies?
Interestingly, Rihanna has previously stated in interviews that she does not employ a full-time nanny and prefers to care for her children herself, with help from A$AP Rocky and close family members. This detail was brought up by fans who argued that she might be more hands-on than critics assume.
“People just assume that because she’s rich, she’s not involved,” one fan commented. “But she’s said multiple times that she’s up at night with them, she changes diapers, she’s a mom just like anyone else — just with better shoes.”
A Conversation Bigger Than Rihanna:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(717x148:719x150)/rihanna-asap-kids-pics-091923-6-4f8e899a9de149e491d529fe47239010.jpg)
The debate sparked by Rihanna’s remarks reflects a broader parenting dilemma in 2025: how to balance technology use with real-world experiences for children. While wealth certainly provides resources that most families don’t have, the core question of how much screen time is too much remains universal.
For Rihanna, the answer seems clear: her children’s childhoods should mirror the joyful, barefoot days she once shared with her father — no matter how modern the world has become.
