Jennifer Hudson Discloses Her Experience Raising a Black Teen Son and the “Many Layers He Has to Learn”

Jennifer Hudson is cautious in the advice she gives to her son David and his pals.

The EGOT winner, 41, appears on the September cover of Real Simple, where she discusses taking son David Daniel Otunga Jr., 13, and a group of his relatives and friends to the White House earlier this summer to perform at the inaugural Juneteenth event there.

“I want my son, as well as his cousins and friends, to be a part of those things.” Little David has a huge heart and is always looking for ways to include others. “So I said, ‘I’ll sing, but I’ll bring my boys,'” she explains.

“And I told the guys, ‘When you all get old and have children, you’re going to say, ‘I was there for the first Juneteenth.'” And being able to perform for it is something I’ll never forget.”

This autumn marks an important milestone for the couple, as Hudson returns for a second season of her namesake talk show while her adolescent begins high school.

“David and I make fun of the fact that we’re both starting a new school year!” “My son has a busy schedule, and I love being there for him, so I’m learning how to balance this newness,” she adds of the time.

“I used to hold your hand and drive you to the park. Now I’m wondering, “How do I mother you?” I’m figuring it out. And how do we survive in this new environment?”

“My son goes to a predominantly white school, and he has giant hair, an entire afro,” Hudson says. He likes to stroll in with his huge old ‘fro and pick in his hair. ‘Do you know the statement you’re making?’ I ask. Know that simply having your hair like that makes a statement.'”

Hudson claims David, who will turn 14 later this month, is “very rooted in who he is and OK with that.” Hudson shares David with ex David Otunga, whom she divorced from in November 2017 after a decade together.

“As a mother of a Black son, you have to make him conscious of certain things—who he is in the world.” And there are so many layers to learn! He is, however, at an age to completely comprehend it. And he’s matured beyond anything I could have imagined.”

Hudson appreciates that David and the other lads “know how to act and behave.”

“The more responsible you demonstrate, the more you are permitted to do.” “My main concern for little David is getting his priorities in order,” she says.

“Knowing that education comes first, clean your room, and help around the house.” Discover ways to assist and contribute. Those are the things he is learning.”