Celebrity Baby Scoop: Taraji P. Henson says ‘You have to raise your children to be independent’

Posted in celebrity moms
by Lorain County Moms

By Desiree Fawn, McClatchy-Tribune

Taraji P. Henson’s most recent role brings her face to face with one of the most terrifying situations a parent could experience — the abduction of a child. “Taken From Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story,” is based on the dramatic true story of one mother’s daring rescue of her 6-year-old son who was kidnapped by his biological father and taken halfway across the world.

The 40-year-old actress, who starred alongside Brad Pitt in 2008′s “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” recently chatted with Celebrity Baby Scoop about the challenges of single motherhood, life as an African-American actress in Hollywood, and her new Lifetime Original movie.

Celebrity Baby Scoop: You’re a mom to 16-year-old Marcel. What’s it like to parent a teenager? Is he driving? Do you have rules regarding Twitter or Facebook?

Taraji P. Henson: Yes, actually I have rules for both Facebook and Twitter. I tell him that colleges check applicant’s accounts, so he better be careful! I check it from time to time too. He’s not driving yet — he was shown a video about drinking and driving and I think it spooked him. I’ll let him take his time with it; he’ll drive when he’s ready.

CBS: What are some of the parenting challenges you faced as a single mom?

TPH: I noticed with boys you have to push them harder. I remember being younger and my parents didn’t have to stand over me. I always had to stay on him, but it’s definitely clicking now — he’s getting it.

CBS: What’s the best advice you have for single parents?

TPH: Stay focused on your child; the more energy and time you put into them the more prepared they are for the world. It really pays off, but you can’t parent them forever, you have to raise them to be independent.

CBS: Tiffany Rubin’s story is one of the scariest experiences a parent can go through — did you identify with her character?

TPH: I love what she stood for and identified with her struggle — she wasn’t a victim. I would give my life for my child and I drew on that emotionally for the character. I use my personal experiences in all my work and that fear of losing a child was really easy for me to tap into.

CBS: What is your biggest struggle as an African-American actress in Hollywood?

TPH: For me, it’s about getting the studio execs to realize that I’m bankable. Black movies make money but they have to be done the right way and they have to be promoted properly.

CBS: How do you stay in such great shape?

TPH: I work out three times a week. I work out not to get buff, but because it makes me feel good. Actually, I’m a fat girl trapped in a skinny girl’s body! I work out so I can have that slice of cheesecake; I love to eat!

Celebritybabyscoop.com features daily updates on baby fashion, baby names, baby trends and up-to-the-minute celebrity baby gossip. Read more at www.celebritybabyscoop.com.