Original Air Date:
Monday, May 18, 2010
Guests:
- Will Smith
- Jada Pinkett Smith
- Willow Smith
- Jaden Smith
- Trey Smith
- The Smith's extended family
Show Summary:
Actors, singers and producers Will Smith and his wife Jada Pinkett Smith along with their children, Willow, Jaden, and Trey, Will's son from his first marriage, sat down with Oprah to share the runnings of their entertainment family and their experience living in China while filming The Karate Kid.
Giving viewers an insight into how their family runs, Will and Jada shared how they developed a marriage business plan for the purpose and vision of their relationship and how they hold regular family meetings to ensure each person is defining their own excellence and how they took those family values with them to China.
Special Highlights:
This episode featured the following highlights:
- Will and Jada Smith have a vision for their relationship, marriage, and parenting to give their life a vision as to not get stuck in the murk of life.
- Will wants his children to "live in service to greatness" and help people through their excellence.
- All three children are pursuing their passions, including football, acting, and singing.
- The family's experience in China gave them a chance to work closely together and find a balance in their different styles.
What to Take Away from the Show:
Throughout this interview I was shocked at how Will Smith is able to balance an image of comedy and action with a home life of depth and sensitivity. The family was inspiring to see how they blend multiple relationships with Will's ex-wife and the raising of Trey with their marriage and two children. Putting their kids' needs first and working through the rest as they go is a great model for families struggling to blend past and current relationships where children are involved. Will Smith showed himself as a man of integrity as he spoke of his life as an entertainer and as a family man.