Gabrielle Union is known for her authenticity. In her books and engaging Instagram posts, the 49-year-old actress has tackled difficult subjects like divorce, therapy, surrogacy, and raising children in a blended family that includes a spirited toddler and a socially aware teenager. So when we broached the topic of parenting during a pandemic, Union was open about her experiences.
Juggling acting, producing projects like the recent Cheaper by the Dozen reboot on Disney+, and running several businesses—including a curl care line and a snack brand—Union and her husband, retired NBA star Dwyane Wade, are also dedicated to a baby skincare line, Proudly, which focuses on the unique needs of Black and brown children. This busy mom is indeed supporting multiple households!
In a recent conversation with author and advocate Jessica Lane, Union shared her thoughts on motherhood in challenging times.
Jessica Lane:
With everything on your plate, how do you manage being a mom during a pandemic?
Gabrielle Union:
Working from home means I’m on Zoom calls from morning until evening. I often feel drained by the end of the day, and I miss a lot of precious moments. But I push through for bath and story time, even if it feels rushed and guilt-ridden. I assumed I’d be more present by working from home, but the kids often feel like ghosts to me.
JL:
Balancing all of this must be tough.
GU:
Absolutely. I’m supporting three households, which means I can’t afford to just relax and be fully present. Therapy is crucial for me to manage the guilt and anxiety. I rely heavily on my support system—my sisters, my niece, my mom, and Dwyane’s mom. My mother, who at 60 adopted three children, has been a huge help. We also have nannies, but it’s still quite the juggling act with kids running to cheerleading, dance, and martial arts.
JL:
I agree; having a village is important.
GU:
Exactly! My dad often gives me a hard time about having help, but he used to drop me off at my grandparents’ house for hours. It’s okay to pay someone qualified for childcare.
JL:
Let’s talk about Proudly, your new baby care line. How did it come about?
GU:
When my daughter Kaav was just a few months old, she had a severe diaper rash. I reached out to my mom friends, and many dismissed it as normal. But the severity scared me, and I soon realized many mothers of color face unique skin issues with their babies. I consulted with my cousin, a pediatrician, and she emphasized the importance of Black dermatologists leading our product development. So we created Proudly to address these specific needs in a culturally sensitive way.
JL:
How does your relationship with your mother influence your parenting?
GU:
I reflect on my teenage years to better understand Zaya. I remember how I craved space and privacy, and now I try to give that to her while also checking in more than my mom did with me. As I watch my mom learn new things at 75, I appreciate her more than I did before.
JL:
How do you navigate parenting your daughters with different ages and needs?
GU:
The age gap helps prevent us from clustering our parenting approach. With Kaav, we can focus solely on her without needing to factor in other adults. We’ve learned to ask our kids how we can improve our parenting, which has been a humbling experience.
JL:
What about Zaya’s awareness of the current political climate regarding trans rights?
GU:
Zaya is very aware and politically engaged; her life literally depends on it. Our family stays informed and proactive about protecting our kids. We can’t afford to ignore the ongoing attacks on trans rights—it’s a global issue that requires direct conversation.
JL:
Has Zaya inspired you to take more fashion risks?
GU:
Absolutely! Zaya has her own unique style, and even though her school has uniforms, she uses weekends to express herself. She’s even turned down major modeling opportunities because she prioritizes her education. Her confidence comes from a strong sense of self-worth, which we foster through bedtime affirmations.
JL:
How do you keep the spark alive in your relationship with Dwyane?
GU:
We prioritize date nights with friends and spontaneous outings, whether it’s a drive along the coast or simple moments at home. We dance, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company, continually finding ways to reconnect.
For more insights into parenting, check out this blog post on home insemination techniques. If you’re looking for expert guidance, Intracervical Insemination provides valuable information on the topic. Additionally, the CDC offers an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
To summarize, Gabrielle Union balances a busy professional life while navigating motherhood with her husband Dwyane Wade. Through her new baby care line, Proudly, she aims to address the specific needs of children of color, all while supporting her family and advocating for social issues.