Renowned artist and producer Pharrell Williams is not just a global music icon but also a dedicated father of four. During a candid discussion on Rick Rubin’s Tetragrammaton podcast, Pharrell delved into his parenting philosophy, revealing why he believes in being a “strict dad.” His approach is rooted in preparing his children for the realities of life by fostering resilience and empathy through what he calls “guided struggle.”
Pharrell, known for hits like Happy and Frontin’, emphasized the value of struggle in personal growth. “When parents say things like, ‘Oh, I never want my kids to struggle the way I did,’ you have to understand that your struggle made you a hard-working and critical-thinking individual,” he shared.
He continued, “When you don’t allow your kids to have guided struggle, they don’t develop the coping skills, they don’t have the courage, and they can’t deal with challenges. It oftentimes doesn’t end so well.”
For Pharrell, exposing children to life’s difficulties under a parent’s guidance equips them with the tools to face the world with strength and adaptability.
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Pharrell also believes in exposing his children to the challenges faced by others. The artist shared how his family spends time visiting homeless shelters and children’s hospitals, especially during the holidays.
“During the holidays, we go and feed the homeless. We go to different children’s hospitals where there are kids with conditions that aren’t curable—or haven’t been cured yet. That’s because they [my children] need to see what real coping skills and real courage look like,” Pharrell explained.
Through these experiences, he hopes to instill gratitude and a deeper understanding of the world in his children.
Pharrell and his wife, Helen Lasichanh, whom he married in 2013, are parents to four children: their eldest son, Rocket, 8, and 7-year-old triplets, whose names the couple has chosen to keep private. The couple met in 2000 and were friends for two years before their relationship turned romantic.
By combining love, discipline, and meaningful exposure to life’s challenges, Pharrell ensures that his parenting approach not only nurtures his children but also prepares them to thrive in a “harsh” world. Through his philosophy, he offers a perspective on how guided struggles can build stronger individuals ready to tackle life with empathy and resilience.
