Nick Cannon: ‘Raise a Bully’ or Be Bullied?

Parenting advice is a hot topic, and Nick Cannon has once again stirred the pot with his latest take. During a recent episode of his podcast, “We Playin’ Spades,” the entertainer shared a controversial parenting philosophy: he’d rather raise a “bully” than have his child be the one getting bullied. This statement has certainly got people talking!

Defending Yourself vs. Being Kind

Cannon, who has 12 children with various partners, discussed raising his three-year-old son, Legendary Love, with co-host Bre Tiesi. He expressed a strong belief that children need to know how to defend themselves. “I tell [him] do not hit girls, you can hit boys,” Cannon stated, explaining his reasoning.

He elaborated, “Because them other little boys try to test him. Nah, you gotta throw hands. You gotta teach your child how to defend themself. They are going to get into fights at school.” Cannon believes that confidence in knowing how to fight can be beneficial in life, ultimately concluding, “I’d rather raise a bully than for my child to ‘be bullied.’”

Fan Reactions and the ‘Trauma Response’

As expected, Cannon’s comments quickly sparked backlash on social media, with many fans advocating for raising children with kindness and empathy rather than aggression. The idea of intentionally raising a “bully” goes against conventional wisdom for many parents.

This isn’t the first time Cannon has opened up about his approach to fatherhood and his large family. In a previous interview with “The Breakfast Club,” he described siring 10 additional children after his divorce as a “trauma response.” He admitted to being careless and frivolous in his approach, driven by his ability to handle it financially and logistically, rather than a deliberate plan to have a large brood.

A Journey Through Fatherhood

Cannon’s journey through fatherhood is complex, marked by both joy and public scrutiny. He has 12 children, including twins Monroe and Moroccan with ex-wife Mariah Carey, Golden Sagon and Rise Messiah and daughter Powerful Queen with Brittany Bell, twins Zion Mixolydian and Zillion Heir and daughter Beautiful Zeppelin with Abby De La Rosa, son Legendary Love with Bre Tiesi, daughter Onyx Ice Cole with LaNisha Cole, and two children with Alyssa Scott: the late son Zen and daughter Halo Marie.

While Cannon emphasizes teaching self-defense, the conversation around parenting often highlights the importance of teaching children empathy, conflict resolution, and how to navigate social situations with kindness. It’s a delicate balance, and every parent’s approach is unique.