Grammy-nominated music artist and activist Wayne Hardnett Jr., aka “Bone Crusher” is the father of five children.
Hardnett decided being a father to his kids was more important than being away from them for long spans of time. Shortly after the birth of his two youngest children and the release of his hit single “Neva Scared,” Bone Crusher took a hiatus from making music until they turn ten years old.
How did you create balance for your kids while working in the entertainment industry?
My children grew up in the music business. My kids are well-rounded because they got the chance to experience in a way that most kids don’t. [They also] got the chance to experience a real home and loving environment that I created for them. It made them become better citizens and humans. Not just better children.
What is your parenting style?
I try not to be so overbearing and have an open mind towards what my kids want to do in the future. [I told myself] whenever I had kids I would make sure that if there’s anything they want in life, it’s possible to do it. I like to be encouraging towards my children. I’m firm, but I try my best to make sure I’m not judgmental.
How important is keeping your word with your children?
It’s very important to keep your promises. When I tell them that it’s a go, they know it’s going to happen. That to me means so much because that’s what I was raised on. My Grandpa always told me “if I promise you [then] it’s going to happen. If it’s a maybe then it might not happen.”
What’s one of your fondest memories of your father?
We always would go to Alabama [in] one of his amazing cars. That trip meant so much to me because it was just me and him. My fondest memory [was how] he always supported me in my music career. He always told me “never stop, never quit, stay true to what you are doing and go for it.”
What’s one life lesson that you feel you should’ve been taught in your younger years?
I think kids should know all the shortcomings [and] problems that the family has as they get older. [It makes them] more responsible. When we are kids we see our parents as our idols [or] more messed up. I think people would have better psychological growth if they knew the shortcomings as well as the triumphs.
