Gabrielle Union has struggled to find “balance” in her life. Her candid admission resonates with many working parents who face similar challenges juggling professional and family responsibilities.
“I felt much more conflicted about my lack of balance with Zaire and Dahveon because their needs were just different and they needed me to be physically present,” the 52-year-old actress admits that she’s struggled to balance her career in Hollywood with her responsibilities as a mother. Her honesty about these struggles has been praised by parenting experts who emphasize the importance of transparency about the challenges of modern parenthood.
The movie star – who has Kaavia, six, with Dwyane Wade, and is also the stepmother to Zaire, 23, Dahveon, 21, Zaya, 17, and Xavier, 11 – told Marie Claire magazine’s Motherhood Issue: “But there’s no balance. I can’t work in Atlanta 12 to 16 hours a day and think that I can have balance when I’m flying in on the weekends. Now I rely heavily on our village and there is zero shame in that.” Union’s comments reflect the reality faced by many working parents in demanding careers with unpredictable schedules.
Gabrielle acknowledged that she needs help from a team of people to raise her children. Her openness about requiring support challenges the persistent myth of the “supermom” who can handle everything independently.
“Not only do we have their long-term nanny, we’ve had mannies, we have family members, we have aunties, we have tutors, teachers, therapists. It’s all hands on deck,” the actress – who has been married to Dwayne since 2014 – said. “A lot of us have deep shame about that. But there is no balance. I had to give myself a ton of grace and be like, I can’t do it. I’m not even going to attempt having some kind of balance when none exists.” Her comments highlight the importance of community support in child-rearing, a practice common in many cultures around the world.
Zaya came out as trans when she was 12 years old, and Gabrielle sees it as her job to “keep her safe and protected”. Union and Wade have been widely praised for their supportive parenting approach.
“It’s who my child was born to be, who her soul dictates she is,” she said. “It’s my job to keep her safe and protected and educated and loved; and I can love her up in such a way that she can find community that exists outside of us for the rest of her life.” Their family’s public support for Zaya has been influential in changing perceptions about transgender youth and parenting.
Meanwhile, Dwayne previously acknowledged that fatherhood is “hard”. The former basketball star has been equally vocal about parenting challenges.
“We all know that being a parent is hard,” the former NBA star told E! News. “I mean, being a human in this world is hard. That’s just starting as just that – that’s not even putting black complexion to it.” Wade’s comments reflect the additional layers of complexity that come with raising children in America.
Union‘s career continues to thrive despite these challenges, with several major projects in development. She has become known for balancing powerful dramatic roles with comedic performances that showcase her versatility as an actress.
The couple’s relationship has been well-documented as one of Hollywood’s most supportive partnerships, with both parties frequently expressing admiration for each other’s parenting skills and professional accomplishments. Their blended family dynamics have been praised as a positive example of modern co-parenting.
Union has long been an advocate for women’s rights and equality, using her platform to address important social issues. Her willingness to discuss personal challenges contributes to breaking stigmas around working motherhood and the need for support systems.
Throughout her public appearances and interviews, Union has consistently emphasized the importance of authenticity in parenting. Her candid discussions about the challenges she faces have made her relatable to many parents dealing with similar struggles.
As both Union and Wade continue their respective careers while raising their children, they remain committed to creating a loving, supportive environment for their family. Their approach emphasizes authenticity, communication, and the importance of community support—values that resonate with many parents navigating similar challenges.
