Kim Kardashian Sets the Record Straight on North West Parenting: “I’m Not Her Bestie”
By Alexus Mosley
Kim Kardashian is setting the record straight about her parenting style. Amid online chatter claiming she lets her 12-year-old daughter, North West, do whatever she pleases, the SKIMS founder opened up on sister Khloé Kardashian’s podcast, Khloé in Wonderland, on January 21.
“I think like the one misconception that people might have is like, ‘Oh, she’s trying to be her bestie and lets her get away with a lot,’” Kim explained. “Like, no. North actually has a lot of rules. The one area is I do let her express herself, and I do let her do that. And I love her for it.”
Kim added with a laugh that North would “do it regardless,” referencing her daughter’s bold choices, which have included dyeing her hair, getting finger piercings, and experimenting with fake facial tattoos, colored contacts, and other forms of self-expression.
The reality star noted that it’s easy for outsiders to criticize her parenting, but no one truly knows what it’s like to manage her family life behind the scenes. “I think that no one knows unless they’re in my shoes of what I’m dealing with,” Kim said. “How we have to manage certain things from the outside world, or even close in our life, that we have to go through together.”
Raising her four children (North, 12, Saint, 10, Chicago, 8, and Psalm, 6), Kim explained how her approach has evolved over the years. While North and Saint had devices at a young age, Chicago and Psalm will have to wait, reflecting lessons Kim has learned as a mother. “I wouldn’t change anything,” Kim concluded. “I have such a great relationship with my kids—they love me, they respect me, they’re great. Every kid has phases and growing moments and learning moments, and we’ve gotten through all of that.”
Kim’s comments make it clear that she’s not trying to be North’s best friend, but she values her daughter’s individuality while maintaining boundaries and rules.