Kehlani Reveals The Secret To Healthy Co-Parenting With An Ex
Talented singer and songwriter Kehlani recently appeared on The Breakfast Clubwhere she discussed spiritual healing, new music, and more. But, the highlight of the conversation was definitely her updates on Mom life. She looked to be in a genuinely happy place, and it seems like her daughter is a large part of the reason for that. Which makes perfect sense, considering real fans know she has always been about the Mom life.
Three years ago Kehlani surprised everyone when she announced her pregnancy in a viral Instagram post. The since-deleted caption read:
"If you know me, you know I've dreamt about motherhood since I was very young. When asked what my goals are, it's always the idea of a big healthy happy family and whatever comes along is a plus."
Kehlani's relationship with her own family is complicated. When she was born, both of her parents were addicted to drugs. And by the time she turned one, her father had been murdered and her mother was incarcerated. Fortunately, she was later adopted by her aunt. And although this was a major blessing, life was still far from easy. However, I'd like to think that all of these things may have contributed to her desire for a happy and healthy co-parenting reality.
In 2018, Kehlani revealed her then relationship with co-parent guitarist, Javaughn Young-White via Nicki Minaj's Queen Radio show. In the interview, she shared many personal details such as the fact that the pregnancy was planned, that the couple started as friends, and that they were both bisexual. She said:
"We just really appreciate each other as human beings, and it's been really awesome to be understood."
The conversation sparked a great deal of dialogue surrounding sexuality and parenting.
Fast forward to today and they are still on the same page! Although they are no longer an item, they still have the same goal, creating the best life for their child, daughter Adeya Nomi. She tells The Breakfast Club:
"Her dad's awesome and he's super fluid when it comes to my career. So he's like, 'You want me to come with her and just we all hang out? And we'll go back and forth?' We just have a great system and we're a great co-parenting team. We'll take it as it comes."
And when Charlamagne questioned the rarity of such a positive co-parenting situation versus baby-mama drama, her response was a whole gem.
"I mean, I can't exactly apply it necessarily to my situation but I think people have a bad habit of viewing each other as 'exes' instead of viewing each other as 'co-parents.' And then they like, they apply 'ex drama' and 'ex attention' and 'ex...chaos' when really at the moment you guys become parents, you guys need to view each other as literally whoever this baby's parents [are]. That's it. All that 'ex' thing needs to go out the window."
By taking away "the dreaded ex" component, it's just all about family, and for Kehlani that removes a lot of the potential nonsense.
"You're 'Team Baby' and if you guys aren't functioning as the proper team, then the only one that really comes down on hard -- super hard -- is the baby."
You can check out Kehlani's latest single, Alter, here.
Kehlani Talks Spiritual Healing, Co-Parenting, New Music + More
Featured image by Gotham/WireImage via Getty Images
Kirby Carroll grew up in VA but now calls Atlanta, GA home. She has a passion for creating content and helping brands grow through storytelling and public relations. When not immersed in work, you can find her sipping a mimosa at brunch or bingeing a new TV drama on Netflix. Keep up with her on social media at @askKirbyCarroll.
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
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Tubi has been gaining popularity due to its free sign-up and a vast selection of series and films. According to Deadline, the FAST (free ad-streaming television) service has seen a 14.7% growth from May and now has similar numbers to Disney+. So while many people have joked about Tubi having low-budget movies, the numbers don't lie.
In fact, I was one of those people who didn't get the appeal of Tubi, but the more I watched it, the more I enjoyed the content. They have some of our favorite TV series, such as Scandal and Star, as well as big films like the Fast and Furious franchise and cult classic Love & Basketball.
Tubi even has its own original movies and series that are just as entertaining. But while Tubi is on the come up, some of the low-budget movies and hood movies are still a must-watch. From Tubi originals to the hood movies, we've put together a list of shows and movies to add to your watchlist.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an original Tubi movie that stars Hailey Kilgore (Juke from Power Book III: Raising Kanan), Damon Wayans, and Pam Grier. It's a love story gone awry after a robbery turns deadly, and a young couple faces many challenges to make it out alive.
The Dirty D
The Dirty D is one of the first things I watched on Tubi, as many people highly recommended it. It's a series set in a Detroit club, and it has all the drama you can think of. Murder, drug dealing, cheating, greed, and more.
Black Men Don't Cheat
In this film, a young woman grapples with the death of her husband while also discovering his secret life, which puts her in danger.
Mother May I
This movie fully captivates the overbearing mother. However, the ending will shock you as she goes a little too far.
The Stepdaughter
When a young girl moves in with her dad and his new wife, a series of unfortunate events occurs. This Tubi original will keep your attention with every turn.
These Men For Everybody
These Men For Everybody is a film that highlights the tangled web of friendships and relationships and how you can't trust anybody.
Best Friend
What happens when your best friend is obsessed with you? This movie, which stars Serayah and Marques Houston, answers this very question and takes us on a ride in the process.
What's Done After Dark
What's Done After Dark shows us that everything isn't always what it seems. The twist at the end is a real doozy.
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