Gabrielle Union shares why embracing motherhood later in life is worth it: 'It's changed my life'

On one's journey of parenthood, there is much to do to ensure that they impart the right things to their children. However, to do this, it is ideal that they are prepared as a person first. Actress Gabrielle Union-Wade recently shared a video on Instagram in which she explains why it is better to heal and prepare yourself—no matter how much time it may take—before welcoming a child into your life. In the video, Union explained why she was grateful and content with her decision to become a mother later in life to her 8-year-old daughter, Kaavia.

The actress, who is also stepmom to her husband and former basketballer Dwayne Wade’s three children, explained how she is able to give her best as a mother because she was well-prepared for the same. She shared a video in collaboration with PROUDLY (@theproudlyco)—a skincare brand for babies, founded by Union and her husband—where she said: “People always ask me, “Was it worth it? Having kids later in life? There’s a lot that goes into that answer, but in a nutshell, hell yes! It’s worth it.” She then shared that being a mother changed her life in several wonderful ways.

“It does make me wish I had done it earlier just so that I’d have more time to spend with Kaav, even more time as a mom,” Union added. She then stressed the fact, “For me, I became a mom at the right time. I was healed and I committed to healing internally so I didn’t pass all that generational trauma onto Kaav.” Union further explained that even being “a day younger” or having her baby a few years earlier would have led her to pass on several unhealed traumas. She added that she aimed to provide a healthy childhood like most parents, which does not work out for many due to parents’ unhealed traumas and responses to those emotional baggages.

“I didn’t really get into healing, my soul’s healing, my trauma healing, even my aura, if you will,” the mom added. She honestly revealed that she wouldn’t have been able to take care of herself, “let alone a little miracle,” due to her past experiences. Union concluded her video by saying, “So yes, for me, it’s worth it. She’s the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Union and Wade have been doing a brilliant job with parenting. With two daughters, Kaavia and Zaya and two sons, Xavier and Zair, Wade also became the legal guardian to his nephew Davehon. Their parenting advice and approaches have often been applauded and looked up to.

In an interview with CNBC, Wade summed up parenting in one line when he said: “Showing up is half the battle. If I just show up and sit around Zaya [Dwayne’s daughter] for a couple of hours, she gon’ tell me everything I need to know. Because you’re there and you’re present, and it’s important.” 

Union captioned her video, “Choosing to heal past traumas was the best preparation for motherhood.” She received thousands of views and several fellow parents acknowledged and agreed with her opinion. @rosen_decluttercoach said, “Everything in its time.” @trish.a.white said, “This is so good!! And so worth the listen!”