Jada Pinkett Smith in 'Redbook' Says She Gave Up Music Career For Her Kids

Jada Pinkett Smith tells the August issue of Redbook that she gave up her music career for her kids.

"I had to make choices. Believe me, I would still be on the road with my band, Wicked Wisdom, and making as many movies as I can a year, and doing all sorts of other things if I didn't have the responsibility of a family."

"I have children with their own talents and dreams, and I know I have to be standing next to them for that journey."

"It was excruciating, completely excruciating," says Smith. "When Jaden was auditioning for 'The Pursuit of Happyness,' my band had just gotten an offer to open for Guns N' Roses in Europe. For me, that was unbelievable. But the choice was: I could be a rock star, or I could be on the set with my son to make sure he was healthy and happy. We all know how that story ended!"

As for what she would fear the most with her children?

"Let me tell you what I fear most: Them growing up like I did, in a house with drugs in a war zone, where if I walked out my door I could be shot. Hollywood ain't nothing compared to that!" she says. "Growing up in the streets of Baltimore, or the streets of Philly where Will grew up — I'd rather have my kids here. It still makes me nervous that they're part of something that isn't totally real, but it's up to Will and me to teach them what's real and what's not."

Jada has two children with her husband Will Smith and both are multi-talented kids, Jaden is an actor while Willow is a singer.

They defiantly followed in mom and dad's footsteps.

[Redbook]

(Photo: Redbook)