Reba McEntire, the renowned country singer and actress, has always been admired for her down-to-earth personality. However, in a recent interview, she made a surprising revelation about her parenting approach, which might challenge the common perception of her country roots.
Growing up on a ranch in Oklahoma, Reba’s upbringing played a significant role in shaping her values and principles. Her parents instilled in her the importance of responsibility and punctuality. “If you tell somebody you’re going to be somewhere at a certain time, you show up,” she recalled. This upbringing influenced her parenting style when she had her son Shelby in 1991.
Reba was determined to raise Shelby with the same values she had learned from her parents. She made a conscious effort to balance her fame with her role as a mother. Despite being a famous musician, Reba ensured that Shelby had a grounded upbringing. She never let him win at games or cards, teaching him the value of hard work and humility.
Reba’s parenting approach was not without its challenges. She had to make difficult choices to ensure Shelby didn’t grow up with an inflated sense of entitlement. She recalls telling Shelby, “I’ll always love you, but I want other people to like you. So don’t be a little jerk. Don’t be a spoiled brat.” This approach has paid off, as Shelby, now a race car driver, has grown into a kind and humble individual.
Reba has also been open about Shelby’s ADHD diagnosis and how it affected his childhood. Despite the challenges, Shelby has grown into a voracious reader and a determined individual. Reba credits her ex-husband Narvel Blackstock for being an excellent co-parent and acknowledges that having Shelby changed her life for the better.
Reba’s love for her son is evident in the way she talks about him. She beams with pride when discussing his accomplishments and is grateful for the bond they share. When Shelby recently got married, Reba was overjoyed, and the fairytale-like ceremony at Walt Disney World was a testament to their close relationship.
Reba’s parenting approach may not be conventional, but it has undoubtedly worked for her and Shelby. Her willingness to be honest about her experiences and challenges serves as a reminder that parenting is a journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
