By: Yvette Manessis Corporon
When it comes to raising children, Tina Knowles knows what she’s talking about. Beyoncé’s beautiful mom took some time from her crazy-busy schedule to fill momlogic in on the secrets to raising a superstar — and to building a beautiful mother-daughter bond like the one she and Beyoncé are famous for.
“I am very fortunate that I have such close relationships with both of my daughters,” Tina tells momlogic. “I not only enjoy a really great friendship with both my girls, but also a close mother-daughter bond as well.”
Mother-daughter bonding (like beauty and talent) definitely runs in the family. “I enjoyed a close relationship with my mother, who set a wonderful example,” says Tina. “As such, I have always tried to be as open and honest as possible with the girls growing up. I let them know they could always come to me with anything — and I would be there to support them.”
Tina admits that, like with any family, their relationship isn’t without its arguments and squabbles — but she says that those tough times are nothing compared to the good ones. “The amazing memories I have of them as children and watching them become who they are today truly outweigh any disagreements we may have had — and every family has them!” she says. “But there were never any serious difficulties with my girls. We always kept them well-protected and maintained family as a priority in our lives.”
Sasha Fierce’s mama is fierce in her own right. Incredibly protective of her girls, Tina admits that the toughest part of having a superstar daughter is the prying eyes of the paparazzi and tabloids. “Hearing untrue rumors and protecting them from the negative side of the entertainment industry is the biggest challenge,” she says. “It can be exhausting.”
As exhausting as it is, Tina always finds time and energy to devote herself to her House of Dereon clothing empire. Consisting of three separate lines — House of Dereon, Dereon and Miss Tina — the company allows Tina to indulge in her love of all things fashion. It’s a passion she’s always shared with her girls. “Beyoncé, Solange and my adopted daughter, Kelly Rowland, and I have always bonded over fashion,” she says. “We spent hours poring over the latest fashion magazines and rummaging through the local fabric stores for fabrics and notions when they were growing up. I am sure they have stories to share over the many hours spent in those fabric stores!”
All you stage moms in the making, listen up: Tina has some advice. “First, realize that children don’t come with an instruction book,” she says. “Trust me: You will make mistakes, and the important thing is to admit that you are human and not perfect and [to not] take it personally.” She says that what you do behind the scenes is just as important as what your wannabe little star does up on stage. Also, “rebelliousness is normal when children are finding their own independence,” she says. “[But] this too shall pass.”
Though she’s a woman whose life takes her around the world with first-class travel and five-star hotels, this rocking mama makes sure she remembers what’s really important in life. Ask Tina what she’s most grateful for, and she’ll tell you it’s this: “Just to have my family happy and healthy!”
And oh yeah: If you’re reading this, Beyoncé, your mom tells us that she wants more grandchildren. We’re just sayin’.
Yvette Manessis Corporon is an Emmy award-winning writer and producer. She is also the coauthor of “Peeing in Peace: Tales and Tips for Type A Moms.” Yvette lives in New York with her husband and two children.