When it comes to being a #dadgirl, NBA legend Dwayne Wade is all-in when he is experiencing every aspect of his daughters world, including doing “all the princess things.”
The 42-year-old told TODAY that when he is enjoying father/daughter time with his youngest daughter, five-year-old Kaavia James, there is nothing that is off limits.
“We dance. We sing. We play Barbie all the time. We do all the princess things. I actually let her put makeup on me, whatever she wants to do. I’m that dad.”
In terms of his father/daughter time with his 16-year-old daughter, Zaya Wade, things are a little different with their bonding time, as Wade began spending time with Zaya as a daughter when she was 12 when the teen came out as transgender.
“I was blessed with Zaya [as a daughter], but I got Zaya at 12,” he said in his interview. “In terms of a father-daughter connection, I got that later with Zaya. But with Kaavia, it’s been from birth, and she’s so different than Zaya. It’s not even close.”
When it comes to parenting, as he is in the spotlight, Wade feels like it is essential for him to speak out about what it means to be a father because of his platform. He knows that the eyes of the world are watching.
“I try to speak loud and proud because I have the platform and microphone to do it.” Wade added that he is trying to “lead by example the life that I know and the father I want to be.”
So, what is one piece of advice that Wade his given his family that will help us all bring more positive vibes into 2024. “Ignore the hecklers.”
As he concluded his interview, Wade said that he wants to focus on “getting rid of the hate and bringing it into love.”
That’s one lesson that can extend to everyone.
Dwyane Wade and his wife, actress Gabrielle Union, are raising four children: Zaire, 22, Zaya, 16, Xavier, 10, and Kaavia, 5. Wade is also the legal guardian of his nephew, Dahveon Morris, 21.
Photo: Dwyane Wade Instagram; Zaya Wade Instagram