Nick Cannon Slams The Term ‘Co-Parenting, Says It Can Be 'Dangerous'
By Chukwudi Onyewuchi on August 13, 2025 at 8:30 AM EDT
Nick Cannon is getting real about parenting, and he is not sugarcoating his feelings.
The father of 12 recently opened up about why he refuses to use the term “co-parenting,” calling it misleading and even “dangerous.”
Speaking on his podcast “Nick Cannon @ Night,” the TV host explained that his unique family dynamic doesn’t fit the label, and that the word itself can create unnecessary division between parents.
Instead, he believes the focus should be on unity, understanding, and prioritizing the children.
Nick Cannon Shares His Thoughts On 'Co-Parenting'
Cannon’s parenting style has been a major topic of discussion over the last few years.
During a recent episode of his Wondery podcast, "Nick Cannon @ Night," X inquired about how the comedian manages co-parenting with dating, noting that it could be helpful to blended families.
In response, Cannon revealed he wasn’t comfortable with the term “co-parenting,” as he believed it should just be “parenting.”
The host said that putting “labels” on situations could often cause more harm than good, warning that it could become “dangerous” because it leads people to form preconceived ideas about someone’s actions.
“But also to your point, if I just step into every situation with respect and compassion and individuality. That's the other thing I always do with anyone I'm involved with in my life,” Cannon added.
Cannon Doesn’t Place Labels On His Baby Mamas
Nick Cannon also explained that he avoids grouping the mothers of his 12 children together, saying, “I don’t bunch them together. I really try my hardest not to be like, ‘Oh yeah, my baby mamas,’ you know, unless I’m telling a joke or something like that, but no one wants to be grouped into anything.”
He stressed that it is important to treat each woman as an individual rather than putting them under a single label.
The 44-year-old went on to reiterate that “everyone wants to be treated like an individual with respect and compassion.”
Elsewhere during the conversation, guest Flame Monroe asked him how many baby mamas he has, prompting “The Masked Singer” host to respond that he shares his 12 children among six mothers.
Cannon also stated that the six women don’t get along with one another.
Mariah Carey Talks About Co-Parenting With Nick Cannon
Despite having a large brood, Cannon ensures he’s present for all his kids.
In July, his ex-wife Mariah Carey spoke about co-parenting with the star, amid his narcissism diagnosis.
Speaking to Harper’s Bazaar UK, the 52-year-old, who shares twins Moroccan and Monroe with Cannon, revealed the kids spend quality time with both of them.
“They spend time with him, and they have a good time; they spend time with me, and they have a good time,” Carey said.
The five-time Grammy winner said her parenting approach is shaped by her own experience of growing up with divorced parents.
Carey explained that she wanted to ensure she was always fair about the situation because it could be difficult for children in that position.
Cannon Doesn’t Want His Daughters To Date Men Like Him
Nick Cannon may pride himself on being a good father, but not the perfect partner.
Recently, the rapper opened up on Extra about how fatherhood has transformed his outlook, particularly when it comes to his daughters’ future relationships.
The star said he didn’t want his daughters to follow in his footsteps and end up with men like him.
Cannon explained that raising five daughters prompted him to rethink his choices and become more authentic, leading him to live differently than he had before.
He added, “I can’t live the same life that I’ve always been living and attempt to right my wrongs in that sense of where like hopefully my daughters learn from my mistakes and not date people like their dad.”
Fans Slam Nick Cannon’s Statement
Although Cannon’s comments may have come from a genuine place, fans were not having it.
They took to social media to slam the actor, calling his comments inappropriate.
On Reddit, one user wrote, “So, his message is: ‘Don’t grow up to be like your mother.”
A second fan asked Cannon to also advise his sons. According to them, it was important for the little boys to know their father’s mistakes and learn from them.
A third fan commented, “‘Girl Dads’ like this are the worst. Hypercritical of their daughter’s choices. But do f-ck all to help their sons make better choices. Ensuring the cycle of self doubting women and c-cksure abusive men like them continues.”
