Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union are the cool parents! Whether it’s having a great connection with their kids or being vocal advocates for their rights, the two have set a new benchmark for other parents. Back in 2022, the basketball legend filed a petition on behalf of his daughter to change her name. “We take our roles and our responsibilities as parents very seriously,” Wade once said on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. While they are still learning and educating themselves, Union revealed how the two have always used one parenting rule for their kids.

In her latest interview with Dean Richards, the actress was asked about their kids and how their praiseworthy parenting is loved and appreciated by people. Speaking about her children, the actress mentioned how much she loves them. “We love them and we will literally do anything that we can within our power to ensure their safety, their protection, their peace, their very humanity, and their freedom,” Union said.

She added, “And for those parents who might shirk that responsibility, we’re here to be an example. If you need one, we’re here to offer resources and guidance and reassurement because we don’t know. We just figured it out. Like we were guided by one principle. We love our kids! And none of our kids are disposable. All of our kids, are wonderful and should have the same rights as everyone else to, to live their dream. And we fight for your kids too.”

Wade has three children from his previous relationship and is also the legal guardian of his nephew. In 2018, the Miami Heat legend and Union welcomed their daughter, Kaavia. Well, talking about kids, not every time can Union and Wade impress their kids, though. Upon discovering through Seventeen magazine that her eldest, Zaya, finds her TikTok videos cringeworthy, Union had the most hilarious reaction. 

“I thought it (Zaya’s Seventeen cover) was really awesome until I read the part about her not liking my TikTok dances, and I mean, it hurt!” Union said as she pouted. Zaya also mentioned how her father always scares her potential partners until his tough facade breaks to reveal his soft side. And well, this is what good parenting looks like! A good friendship despite the differences. Just recently, Union shared how Zaya is appreciated by her teachers for who she is.

Gabrielle Union reveals Zaya’s Teacher’s heartwarming reaction

During her recent interview with The View, the actress spoke about how Zaya’s school has a tradition where the teacher writes their thoughts about the students. Union shared that most of those notes have heartwarming messages. “And every time her teachers write about her, they’re like, ‘I’m actually crying as I’m writing this. You are such a pleasure in class. You add so much to the school community,” she said.

Union further added, “She is a good human being…Who she is amazing, but it’s because we love her so much and we protect her freedom and her humanity and her rights that she’s allowed to blossom.” Zaya will be turning 18 this year. Her parents initially had big plans for her milestone. The Wades love a little party. However, the teenager wanted a simple celebration. She wants a fake campfire and to roast marshmallows in the company of her close friends.

In another interview, the actress shared that the 17-year-old is also looking forward to Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s world tour for her birthday. The tour will begin in April and run through June. While it is certainly different from what Wade and Union had envisioned, they are happy with the simple celebration as well!