American businesswoman and model, Kim Kardashian is fighting criticism of her parenting style, especially toward her 12-year-old daughter, North West, making one point very clear: she isn’t trying to be her daughter’s “best friend,” and that doesn’t mean she’s letting her do whatever she wants.
In a candid conversation on Khloé in Wonder Land, hosted by her sister Khloé Kardashian, Kim addressed recent online commentary about North’s bold fashion choices, from vibrant hair colors and faux facial piercings to a dermal piercing that ignited particular backlash. Some critics argued that these looks were inappropriate for someone North’s age and that Kim was too indulgent.
Kim said much of the outside judgment stems from misunderstanding her approach. “I think the one misconception that people might have is like, ‘Oh, she’s trying to be her bestie and lets her get away with a lot,’” she explained.
“Like, no. Northy actually has a lot of rules. The one area I do let her express herself, and I do let her do that. I love her for that, and she would do it regardless.”
Rather than shirking parental responsibility, Kim emphasized that boundaries are very much part of their home life. While North is afforded freedom in self-expression, that doesn’t replace structure or expectations.
She acknowledged that outsiders don’t fully understand “what we have to manage” in raising a child in the public eye, and stressed that her decisions are rooted in parenting, not popularity.
Kim also pointed out that North’s flair for creativity isn’t a sudden development. Photos from as early as pre-school show her experimenting with colorful braids and playful accessories, something Kim says she’s always encouraged. “She really is who she is and always has been that girl, and I nurture her,” she said.
She also spoke about North’s close bond with her father, Kanye West, revealing that music plays a major role in their relationship. Kim shared that North connects deeply with Kanye through music, often working with him in the studio, listening to beats, and discussing creative ideas.
She described how those moments allow North to feel understood and inspired, especially since Kanye recognizes and nurtures her artistic side.
Kim acknowledged that this musical bond has strengthened their father-daughter relationship and given North a creative outlet she genuinely loves.
Despite public opinion, Kim stressed that co-parenting with Kanye means respecting the unique ways each parent connects with their child. While Kim focuses on structure, routine and emotional grounding, she appreciates that Kanye contributes creatively, particularly through music
The reality star’s comments come amid a broader conversation about celebrity parenting and public scrutiny.
North has garnered attention not only for her looks but also for her presence on social media and creative pursuits like music.
Rather than distancing herself from those aspects of her daughter’s life, Kim has highlighted them as parts of North’s personality that she supports, again, within a framework of guidance rather than laissez-faire friendship.
Ultimately, Kim Kardashian’s message was straightforward: parenting isn’t about being your child’s peer. It’s about balancing encouragement with limits, even when the world watches every choice.
