Alicia Keys is delving deeply into the practice of self-reflection. In a recent chat on The Drew Barrymore Show, the acclaimed singer delved into the lessons motherhood has imparted, particularly about her own self-awareness.

The 44-year-old musician shared how parenting has prompted her to become more attuned to her reactions. When Drew Barrymore confessed to sometimes being overwhelmed by her caring nature as a mother and sought advice, the “Fallin'” singer didn’t offer a one-size-fits-all solution. Rather, she emphasized the importance of remaining present.

“You have your instinct, and you know what you feel,” she explained to the host. “But we must also learn to distinguish ourselves from our children, which is a crucial point you’re highlighting.”

Keys and her husband, Swizz Beatz, are parents to a blended family that includes five children, with three from his previous relationships. This type of family structure undoubtedly presents various complexities, but Keys believes the true effort lies within oneself.

“We naturally have our own triggers and personal histories to navigate,” she remarked. “Recognizing that children are so pure and unblemished, we can pause and remind ourselves, ‘Wait a minute, that’s my baggage, not theirs. Let me take a moment to breathe.'”

Her takeaway from the conversation isn’t about being a perfect parent, it’s about noticing what old feelings kids can bring to the surface. “It’s just like these things, they bring up things in you, and you’re like, ‘Ah, wait a minute. Is that me, though? It’s probably me,’” she said.

The “Empire State of Mind” singer called children “… the most beautiful teachers…” 

“I think that’s why they’re the most beautiful teachers because they bring to light what we have to see in ourselves”.

The singer has spoken  before about motherhood being a turning point. In a 2021 interview with Bustle, she shared, “I know for sure that prior to it, I still didn’t know myself. I still didn’t understand my own worth and importance.”

That self-awareness is exactly what she hopes her kids learn. Speaking to People Magazine in 2024, she explained that she encourages all of her children to pay attention to their feelings and inner voice. 

“If you don’t know what you think or what you feel, it’s going to be hard for you. I feel like I’ve spent a lot of time not fully understanding or not trusting what I felt, and so I want to teach them to trust their instincts.”

Photo Credit: The Drew Barrymore Show Instagram; Alicia Keys Instagram