Michael Jackson’s parenting style is back in the conversation. The late star, known for his often protective, unconventional, and deeply intentional approach to parenting, made sure not to spoil his three kids. According to his daughter, Paris Jackson, there was also a clear element of discipline that shaped how she and her brothers grew up.
Paris has openly shared details of a system that the singer implemented so their everyday childhood desires became learning opportunities. “Our father made us use books as currency,” Paris said, describing a household where rewards had to be earned through reading.
© Getty ImagesThe “Books as Currency” Rule Explained
As reported by Soy Carmín, this rule was strict in execution. Which means if the children wanted something — especially toys — they had to work for it intellectually. “The rule was simple: if they wanted five toys, they had to read five books,” Paris explained per the publication.
And it wasn’t enough to flip pages; the Jackson kids had to explain what they learned, which shows that Michael Jackson was insisting on comprehension.
© Getty ImagesSo in this context, calling Michael Jackson “strict” depends on how you define the term. Based on Paris Jackson’s account, his approach wasn’t about punishment but intellectual development.
Discipline and Affection
Paris has also spoken warmly about her father in other contexts, emphasizing that she experienced him as loving and supportive, describing him as “the best father you could ever imagine,” as reported by Vocal.
Speaking with Naomi Campbell in a YouTube interview, Paris Jackson doubled down, saying that Michael Jackson made sure that they were “cultured”.
© Getty Images“My dad was really good about making sure we were cultured, making sure we were educated, and not just showing us like the glitz and glam, like hotel hopping, five-star places,” Paris said. “It was also like, we saw everything. We saw third world countries. We saw every part of the spectrum.”
“Even growing up it was about earning stuff,” Paris said. “If we wanted five toys from FAO Schwarz or Toys ‘R’ Us, we had to read five books. It’s earning it, not just being entitled to certain things or thinking ‘oh I got this’,” she added. “It’s like working for it, working hard for it, it’s something else entirely, it’s an accomplishment.”
