Why J Balvin Prioritizes Teaching His Son About "Love and Being Happy"

J Balvin's parenting style is bound to strike a chord with everyone.

The award-winning artist—who welcomed his first child, a baby boy named Rio, with Valentina Ferrer in June 2021—recently opened up about why he's breaking away from the old-school mentality of parents, especially Latinos, not showing affection to their kids.

"We have to take responsibility because we're more conscious of how our parents used to be," J Balvin exclusively told E! News while promoting his Miller Lite partnership. "And I don't blame them and I'm not saying that they're not good, but it's the idea that you've got to be better than your parents."

He added, "Teaching my son about love and being happy, that's what I want him to be."

The JOSE singer explained that he's also not going to be one of those parents that puts "crazy pressure" on their kids.

"I don't want him to be the best of something, I want him to enjoy what he does and be happy," J Balvin said about his son. "That's my number one rule. Because once you're a happy person, it makes life feel better."

But the "Qué Más Pues?" artist pointed out that he's not the only one setting an example in his household. He shared that he's learned valuable lessons from his 19-month-son.

"I learned that I didn't want to grow up and pure our souls are when there's no fear, no worries," he noted. "They live in the present and that's the way we should live. That's why I wish I was a kid."

For J Balvin, being an adult with a plate full of responsibilities can be taxing. However, he's not afraid to express himself. As he puts it, "I always want to show how I really am because I'm human."

"I cried yesterday, what's wrong with that? It helps me," he continued. "When I see a man crying, it's not weakness. I see someone that has feelings and that is sensitive. I'm into being real and showing your emotions."

After all, the Colores singer is passionate about tearing down the stigmas associated with mental health struggles.

"Because I had moments, and thank God I haven't had those episodes again," he said. "I'm really open because I know how it is to live this."

J Balvin, who called himself "blessed" for taking medication to help with his mental health, explained, "I don't feel like, 'Oh s--t I have to live with this forever.' That's what really helps me swim and not get hit by the waves."

In addition to helping others with their well-being, he's offering financial support to lucky beer drinkers with the Miller Lite & J Balvin Tab program, which begins March 1. Moreover, the brand is bringing back the singer's limited-edition pints, and a portion of the proceeds, up to $150,000, will be donated to the Acción Opportunity Fund—which will provide funding to about 50 Latino business owners.

"Ever since I started as an artist," J Balvin recalled. "I always wanted help, someone to guide me and help me elevate my career. Because I didn't have the opportunity, I wanted to make that Miller Lite."

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