Taraji P. Henson sat down with co-host Tracie Jade Jenkins and therapist Sierra Hillsman on Wednesday’s episode of Peace of Mind with Taraji on recalling how she told her 9-year-old son that his father had been murdered.
Her son, Marcell, is now 26.
“My son’s father was suddenly taken — murdered — when he was 9, and I didn’t know how to tell him that,” recalls Henson, 50. “I couldn’t tell him he was murdered, so I told him he died in an accident.”
“Later on in life he found out and he came back to me and was like, ‘Why didn’t you tell me my daddy was murdered?’ And so then we had to get therapy,” she went on, then asking Hillsman how she would suggest breaking that news to a child.
“I would definitely say use age-appropriate language, explaining sometimes there are situations where people do evil things to other people — in this situation, somebody killed your father,” Hillsman says.
RELATED: A Teacher Who Shot 11-Year-Old Boy While Hunting Now Faces Capital Murder Charges
“I didn’t have the balls — it wouldn’t come out,” Henson replies, starting to cry.
“It was in the paper and I didn’t know how to tell him. He was stabbed to death, it was the worst way you could die,” she shared. “I just didn’t have the words. I didn’t know how to tell a 9-year-old.”
Both Henson and longtime friend, Jenkins, discuss mental health issues on Facebook Watch’s Peace of Mind with celebrities, experts and also, everyday people.
RELATED: Mom Dresses Up Life Size Doll As Her 2-Year-Old After Murdering Her
Each episode centers around a different mental health topic.
“I’ve long been a mental health advocate for the Black community and created the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in 2018 that has provided resources to thousands of people who are struggling,” Henson previously said in a statement about the show.
“I’m looking forward to bringing this new talk series to Facebook Watch, where I can continue to create conversation around an issue that is near and dear to my heart.”
Mamas Uncut is THE online place for moms. We cover the latest about motherhood, parenting, and entertainment as well – all with a mom-focused twist. So if you're looking for parenting advice from real parents, we have plenty of it, all for moms from moms, and also experts. Because, at the end of the day, our mission is focused solely on empowering moms and moms-to-be with the knowledge and answers they’re looking for in one safe space.