Kehlani Gets Real About Motherhood, Identity Guilt, And The Struggle Of Being A Young Mom

Balancing a high-powered entertainment career with raising children is a massive challenge, and Kehlani refuses to sugarcoat the experience. The Grammy-nominated R&B star teamed up with fast-rising rapper Monaleo for an open, unfiltered discussion about navigating the complex demands of parenthood while staying true to their artistic identities. The candid session took place during the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players event, closing out the summit at the Billboard House. Titled the "Like Minded" panel and hosted in partnership with mental health service BetterHelp, the panel focused heavily on personal wellness, maternal identity, and the delicate art of looking after oneself while caring for young children.

When pressed on the unspoken truths of motherhood that women ought to express without having their love for their kids doubted, Kehlani offered a deeply relatable perspective. The hitmaker pushed back against the idealization of parenting, stressing that mothers must be given the freedom to acknowledge just how difficult the journey can be. Kehlani highlighted the struggle young mothers face when trying to maintain a distinct social life and personal identity outside of their household duties. The singer noted that wanting to step out with friends or enjoy personal time shouldn't lead to harsh judgment or cause moms to second-guess their parental dedication. Since career-focused mothers already deal with severe internal conflict, adding external shame only makes the balance harder.

BUZZBEAT

Monaleo also offered key insights into her own reality, reflecting on how she manages her fast-rising hip-hop career alongside her parental responsibilities. Both performers emphasized that holding onto your pre-mom self is essential for long-term mental health and personal fulfillment. The insightful Q&A session was expertly co-moderated by Sonni Williams, a licensed professional counselor who specializes in perinatal mental health, and Gail Mitchell, Billboard's Editor at Large for R&B and Hip-Hop. The speakers tackled five core questions regarding family life and career boundaries, offering practical takeaways for working mothers everywhere. Ultimately, the gathering underscored the message that taking care of your own mental health isn't selfish—it's a necessary part of being a strong parent and a thriving artist.