Apart from Marcus Jordan, the rest of Michael Jordan’s children with his former wife, Juanita Vanoy, keep a low profile. Jasmine, the youngest child of the former couple, was the one in 2019 to give them their first happiness as grandparents. Since then, the story about MJ finding it difficult to accept the ‘Grandad’ title made the news. Now, Rakeem Michael Christmas is 6 years old and but his mother made to thank her close ones as they helped her out during the entire process.
The 32-year-old was previously married to former basketball player Rakeem Christmas. Although the pair has reportedly been separated for some time now, Jamine Jordan took some time adjusting to motherhood duties, especially in the early years. “He was about six months, he wasn’t sleeping, he wasn’t eating…” During an episode of the ‘Birth Queen‘ podcast, Michael Jordan’s daughter opened up on the trials of parenting. In fact, she even questioned her own abilities as a parent.
“I was like maybe I am not doing the right things as his mother.” A visit to the pediatrician solved the issue that night and helped her learn a valuable lesson. “I need to lean on my tribe, lean on those around me and everything will be alright.” Jasmine, since then, has successfully updated about her son’s milestones, be it birthday celebrations or the first day of kindergarten. In that process, she hasn’t forgotten her ‘tribe’ and gave them a special shout-out after the celebratory week in Rakeem’s life.
“It takes a village — and this ain’t even half of mine. Im thankful for my V I L L A G E. .” The latest Instagram post from Michael Jordan’s daughter was from the 6th birthday party of Rakeem.
“I love the month of May because of you. I love my mornings + sleepless nights because of you.” Jasmine uploaded a long, heartfelt post about her son as the birthday “was solidified with his baptism.” She continued, “I love being a mom but specifically your mom. I now have a 6yr old (WOAH) and each year, my son amazes me!! Being his mother is a blessing. I don’t take it for granted.”
Even though she did doubt herself and her abilities to raise a child, now all those doubts are behind her. Similarly, His Airness had to adjust to the new nickname, and it has a story of its own.
Sneak peek into Michael Jordan’s role as a grandfather
Back in 2020, Jasmine opened up about MJ’s surprising transition into his grandpa’s role during an interview with Andscape. “It took him a minute to actually understand like, ‘Dang, I’m a grandpa,’” she shared. The growing into that role was a little difficult for the 6x NBA champion, and it showed in his hesitance to accept the moniker. Even though his ex-wife, Juanita, is all-in with being called “Glamma”.
“At first, he wanted my son to call him ‘Mike’ or ‘Michael,’ and I’m like, ‘Dad, we’re not doing this. You have to accept the grandpa title. It is what it is.” With many titles around his name, being a grandpa was an emotional one. She revealed during an interview with ESSENCE in 2021. But the love showed a different side of His Airness that many are not privy to.
As Jasmine revealed in another interview, even though the title took some time, Michael Jordan was already hands-on with his grandson. Once called a ruthless athlete by many, Jordan became a “softie” for his grandson. Jasmine also explained that the sporting aspect will be instilled, eventually. With MJ coming back to NBC will give a good history lesson for Rakeem to enjoy. That might become the source of inspiration for him to start hooping.
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