Jackie Chan Opens Up About Parenting Mistakes with Son Jaycee

Martial arts icon Jackie Chan has publicly acknowledged the impact of his parenting style on his relationship with his son, Jaycee Chan. During a promotional event for his latest film, Unexpected Family, the 71-year-old actor reflected on his past mistakes that contributed to a strained bond with his 43-year-old son.

In a candid moment, Jackie revealed that a father-son reconciliation scene in the film resonated with him, prompting deep introspection regarding his own parenting choices. He admitted that his belief in the principle, “a strict father raises a filial son,” was misguided and ultimately fostered fear rather than respect.

Jackie expressed regret over his critical nature, stating, “In the past, whenever I saw my son, I scolded him. Whenever I went on television, I criticised him – there was never said a kind word.” This harsh approach, he reflected, created an emotional distance between him and Jaycee.

As their relationship deteriorated, Jackie recalled that Jaycee would call him once a year to wish him a happy birthday. However, after Jackie reprimanded him for not calling at other times, these calls ceased altogether. This painful estrangement has weighed heavily on Jackie, who has only recently begun to shed his “strict father” persona.

In his later years, Jackie has adopted a more supportive approach, aiming to allow Jaycee the freedom to live his life without undue pressure. He now hopes that his son can find happiness and security on his own terms.

Jaycee Chan, the only child of Jackie and Taiwanese actress Lin Fengjiao, has pursued a career in entertainment, appearing in multiple films and television productions, as well as releasing music albums. However, his career faced significant challenges following a six-month prison sentence in 2015 for drug-related offenses in Beijing. Since his release, Jaycee has maintained a low profile, appearing in only a few projects, including the action comedy Railroad Tigers in 2016 and the romantic comedy Good Night Beijing, which he directed in 2021.

Jackie’s reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities of parenting and the importance of nurturing relationships. As he looks to the future, he hopes to mend the bond with his son, realizing that love and understanding can pave the way for reconciliation.

This story was originally published by 8Days. For more stories, visit https://www.8days.sg/.