In a rare and emotional statement, Rihanna has opened up about her concerns regarding her eldest son, RZA, revealing that he has not yet begun to walk despite being 2 years old. The singer, business mogul, and mother of two recently shared her feelings of anxiety and uncertainty during an interview, shedding light on the challenges she has faced in her journey as a mother.
A Mother’s Worry
Rihanna, who welcomed her son RZA Athelston Mayers with her partner A$AP Rocky in May 2022, admitted that she had been feeling some concern about his delayed milestones. “Until now, he still can’t walk,” Rihanna said during the interview, adding that while she knows that every child develops at their own pace, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of worry. “It’s hard not to compare your child to others,” she explained, especially with the added pressure of being in the public eye.
She expressed that, like any mother, she wants the best for her son, and seeing other children around his age reach certain milestones has led to moments of self-doubt. “I’m trying not to get overwhelmed by it,” she said, “but it’s tough, you know?”
The Pressure of Public Scrutiny
As one of the most famous pop stars in the world, Rihanna’s motherhood is often under intense scrutiny. Fans, the media, and even other parents follow her every move, which adds another layer of pressure on her as she navigates her parenting journey. Despite this, Rihanna has remained open and vulnerable about the ups and downs of motherhood, from the joy of her son’s first words to the stress and confusion that sometimes comes with his development.
However, she was quick to add that RZA is still a very happy and healthy child, even if he’s not yet walking. “He’s got a lot of personality,” she said with a smile. “He’s super chatty, and he has this way of looking at the world that I love. He’s so curious.” Rihanna’s openness about her experiences highlights the reality of parenting, where not everything goes as planned, and every child develops at their own speed.
The Journey with RZA
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have always kept their son out of the public eye, sharing only a few glimpses of his life through social media posts and interviews. The couple, who are notoriously private about their family life, have made it clear that they want RZA to have a normal childhood away from the spotlight. However, Rihanna has also spoken about how motherhood has been a transformative experience for her, both personally and professionally.
In her role as a mother, Rihanna has been adamant about taking a more hands-on approach. She has expressed her desire to be as present as possible in her son’s life, even while managing her multiple businesses and music career. RZA’s development, as well as her own well-being, remain top priorities for the singer. “It’s all about balance, really,” she shared. “And making sure he knows he’s loved, and that he’s got a solid foundation to grow up on.”
Support from Experts and Fans
While delays in walking can be concerning for parents, experts note that children often develop at different rates, and many factors—genetics, environment, and even temperament—can influence when a child reaches certain milestones. Some children take a bit longer to walk, and it’s not uncommon for children to begin walking closer to 18 months or even later.
Support from fellow parents and fans has poured in for Rihanna since she shared her concerns, with many offering words of encouragement and reminding her that every child’s journey is unique. “There’s no right or wrong time,” one fan commented on social media. “RZA will do it when he’s ready, and you’re doing an amazing job as a mom.”
Looking Ahead
As for Rihanna, she remains focused on her family and career. After giving birth to her second child with A$AP Rocky in the summer of 2023, Rihanna continues to work on new music, run her Fenty beauty empire, and expand her fashion line. Despite the demands of her career, her love for her children remains at the heart of everything she does.
For now, Rihanna continues to focus on the well-being of her son RZA, trusting that he will reach his developmental milestones when the time is right. And, as she has done throughout her career, she’s taking it all in stride—proving that even superstars face the same struggles and joys as anyone else.
In her usual candid style, Rihanna closed the interview with a reassuring note for herself and other parents facing similar struggles: “Every baby is different. I’m just taking it one day at a time and trusting the process.”
