Kim Kardashian Defends Parenting Choices After Criticism Over North West’s Style

Kim Kardashian is speaking out after facing criticism over how she parents her oldest child, North West.

The reality star and SKIMS founder addressed the backlash during a Jan. 21 appearance on her sister Khloé Kardashian’s podcast, after some people questioned her decision to let North experiment with fashion, hair color, and finger piercings.

Kim pushed back on the idea that she is overly permissive or trying to be her daughter’s “best friend.”

“One misconception is that people think I let her get away with a lot,” Kim said. “That’s not true. North actually has a lot of rules. The one area where I do give her freedom is self-expression—and I love that about her.”

Kim added that North would likely express herself regardless of restrictions.

North’s recent looks, which have included dyed hair, fake facial tattoos, colored contact lenses, and finger piercings, have drawn strong reactions online. Kim said critics don’t fully understand the situation.

“No one knows unless they’re in my shoes what I’m dealing with,” she explained. “We have to manage things from the outside world, and even things close to us, together.”

Kim shares four children—North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm—with ex-husband Kanye West, who also goes by Ye. She said her parenting style has evolved over time.

“I have stricter rules for my two younger kids,” Kim said, noting that North and Saint have devices, while Chicago and Psalm do not. She explained that parenting her first children involved a lot of learning along the way.

“Your first kids grow up with you,” she said. “You’re figuring it out together. Then you learn and sometimes do things differently.”

Despite changes, Kim said she has no regrets.

“I wouldn’t change anything,” she said. “I have a great relationship with my kids. They love me, they respect me, and they’re great.”

As for North, she appears unfazed by the criticism. After debuting her finger piercings, the 12-year-old posted a TikTok lip-syncing to a dismissive audio and captioned it, “This is for everyone that’s mad over a finger piercing.”