Nick Cannon admits double standard in parenting his twins: son can date, daughter cannot.
- May 4, 2026
AceShowbiz - Nick Cannon has openly discussed the contrasting parenting approach he takes with his 15-year-old twins, whom he shares with Mariah Carey. The TV presenter and father of 12 revealed that he applies different standards when it comes to his son Moroccan and daughter Monroe, reflecting a notable double standard based on their gender.
The 45-year-old star, who co-parents the twins with Mariah Carey, recently celebrated their birthday and shared insights into how he navigates their upbringing. While Moroccan is allowed to date and has been encouraged by his father to explore relationships, Monroe faces stricter rules and is not permitted the same freedoms.
Speaking candidly during an appearance on the TMZ podcast, Nick Cannon was asked about whether his teens were allowed to date now that they are 15. He confirmed that his son has been dating with his consent but drew a clear line when it came to his daughter. "No, absolutely not," he stated, acknowledging this is an "absolutely a double standard."
Nick elaborated that being a father to a son and a daughter requires different protective measures. He explained, "I am more protective of my daughter because there's things out there that I have to protect my daughter from." He emphasized the need to shield Monroe from certain types of people and situations, contrasting it with the dating experiences of his son. "My son, it's a different conversation when he's going out into the dating world."
His protective instincts are particularly strong when it comes to respect and safety for his daughter. Nick Cannon shared his worst nightmare: "If somebody puts their hands on my daughter, I'm going to jail... I'm doing 25 to life if somebody put their hands on my daughter."
When discussing the rules Monroe must follow regarding dating, Nick revealed the arrangement they have made. He said, "If she can explain to me what's going to happen on these dates, then she can go." He also joked that her twin brother would likely accompany her, as she would not be allowed to go one-on-one with a date.
To mark their 15th birthdays, Nick Cannon took Moroccan and Monroe to Six Flags and shared glimpses of their celebration on social media. Alongside photos from the day out, he wrote: "'Got two 15 year olds on my hands now!!!! Happy Birthday to my first firstborns! I thank God and you for allowing me to be your Dad! I love you Roc and Roe! Happy Birthday!"
Besides Moroccan and Monroe, Nick Cannon has a total of 12 children with seven different women. His youngest include Legendary Love with Bre Tiesi, twins Zion Mixolydian and Zillion Heir and Beautiful Zeppelin with Abby De La Rosa, as well as Golden Sagon, Rise Messiah, and Powerful Queen with Brittany Bell.
Nick Cannon also has daughter Onyx Ice with LaNisha Cole and Halo Marie with Alyssa Scott. Tragically, his son Zen, also with Alyssa Scott, passed away in December 2021 at just five months old.
This glimpse into Nick Cannon’s parenting highlights the complexities and challenges he faces raising a large family while navigating different expectations and protective instincts for his children.