In the glitzy world of celebrity culture, where nannies, assistants, and entourages are often the norm for raising children, Cardi B stands out as a fiercely devoted mother who defies expectations. The Grammy-winning rapper, born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, recently shared a deeply personal revelation about her parenting philosophy in a candid interview with Vogue Singapore. At 32, Cardi B has chosen not to hire a nanny for her two children, Kulture Kiari Cephus, now 7, and Wave Set Cephus, 4, and plans to maintain this approach with her third child, born in September 2024. Her heartfelt reasoning—rooted in love, protectiveness, and a desire to instill grounded values—has resonated with fans and parents alike, sparking admiration across social media and beyond. This decision, rare among A-list stars, sheds light on Cardi’s unique blend of superstar ambition and down-to-earth motherhood, offering a refreshing perspective on parenting in the spotlight.

Cardi B’s rise to fame is a story of grit and determination. Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, to Dominican and Trinidadian parents, she navigated a challenging childhood marked by financial struggles and a tight-knit but sometimes strained family dynamic. Her breakout came through social media, where her unfiltered personality and raw humor on platforms like Instagram and Love & Hip Hop: New York catapulted her to stardom. By 2017, her hit “Bodak Yellow” made her a household name, earning her a Grammy for Best Rap Album with Invasion of Privacy in 2019. Alongside her husband, Offset, a member of the rap trio Migos, Cardi has built a musical empire, with chart-toppers like “WAP” and “Up” cementing her as a cultural force. Yet, despite her larger-than-life persona and a career that demands constant travel, performances, and media appearances, Cardi remains steadfastly hands-on with her children.

When Cardi welcomed her first child, Kulture, in July 2018, she was at the peak of her early career, a time when most artists might lean on professional help to juggle fame and family. Initially, she assumed a nanny would be the answer. “Everybody was so nervous for my career and future,” she told Vogue Singapore. “I kept telling them, ‘It’s easy. Trust me, I’m going to have a nanny, and she’s going to travel up and down with me. It’s not even going to be a hassle.’” But when Kulture arrived, everything changed. Cardi described an overwhelming maternal instinct that made her wary of entrusting her newborn to anyone outside her immediate family. “When the baby got here, I couldn’t even think about getting a nanny because I was afraid of anybody being around her besides my family,” she confessed. This fear wasn’t about distrust in others’ abilities but a deeply personal need to be her daughter’s primary caregiver, a sentiment that persisted with the birth of Wave in September 2021 and her third child, a daughter named Blossom, in 2024.

Cardi’s decision reflects her protective nature, shaped by her own upbringing. Growing up, she was close to her mother, Clara Almánzar, and sister, Hennessy Carolina, but also witnessed the sacrifices her parents made. “I started to think about how my mom had to go through this a lot because my sister and I used to always fall sick at the same time,” she shared. “I’ve never appreciated my mom more—having kids helps you see things a little bit different.” This newfound respect for her mother’s struggles has fueled Cardi’s resolve to be present for every moment of her children’s lives, from late-night feedings to emergency room visits. In 2022, when both Kulture and Wave fell ill simultaneously, Cardi postponed her Vogue interview to care for them, admitting, “I’m exhausted. I’ve been overwhelmed and scared.” Her vulnerability in these moments humanizes her, showing that even a global superstar grapples with the universal challenges of parenthood.

Unlike many celebrity parents who rely on teams of nannies to manage demanding schedules, Cardi’s choice to forgo hired help stems from a blend of instinct and principle. “I’m never far from my kids because that’s my responsibility as a mother,” she emphasized. While she acknowledges the support of her extended family, particularly her mother, she’s careful not to overburden them. “Your parents have already lived their life and raised their kids. They are older and don’t have the same energy as someone in their 20s,” she noted. This balance reflects her awareness of family dynamics and her commitment to not taking advantage of loved ones’ generosity. Instead, Cardi and Offset, who separated in 2023 but continue to co-parent, share the load, with Offset often stepping in when Cardi’s career demands pull her away. Their co-parenting dynamic, though not without public ups and downs, prioritizes their children’s well-being, with lavish gestures like gifting Kulture $50,000 in cash for her fourth birthday in 2022 balanced by everyday moments of care.

Cardi’s hands-on approach also ties to her vision for her children’s future. She wants Kulture, Wave, and Blossom to grow up grounded, despite their privileged upbringing as the children of two successful artists. “They need to know to never feel comfortable,” she said. “Don’t ever feel like, ‘I’m going to get it because I’m Cardi and Offset’s kid.’ They are never going to know what struggle feels like, so they might not have that hunger I had to leave the streets.” This perspective is rooted in Cardi’s own journey from stripping to support herself to becoming a global icon. She hopes her children will inherit her work ethic and drive, aspiring for Kulture to “be smarter than me—just be the better version of me.” By raising them herself, Cardi believes she can instill values of resilience and independence, ensuring they appreciate their opportunities while understanding the importance of hard work.

The public response to Cardi’s revelation has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans and fellow parents praising her authenticity. Social media platforms lit up with hashtags like #CardiBMom and #NoNannyNeeded, trending after her Vogue interview. “Cardi’s out here proving you can be a boss and a mom without handing your kids off,” one fan tweeted. Another wrote, “Respect to Cardi for keeping it real. Not every celeb would choose this path.” Her decision resonates particularly with working-class mothers who, like Cardi, juggle demanding jobs and parenting without external help. It also contrasts with peers like Rihanna, who, while deeply involved with her children, has spoken about relying on trusted support to balance her Fenty empire and motherhood. Cardi’s choice doesn’t judge others but highlights her personal conviction, making her a relatable figure in an often-unrelatable industry.

This parenting philosophy hasn’t come without challenges. Cardi has been open about the toll of motherhood, especially during moments of crisis. When Wave required an ER visit in 2022, she admitted to feeling “overwhelmed and scared,” a sentiment that echoed her 2018 Instagram Live where she described Kulture as her “match,” a baby who demanded her full attention. “I thought six weeks was going to be good enough—no, bro. My ass is broken. This baby broke my ass,” she said then, laughing but honest about the physical and emotional exhaustion of new motherhood. These candid admissions endear her to fans, who see her not just as a rapper but as a mother navigating the same sleepless nights and worries they do.

Looking forward, Cardi’s commitment to hands-on parenting remains unwavering, even with her third child’s arrival. While pregnant with Blossom, she hinted in interviews that she’d continue her no-nanny stance, stating, “I want to be the one who knows every cry, every need.” Her career shows no signs of slowing down—her second album, long-awaited since 2018, is slated for release in 2026, and she’s teased collaborations with artists like Shakira and new ventures in fashion. Yet, she insists on carving out time for her kids, whether it’s singing “Happy Birthday” to Kulture with a concert crowd or teaching Wave his first words. Offset, too, plays a role, bringing his three other children from previous relationships—Jordan, Kody, and Kalea—into the family’s orbit, creating a blended dynamic that Cardi embraces.

Cardi B’s decision to forgo a nanny for Kulture, Wave, and now Blossom is more than a personal choice; it’s a statement about motherhood, responsibility, and authenticity. In an industry where wealth and fame often distance stars from everyday struggles, Cardi remains tethered to her roots, prioritizing her children above all. Her story reminds us that love and presence can’t be outsourced, no matter how busy life gets. As she balances sold-out shows, red-carpet appearances, and bedtime stories, Cardi B proves that being a superstar doesn’t mean sacrificing the heart of motherhood.