In a raw and emotional revelation, British rapper Professor Green has spoken candidly about the heart-wrenching realities of parenting following his separation from former fiancée Karima McAdams.
The 40-year-old musician, whose real name is Stephen Manderson, confessed that missing bedtime routines with his young son Slimane has been one of the most difficult aspects of their new co-parenting arrangement.
The Emotional Toll of Separation
During a recent podcast appearance, Professor Green didn't hold back when discussing the emotional challenges he's faced since the couple parted ways. 'There are certain things you take for granted,' he shared, his voice filled with emotion. 'Tucking your child into bed, reading them a story, those quiet moments at the end of the day - when that's suddenly taken away, it leaves a void that's hard to describe.'
A Father's Love for Slimane
The rapper shares three-year-old Slimane with actress Karima McAdams, whom he proposed to in 2018 after two years of dating. While the couple never officially married, their separation has clearly taken an emotional toll on the artist.
'People don't always understand that fathers feel this pain just as deeply,' Professor Green explained. 'When you're used to being there every night to kiss your son goodnight and suddenly you're not, it's devastating.'
Navigating Co-Parenting Challenges
The Hackney-born artist revealed that he's learning to navigate the complexities of shared parenting, acknowledging that both parents are doing their best to prioritise Slimane's wellbeing.
'We're both committed to making this work for our son,' he stated. 'But that doesn't make the nights when he's not with me any easier. You wonder what he's doing, if he's asking for you, if he understands why you're not there.'
A Message to Other Separated Parents
Professor Green's heartfelt confession has resonated with many parents in similar situations. His openness about the emotional struggle of missing everyday moments with his child highlights a rarely discussed aspect of separation.
'I think it's important to be honest about how hard this can be,' he said. 'There's no shame in admitting that you're struggling or that you miss your child terribly. It doesn't make you weak - it makes you human.'
The rapper's candid discussion serves as a powerful reminder of the emotional complexities faced by separated parents everywhere, proving that even celebrities aren't immune to the heartache of missing those precious bedtime moments.