Jada Pinkett Smith is "really proud" of her children for chasing their dreams.

The star has son Jaden and daughter Willow with husband Will Smith. Both of her children have followed in their parents footsteps by pursuing careers in the entertainment industry.

Willow, 11, has topped the music charts with her hit single Whip My Hair, while Jaden, 13, has been rising to fame as an actor in Blockbuster films. He made his break starring in The Pursuit of Happyness alongside his father, before scoring a role in The Karate Kid.

Jada couldn't be happier for her brood.

"Jaden is almost 14 and Willow 11, and as a mum, I'm really proud to see them following their passions," she told French magazine Gala.

"With Will, we let them enough space to let them express themselves and reach their dreams. We are avoiding to live through them."

Jada admits she was not as lucky as Jaden and Willow to have a privileged upbringing. She grew up in Baltimore, Maryland surrounded by crime.

"I spent my youth in the streets of Baltimore, drugs were circulating at home. Will had a tough youth as well. So, you know, I'd rather than Jaden and Willow grow up in Hollywood than with drug addicts," she added.