Michael Jackson's Daughter Read Books to Earn Toys — Inside Her Privileged Upbringing

• Paris Jackson, the daughter of the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, had a privileged upbringing, but her father instilled in her the importance of education and hard work.
• Despite being born with a silver spoon in her mouth, Paris had to earn things as a child.
• She had to read books to earn toys, which taught her the value of education and hard work.

Paris Jackson, daughter of the late King of Pop, was born into one of the most famous and wealthy families in the world. She had everything a child could dream of. She has a fairy-tale ranch, exotic animals, endless toys, and a legendary father.

But she also had to work hard for what she wanted, as her father instilled in her the importance of hard work, education, and humility. Following her father's passing, Paris experienced challenging times, grappling with emotional turmoil and making headlines due to her personal struggles.

At just eleven years old, she had to face the loss of her father and the pressure of his legacy and battled her own demons. She grew up in the shadow of her father's fame and legacy and overcame many challenges and hardships to find her own voice and happiness in a world that was watching her every move.

Paris was born in Los Angeles, California, as the second child and only daughter of the legendary musician Michael Jackson. She has two brothers: Prince Michael and Prince Michael II, also known as Blanket. Paris spent most of her childhood in the 2,700-acre estate of Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara County, California.

The ranch had a zoo, a movie theater, and an amusement park, where Michael Jackson hosted many events and charities for underprivileged and sick children. Despite the opulence, Michael made deliberate efforts not to spoil his children. To earn special treats like toys and theme park visits, the Jackson siblings had to read and do their homework.

In 2007, the world got a rare glimpse into Michael's parenting skills when "Sister 2 Sister" publisher Jamie Foster Brown observed the King of Pop and his children during a Tokyo visit. Contrary to public perception, Michael emerged as a devoted father, focusing on instilling politeness and humility in his children.

Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, a close friend and spiritual adviser, shed light on the family rules Michael set. The rides were reserved for birthdays or special occasions, emphasizing the importance of growing up with the right values. Michael's commitment to providing a sense of normalcy for his children is evident in these guidelines, offering a glimpse into his parenting philosophy.

Dr. Tohme Tohme, another close friend and adviser, praised Michael as both the father and mother to his children. The seemingly inexplicable incident of dangling Blanket over a hotel balcony in Berlin is contextualized as an act of an over-protective father, challenging public misinterpretations.

Photographer Ian Barkley, who spent years working for Michael, unveiled the meticulous care taken for the children's well-being. From detailed food lists to concerns about allergies and poisoning, Michael's protective nature extended to every aspect of their lives. Barkley also noted the children's intelligence and good manners during his interactions.

Michael instilled a sense of responsibility and gratitude in them, emphasizing that such privileges were for underprivileged children. Paris shared during an interview, "We were very privileged growing up, but when it came to things like getting toys and going on the rides, we had to earn that. We were lucky enough to be raised with solid morals."

He wanted his children to appreciate the things they had and not take them for granted. He also wanted them to have a normal and balanced life away from the media and the paparazzi. Despite the media scrutiny, Michael sought to shield his children from the spotlight.

The choice to conceal their faces might seem unusual, but those close to the family describe a trio of well-adjusted kids who adored their father. He also homeschooled them and hired tutors to provide them with a quality education. Paris explained that her father wanted them to have a normal childhood, and that's why he made them wear masks.

Despite being in the public eye, the Jackson children experienced a semblance of normalcy. Michael's emphasis on manners and values created a balanced environment, ensuring the children's well-rounded development. Contrary to the masked faces in paparazzi shots, their childhood was marked by engaging experiences and genuine familial bonds.

Growing up, Paris and her brothers were exposed to a wide range of music and culture by their father, who was one of the most influential and successful artists of all time. He sold over 750 million records worldwide, won 15 Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice.

He loved classical music, jazz, hip-hop, R&B, rock, and pop, and introduced his children to his favorite artists, such as The Beatles. He also encouraged his children to pursue their own artistic interests and talents. But Michael was not only a loving and supportive father but also a strict and tough disciplinarian.

Paris' childhood was shattered in 2009 when her father died suddenly of a cardiac arrest at 50 years old. Paris was 11 years old at the time, and she delivered a heartbreaking speech at his memorial service, saying: "Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. And I just want to say I love him so much."

Paris struggled with the loss of her father and the pressure of living up to his name. She suffered from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. She also attempted suicide when she was just 15, and was hospitalized and treated for self-harm and drug abuse.

Her journey took her to a reform school, revealing the struggles of being a Jackson amid relentless public scrutiny. As Paris emerged from the shadows of her father's legacy, she embraced self-love through prayer, meditation, and her journey as a musician.

She evolved into a multi-talented individual, encompassing music, modeling, and acting. Paris attributes her strong sense of activism to her upbringing, citing her father's influence. Michael, a humanitarian at heart, instilled in his children the importance of leaving the world better than they found it.

The interview reveals a deeper connection between her passion for causes and the morals she imbibed from her father. She said, "I think a huge part of it was from my dad, from his work and his humanitarianism. Going back to the morals we were raised with, he instilled in us: Do what you can to leave this place better than how you found it."

While Paris acknowledges her love for her father's music, she asserts that her musical inspiration comes from a diverse range of genres. Michael's eclectic taste in music, from classical to hip-hop, left an indelible mark on her, shaping her artistic identity. Paris reflects that although her musical style is distinctive, Michael's role as a father and music enthusiast deeply influenced it.

She remains grounded, finding comfort in her father's pajamas and a bracelet, cherishing the memories that connect her to him. A significant aspect of Paris' childhood was her love for reading. Devouring books like the Harry Potter series and "The Chronicles of Narnia," she immersed herself in literature.

Her preference for books over TV and computers highlights her commitment to constructive engagement and a commitment to personal growth fostered by her father's encouragement. Paris, along with her brother Prince, vehemently defends their dad's innocence in the face of past allegations.

Sharing intimate moments from their childhood, they challenge the public perception, emphasizing the genuine and caring father they knew. The narrative paints a picture of a loving, protective parent, contradicting sensationalized media portrayals. They shared that their father used to read them bedtime stories, cook breakfast, and provide a sense of normalcy amid the chaos of their unique life.

Paris Jackson fondly recalled moments spent with her father away from the limelight. Her favorite moments with him were rooftop views of the Luxor lights and art museum visits; these activities created lasting memories. They shared a love for art, playing tag, and their beloved pet, Kenya.

According to Paris, "He was just a normal dad. Except for he was, I would say, the best dad ever." In addition to her musical pursuits, Paris is also a model and actor, showcasing versatility. Her career choices reflect a balance between personal passion and the exploration of diverse artistic avenues, echoing her father's multifaceted approach to creativity.

Paris' privileged upbringing did not stop her from learning compassion and her dad's golden rule: "I respect and value other people's time. It's the golden rule to treat others the way you want to be treated." Though she has struggled with personal troubles, she has since found happiness and has been using her platform to help those in need.

Sometimes, she appears without makeup on social media. Paris is a testament to her father's legacy but also to her own resilience and independence. She is a young woman who has faced many challenges and hardships but has also achieved many accomplishments and successes. She has come to terms with the incredible fame that was her inheritance, in part by using it to draw attention to causes she believes in.