“A place of goodwill” – Jenna Dewan talks co-parenting with Channing Tatum
Step Up star Jenna Dewan and Magic Mike’s Channing Tatum are parents to a six-year-old daughter named Everly.
A new normal
The couple announced their separation in April of last year.
“We have lovingly chosen to separate as a couple,” the pair wrote in a joint statement shared on social media.
“We fell deeply in love so many years ago and have had a magical journey together. Absolutely nothing has changed about how much we love one another, but love is a beautiful adventure that is taking us on different paths for now.”
“There are no secrets nor salacious events at the root of our decision — just two best-friends realizing it’s time to take some space and help each other live the most joyous, fulfilled lives as possible.”
They’d been together for nine years and Instagram has provided hints of how they’ve been navigating life since their split.
Jenna admits everything shifted when her relationship ended. She has focused in on her life with her daughter as she tackled the family’s ‘new normal’.
“My number one priority”
It’s the sort of adjustment that will sound familiar to many separated parents who find they no longer have a full-time partner to share parenting duties with.
“Everly became my number one priority,” Jenna told Romper. “Job opportunities that would come had to sort of fit into my new priority list.”
She noted that she and Channing had to tackle making arrangements for Everly together, but no longer being together. Keeping things as positive of possible was a priority for the mum-of-one.
“I think that communication is key, always,” Jenna said.
“Keeping all your communications elevated and in a place of goodwill, and knowing that situations might change, but making sure the love for your child stays there.”
Raising a confident child
Often criticised on social media for being ‘too sexy’ as a mum of a young child, Jenna says that she’s keen to arm her daughter with the sort of confidence and compassion that she tries to display.
“I love her to feel confident, to feel empowered, to feel loved,” Jenna said.
“All these things are the sort of values that I try and do my best to instill in her every single day: to believe in herself, but also have empathy for the world.”
Both Channing and Jenna are in new relationships now. Channing is seeing singer Jessie J and Jenna is spending time with actor Steve Kazee.
The former couple have refreshed their Instagram feeds since they split, removing photos of each other and decisively pushing on into their new, separate lives.
