Canadian singer Justin Bieber has not always enjoyed a good relationship with his parents. But as he grew up, he became more understanding of their situation and embraced his parents for who they truly are.
His father Jeremy Bieber was only 18 when he got Pattie Mallette, 17, pregnant, and Bieber said at that time, his father was simply "not in a place where he could raise a kid."
"He was immature," Justin told Billboard. "He left for like a year when I was about four, went to British Columbia, came back on Father's Day. I remember my mom said, 'If you're going to be here, you have to be here.' There's a misconception that he's this deadbeat dad, but he has been in my life since. I was with him on weekends and Wednesdays."
It was mostly Mallette who raised Justin. But when he got into showbiz and was swept away by a life of money, fame, and partying, the singer said his relationship with his mother became "pretty non-existing."
"I was distant because I was ashamed," he revealed. "I never wanted my mom to be disappointed in me and I knew she was. We spent some time not talking, so it takes time to rebuild that trust. She's living in Hawaii now, so it's hard, but getting better. She's an amazing woman and I love her."
Looking back, Justin said it was not easy being thrust into the spotlight at such an early age. "I wouldn't suggest being a child star," he said. "It's the toughest thing in the world."
This is why he wants people to be more understanding and compassionate with young celebrities, even though they tend to do crazy and stupid things.
"I want people to be more kind to young celebrities," he said. "Like Kylie (Jenner). Look at her world: She has been living on TV since she was a kid. Every time she's looking around she sees a camera, and that's affecting how she's thinking and how she's perceiving people and why she has to do certain things. Situations that happen taint your mind, especially in this industry. Especially for girls."
