Draya Michele is a well-known public figure and entrepreneur who gained fame as a reality star on Basketball Wives LA. Aside from the glam and exposure of the entertainment industry, Draya’s most cherished role is being a mom.
She takes immense pride in her relationship with her beloved son Kniko Howard, who has been growing up largely away from the limelight. This article delves deeper into Draya Michele’s experience with motherhood and the profound bond she shares with her son, who has always been her top priority.
Who is Kniko Howard?
Kniko Howard is Draya Michele’s firstborn son, who she birthed when she was just 17, and he was born in 2002. As her firstborn, Kniko has a special place in Draya’s heart. Despite being raised in the limelight by his well-known mother, Kniko lived his life away from the public.
In a past interview with E! News, Draya recalled the struggles of her early days as a new mom.
“I had a really, really strong mom who, you know, led me to believe that any situation I was put in, I could overcome and that no matter what happened, she was always gonna be there to support me.”
These sentiments showcase how Draya’s relationship with her mother shaped her approach to parenting and helped her navigate the demanding task of raising a child at a young age.
How Has Draya Michele Managed Her Career and Motherhood?
Motherhood has not been a walk in the park for Draya Michele, who has had to learn to balance being a full-time mom, a successful businesswoman, and a reality TV star. Balancing her work with spending time with her kids has always been important to Draya. Whether running her swimwear line Mint Swim or starring on reality TV, the mom of two has learned to focus on what’s really important.
In a February 2020 interview with WhoWhatWear, Draya revealed one of the greatest lessons she learned throughout her journey of being a working woman and mother:
“I learned time management. You have to be able to prioritize what’s important to you, and if you’re going to follow your passions, you have to accept that you’re going to be busy, and you’re going to have to prioritize the things you love most.”
This approach to life has been critical for Draya as she continues to perform different roles.
Draya often shares glimpses of her personal life with her followers, from family vacations to everyday moments with her children. It’s evident that despite maintaining a thriving career path, Draya consistently makes time for her family, ensuring that Kniko and her other children feel loved and cared for.
What Role Does Kniko Play in Draya’s Life?
Kniko Howard holds substantial importance in Draya’s world, both as her eldest child and as a young man discovering his own journey. Although he is far away from the public eye, Knocko’s influence on Draya’s life is priceless. Draya posts her pride in him often, especially as he achieves significant milestones. Kniko’s accomplishments, such as getting admitted to Georgia State University for his higher education, are a profound source of satisfaction for Draya, who takes every opportunity to communicate her love and support for him.
In August 2021, Draya uploaded a heartfelt post to Instagram, expressing how proud she was of Kniko as he started his first year of university:
“Well. It’s official. I’m a college mom. I’m so proud of you, son!!!!!! College whew 😥 I mean, I knew you’d make it here. I hope you grow, learn, and make new friends here in ATL SHAWTY ♥️ I love you.”
This heartfelt post exemplified the deep bond between a mother and an exceptionally gifted son.
How Did Draya Michele Handle Raising a Son as a Single Mother?
Being a single mother to Kniko has been difficult for Draya, but it has also pushed her to be the best parent she can be. As a young mom, Draya learned early the importance of having a support system. Apart from having her mother’s undying love and support, Draya also believes Kniko’s upbringing taught her invaluable lessons on strength and self-improvement.
Despite the struggles of being a young single mother, Draya has always been very vocal about the experience. She’s talked about her mother’s role in guiding and supporting her and how her mom was always on her side. All this set the foundation for Draya’s strength as a mother and an entrepreneur and also affected how she parented Kniko. She is trying to set an example, teaching her children that hard work, determination, and self-belief pay off.
What Does Kniko Howard’s Life Look Like Today?
As of 2021, Kniko Howard is currently enrolled at Georgia State University, starting his own life as a young man. This is a new beginning and a proud moment for Draya, who beams brightly as she sees her firstborn son take one step closer to becoming a successful man. Draya often posts updates on Kniko, praising his successes or sharing memories of their bonding time together.
While Kniko has managed to stay out of the spotlight for the most part, he has joined his mother at public events like the 2017 premiere of Despicable Me 3. These few rare glimpses of his life suggest that contrary to his low profile, Kniko actively supports his mother’s career and personal endeavors.
How Has Kniko’s Relationship with His Siblings Shaped His Character?
His position as Draya’s older brother is definitely one of the factors that influenced his character. With two younger siblings — Jru Scandrick, Draya’s son with ex-fiancé Orlando Scandrick, and a daughter with NBA player Jalen Green — Kniko has navigated brotherly responsibility. Draya has made it very clear over the years that she values family above all, and the relationship between Kniko and his half-brothers is no different.
Kniko has also supported his brothers and sisters, and Draya has shared many of their cherished moments. From family vacations to common day-to-day events, Draya’s brood is tight-knit, and Kniko seems to be a protective and loving big brother. He has always had a major impact on his younger siblings, particularly Jru, with whom he shares a special bond.
What Lessons Has Draya Michele Learned from Raising Kniko?
Raising Kniko has also been a good lesson for Draya regarding time management and the importance of caring about someone before yourself. Motherhood has taught Draya how to balance her family and career. Her path of motherhood has not only impacted the way she parents but also her business instincts. Speaking with WhoWhatWear, Draya attributed the necessity of time management to following one’s passions:
“If you’re going to follow your passions, you have to be busy, and you have to prioritize the things you love most.”
This work-family balance is something Draya has continued to practice in her personal life.
Motherhood has also reinforced her belief in resilience and the importance of a strong support system. She still relies on her family members for inspiration and advice, and she wants to pass along these lessons to her children.
How Does Draya Michele Feel About Kniko’s Future?
Draya Michele hopes Kniko’s journey will lead him to a productive future, and she can’t wait to witness his boundless potential. As a devoted mother, she has always encouraged Kniko to follow his heart and create a productive future. She’s proud of the young man he’s becoming and is excited to support him as he continues his education and personal growth.
Draya has been vocal about her pride in Kniko and is excited to see him grow further. Her love and support for Kniko are unconditional, and she’s determined to be by his side in every way possible.
How Does Draya Michele’s Relationship with Kniko Differ from Her Other Children?
While Draya shares a close bond with all her children, her relationship with Kniko is uniquely profound. As her earliest introduction to motherhood, Kniko holds a place of primacy in her heart. Draya often reminisces fondly about those formative years raising Kniko and how motherhood’s challenges shaped her evolving approach. However, she shares loving relationships with Jru and her daughter. Kniko’s status as her firstborn makes their connection particularly special.
Conclusion
Draya Michele’s relationship with Kniko Howard proves that family support truly matters and that motherhood can change someone’s whole perspective on life. Kniko has made a major impact on Draya’s life, influencing her career decision-making process and reminding her of what truly matters. Draya is so proud of Kniko, and she’s continued to cheer him on as he’s tackled new adventures and achieved new milestones.
In addition to their close relationship, Draya has learned some incredible lessons about love, perseverance, and the true meaning of family. As Kniko transitions into a young adult, Draya’s role as a mom will have to shift once again, but one thing’s for sure: Draya Michele and Kniko Howard will likely be close no matter what.
