‘RHOA’ star Kandi Burruss on motherhood and fame

“Real Housewives of Atlanta” cast member Kandi Burruss discusses balancing career and family.

KANDI BURRUSS

Grammy-winning singer, producer, “Real Housewives of Atlanta” cast member and entrepreneur

Burruss, a mother of three, has been in the spotlight since she was 16 as a member of the popular group Xscape.

What is it like to raise her children in that same spotlight?

“It’s crazy,” said Burruss, who recently had a son, Ace, with husband Todd Tucker. “Now you have to deal with social media. Back then (with her first daughter, Riley, now 13) social media was not really happening. Some people are so supportive, which is great. Other people are outright rude. … Nobody wants to hear negative things about their children. It really gets under my skin.”

For Burruss and other celebrities, the Internet has made their parenting an open book.

“Fans are invested in everything about you now,” she said. “Back in the day, they just heard your record and saw your video.”

How does she protect daughter Riley, who is on Instagram and Snapchat?

At first, Burruss was hesitant to let her on social media because “people can be really harsh.” She later relented. “I told her she has to have thick skin if she wants to be on social media. … She’s a strong girl and has gotten tough over the years.”

Burruss has a strong support system to help her with the children: her husband, mother, aunts and friends. Sometimes, she and close friends will alternate taking their children to various events, so they don’t miss out on activities while their mothers work. “They were never sitting there thinking, ‘Oh my mom is not really doing anything with me.’ It has helped a lot.”

How does she keep her daughter grounded?

She’s open and explains how hard work allows them a certain lifestyle. “I talk with her about the importance of money and why I have to work so hard,” she said. “You know I have to work this weekend just so you can get this extra this or that.”