Unexpected Blessings: Tia Mowry Revels How Her Kids Played a Crucial Role in Her Decision to Divorce Cory Hardrict

Tia Mowry and Cory Hardrict Shutterstock (2)

Tia Mowry is discovering a positive aspect in her separation from Cory Hardrict — particularly when it concerns her children.

"Including them was part of my choice," the 44-year-old former Sister, Sister star shared in her cover feature for HelloBeautiful's June/July 2023 issue, referring to her 11-year-old son, Cree, and 5-year-old daughter, Cairo. "I believe it's a valuable lesson for them to witness their mother embracing honesty, even though it was a difficult decision."

Making the decision to divorce Hardrict, 43, was one of the most difficult choices Mowry has ever made. She wants her children to see her as a strong role model who perseveres despite doubt and criticism. Mowry wants her kids to know that she is living her truth and hopes they will do the same. Her goal is for her children to live authentic lives, free from societal expectations or pressures. She wants them to understand that it's okay to have bad days and to pursue their own happiness. Ultimately, she wants her children to feel empowered to live their truth.

Mowry, star of All American: Homecoming, got married in 2008, having met their partner on the set of Hollywood Horror eight years earlier. However, the couple announced their separation in October 2022.

“It was a difficult decision. I often say to people close to me, 'This is not for the faint-hearted.' It's extremely challenging," Mowry revealed exclusively to We one month later. "I believe that when you prioritize self-growth, self-love, self-value, and self-worth, the choice becomes clearer."

Cree Hardrict, Tia Mowry-Hardrict, Cory Hardrict, and Cairo Tiahna Hardrict grace the premiere of 'Jumanji: The Next Level' held at TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, California on December 9, 2019. Broadimage/Shutterstock captures the star-studded event.

She mentioned, "Once you achieve inner harmony, it becomes simpler to make that decision. However, it doesn't imply that it's not challenging. It was incredibly tough because there are numerous factors to consider."

After finalizing their divorce in April, the former couple agreed to co-parent their two children together. Later on, Mowry and Hardrict established legal guidelines regarding introducing new partners to Cree and Cairo.

According to court documents obtained on June 21st, the former partners have agreed that neither of them can introduce their children to a new romantic partner until they have been in an exclusive relationship for a minimum of six months. The agreement also establishes limitations on new partners spending the night while the children are in the care of either party within the first six months of the exclusive relationship. These decisions were made in consideration of what is best for Cree and Cairo.