Tina Knowles Says “Very Shy” Beyoncé Stood Up To Bullies As A Child

Tina Knowles is sharing memories from Beyoncé’s childhood. In a new interview with Vogue, she recalled how her eldest daughter was a “very shy” child.

“She got bullied a bit,” she told the magazine. “But the day that she stood up for someone — she didn’t stand up for herself, but she stood up for them —I’m getting emotional talking about it, and I couldn’t have been more proud of her.”

Tina also spoke of her younger daughter, Solange Knowles (“She was only in 5th grade and she was out getting petitions signed, so she’s always been an activist”) and Bey’s Destiny’s Child bandmate Kelly Rowland, who moved in with the Knowles family when she was 11 years old (“Kelly was always this kid that just tried to protect everybody. I have a memory of her with her best friend Barbara and her being a mediator, and just being this little peacemaker”).

In an Instagram caption that accompanied the video interview, Tina encouraged parents to “praise the positive differences” between children.

“My three girls [all] handled things very differently. Learn their personalities and respect their individuality,” she wrote. “Pay attention to the things that you can brag on about them. They love it and it encourages positive behavior.”

Tina shares her two daughters with her ex-husband, Mathew Knowles. According to People, they welcomed their first child, Beyoncé, in 1981, and Solange was born five years later in 1986. Tina and Mathew divorced in 2011 after more than 30 years together. “The decision to end our marriage is an amicable one. We remain friends, parents, and business partners,” they said in a statement at the time.

Tina’s “Four Incredible Daughters”

In 2021, Tina posted an open letter dedicated to her “four incredible daughters,” referring to Rowland, her niece Angie, and her two biological children.

“Kelly, I know without a doubt that you were a true gift from God,” she wrote. “You came to live with us when you were only 11 years old. You were the sweetest, most kind person I had ever met and you still are. You are also a true survivor. You never give up. Your discipline and drive always inspires me.”