Jennifer Hudson Talks 'Teaching Independence' to Teenage Son: 'We Can't Always Hold Their Hand' (Exclusive)

The boy mom opens up about making sure her son has the skills to thrive as he comes more into his own

• Jennifer Hudson says that she's cherishing watching her 15-year-old son David enjoy more independence as he gets older

• The EGOT-winning mom tells PEOPLE why she thinks it's important to prepare her son for his young adult years little by little

• Hudson opens up about her partnership with Dawn to celebrate the brand's iconic ducklings and give back to the International Bird Rescue

Jennifer Hudson is all about nurturing her son through his teenage years.

The EGOT-winning mom, 42, tells PEOPLE she's enjoying this "rewarding" season of parenting a teen. The talk show host is mom to a 15-year-old son, David.

"It's the most rewarding to see him come into his own, being more independent," she tells PEOPLE. "On the first day of school, I was like, 'You can go to the gym. I don't have to drive you. You can ride your bike to the gym.' He's like, 'That's a great idea.' He put his little backpack on and he had his basketball."

Hudson made sure to add, "You've got to be responsible. You have to communicate. You have to be at home by a certain time. The more you do that and cruise your stuff in that way, the more freedom you'll get."

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Related: Jennifer Hudson's Son: Everything She's Said About Parenting

She was thrilled that David "did follow the rules."

"He did all that he was supposed to do. So, to see him gradually step into the world as a soon-to-be young adult. It ain't going to be long before he's 18, so it's teaching him that independence and seeing how..."

The mom points out that despite instincts to help, figuring things out is part of growing up.

"We can't always hold their hand. At some point, we have to stop and trust our teaching as parents and know when to give them space to go," she says. "So, seeing him do that. But the challenging part of it is also letting go. So, allowing that, as a parent and mom. We all know that's hard to do, and it's like... we got to let them have that space."

Hudson is partnering with Dawn to celebrate the iconic Dawn ducklings and share a feather-ruffling offer to help save money and wildlife. Beginning Sept. 17, and for a limited time, shoppers and wildlife lovers can visit www.dawnducks.com to download a $1 coupon off Dawn Platinum EZ-Squeeze. Dawn will donate $1 to the International Bird Rescue, up to $100,000.

"I'm grateful for International Bird Rescue doing everything that they are doing to save the birdies, that's for sure," Hudson tells PEOPLE. "I love me some animals, and Dawn has always been part of my family's household and our kitchen. So, I love this partnership."

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