The Unorthodox Dozen: A Full List Of Nick Cannon's 12 Children, Their Mothers, And His Controversial 'No Co-Parenting' Philosophy

As of December 2025, Nick Cannon's expansive family life continues to be one of the most talked-about topics in entertainment, a journey he has openly described as "unorthodox." The comedian, actor, and host of *Wild 'N Out* is a father to 12 children, shared with six different women, a dynamic that has sparked endless public fascination and debate. This comprehensive guide offers the most up-to-date information on his growing family, including the full list of his sons and daughters, their mothers, and a deep dive into his recent, controversial statements regarding his unique approach to fatherhood and why he doesn’t believe in the term "co-parenting."

Nick Cannon: Biography, Full List of 12 Children, and Their Mothers

Nicholas Scott Cannon was born on October 8, 1980, in San Diego, California. He rose to fame in the late 90s and early 2000s as a host, comedian, and actor, eventually creating the highly successful improv comedy show *Wild 'N Out*. His personal life has drawn significant attention since his marriage to superstar Mariah Carey, with whom he had his first children. His family tree has expanded significantly over the last decade, totaling 12 children with six mothers.

Nick Cannon's Children and Their Mothers (Updated December 2025):

• Monroe Cannon (Daughter) & Moroccan Scott Cannon (Son)
• Mother: Mariah Carey
• Born: April 30, 2011 (Twins)
• Golden "Sagon" Cannon (Son)
• Mother: Brittany Bell
• Born: February 21, 2017
• Powerful Queen Cannon (Daughter)
• Mother: Brittany Bell
• Born: December 23, 2020
• Zion Mixolydian Cannon (Son) & Zillion Heir Cannon (Son)
• Mother: Abby De La Rosa
• Born: June 14, 2021 (Twins)
• Zen Scott Cannon (Son) - *Deceased*
• Mother: Alyssa Scott
• Born: June 23, 2021. Tragically passed away from brain cancer in December 2021 at five months old.
• Legendary Love Cannon (Son)
• Mother: Bre Tiesi
• Born: July 2, 2022
• Onyx Ice Cole Cannon (Daughter)
• Mother: LaNisha Cole
• Born: September 14, 2022
• Rise Messiah Cannon (Son)
• Mother: Brittany Bell
• Born: September 23, 2022
• Beautiful Zeppelin Cannon (Daughter)
• Mother: Abby De La Rosa
• Born: October 28, 2022
• Halo Marie Cannon (Daughter)
• Mother: Alyssa Scott
• Born: December 14, 2022

Why Nick Cannon Rejects the Term 'Co-Parenting'

In a move that generated significant controversy in late 2025, Nick Cannon publicly stated that he does not believe in the term "co-parenting." This philosophical stance offers a unique window into how he manages his complex family structure and his relationship with the six mothers of his children, often referred to as his "baby mamas."

The "Co-Parenting" Stigma

Cannon explained his position on his podcast, *Nick Cannon @ Night*, arguing that the term "co-parenting" implies a failed relationship or a divided family unit. He believes the word itself carries a negative connotation, suggesting that two parents are merely "co-existing" for the sake of the child rather than functioning as a unified, if unconventional, family. His preference is to simply call it "parenting." He views all the mothers as integral parts of his life, and by removing the "co-," he emphasizes a collective, harmonious effort focused entirely on the children's well-being, rather than the separate lives of the adults. This perspective is central to his fatherhood philosophy. He has often stressed that the true essence of his family is unconditional love and open communication, regardless of the romantic status of the parents. He insists that his children are his top priority, and he loves them "unconditionally."

Inside Nick Cannon's Unorthodox Fatherhood Philosophy

Cannon’s life as a father of 12 is a constant subject of media scrutiny, but his personal defense of his lifestyle provides crucial context for his decisions. He has been candid about his journey, admitting that his initial approach to having a large family was perhaps "careless" and "frivolous," but that it has evolved into a deeply meaningful commitment.

A Response to Trauma and Mortality

In a recent interview, Cannon revealed that his decision to have a large family was partly a response to past trauma and a heightened awareness of mortality, particularly after the tragic loss of his son, Zen, to brain cancer in 2021. The pain of losing Zen, his first child with Alyssa Scott, appears to have cemented his desire to embrace life and fatherhood fully. He has often spoken about the joy and lessons he learns from his children, stating, "I've learned so much just from my children and it's so amazing." This deep-seated appreciation for life and family seems to fuel his commitment to being present for all his children.

The Logistics of the Family Tree

Managing a family of this size requires an extraordinary level of logistical planning, a task Cannon has embraced. He ensures that he spends quality time with each child, often dedicating specific days or weeks to different family units. The key to his system is the strong, mutually respectful relationships he maintains with the mothers. From Mariah Carey, with whom he shares the twins Moroccan and Monroe, to Bre Tiesi, mother of Legendary Love, the focus remains on creating a stable, loving environment. The mothers themselves have often spoken positively about their shared commitment to the "Cannon family tree," a testament to the host's ability to maintain civility and cooperation across multiple households. This entire arrangement, from the unique names like Powerful Queen and Beautiful Zeppelin to his rejection of the "co-parenting" label, underscores an intentional, albeit unconventional, effort to redefine the modern family unit. For Nick Cannon, having 12 children is not a spectacle, but a profound expression of love and a commitment to a life lived without regret.