Checking Up On Michael Jackson's Children, Five Years After Demise

Today, the three Jackson children, who have been raised primarily by Jackson's mother Katherine, are doing their best to move forward with their lives.

"The children are really well-adjusted, normal kids, as normal as any child can be with the loss of a parent," a source close to the family told ABC News. "They are close to grandma and other cousins as well as certain aunts and uncles."

 

Now 17, Prince, who recently sported a goatee at a red carpet, is "deeply focused on his schooling," the source said. "Prince knows he can do things in the entertainment business and surely will, but school is priority. He has the grades to show it."

Paris, 16, who is said to have taken her father's death the hardest, is back in school "and finding her way again," following her hospitalization last year.

 

The youngest, 12-year-old Blanket, "is fabulous and focused in karate at a competitive level."

And while each may have his or her own passions and priorities, Prince, Paris and Blanket all have one thing in common: They still talk about their late father regularly.

"They rejoice in the memory of their father every day, whether they are speaking about him to each other or with family members or a complete stranger asks them how they are doing," the source said. "They handle themselves very maturely and when they speak of Michael. They are truly happy, but miss him dearly."