Ryan Reynolds wants his four children—James, 9, Inez, 8, Betty, 5, and Olin, born in 2023—to have as “normal” a life as possible, even though their upbringing is worlds apart from his and wife Blake Lively’s modest roots. For Reynolds, who grew up in a working-class household, raising humble and empathetic children while living amid fame and fortune is an ongoing balancing act.
The Deadpool star spoke candidly in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter about his approach to parenting and how his perspective has shifted over time.
“We try to give them as normal a life as possible,” Reynolds shared. He avoids comparing their lives with his own childhood, acknowledging that their experiences are different and unique to them. “I used to think: ‘Oh God, I would never have had a gift like this when I was a kid,’ or, ‘I never would’ve had this luxury of getting takeout,’” he explained. But then he realized it wasn’t fair to place his own experiences and struggles on his kids.
“They’re already very much in touch with gratitude and understanding the world enough to have a strong sense of empathy,” Reynolds said.
Empathy Is the Benchmark for Good Parenting
Reynolds and Lively are intentional about keeping their children grounded. For the actor, success as a parent is measured not by material achievements but by his kids’ ability to understand and connect with others.
“If our kids can empathize with other people and other kids,” Reynolds noted, “then we’re doing an OK job.”
He reflected on how childhood has changed over the decades, contrasting his own upbringing with that of his children. “When I was a kid, you would just suck it up, get out of the house, and be back by sundown, which I just can’t even imagine now,” he said, alluding to a simpler, less structured childhood of the past.
The 48-year-old actor’s parenting philosophy seems to stem from his own complex relationship with his father.
A Complicated Relationship with His Late Father
Reynolds grew up in what he calls a “blue-collar home” and has often spoken about his strained bond with his late father, who passed away in 2015 after battling Parkinson’s disease for two decades. Reynolds described his father’s communication style as terse, saying, “My dad was of that generation where he was Clint Eastwood. Simple grunts is how he communicated.”
In a separate interview with Variety, the actor opened up about how his perception of his father—and their relationship—has changed over time.
“My relationship with my father was very complicated,” Reynolds admitted. “People tell themselves stories, and we have some responsibility as we grow older to question that a little bit. I’ve done that a bit more in the last five years.”
Reynolds explained how self-reflection has led him to reevaluate the stories he told himself about his upbringing. “I ask that question often: ‘Was my dad as challenging as I like to think? Or am I romanticizing that to pave over all these other things?’”
The actor now sees the nuances in his father’s personality, rejecting the simplistic idea of someone being purely “good” or “bad.” “The story is not true; nobody’s black and white like that,” he added.
Keeping Humility Amid Fame
Despite being one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Reynolds remains rooted in his values. Growing up without extravagance shaped his down-to-earth approach to life. He understands that his children will never experience the same struggles, but his focus is on instilling gratitude and humility.
The couple’s low-key parenting style is evident in their efforts to keep their family life out of the spotlight. While Reynolds and Lively are active on social media, they rarely share photos of their children, opting instead to keep their kids’ lives private.
Still, Reynolds often speaks warmly about fatherhood and how it has transformed him. “It’s been the best thing that ever happened to me,” he once told People.
Parenting in Hollywood Isn’t Easy
Balancing fame and family life is no small feat. For Hollywood parents like Reynolds and Lively, the challenge is providing a sense of normalcy while living under the public eye. But Reynolds’ priority remains clear: raising children who are kind, empathetic, and aware of their privileges.
His approach resonates with many parents, famous or not, who worry about raising grounded kids in a world of excess.
While Reynolds is best known for his sharp wit and blockbuster roles, his reflections on fatherhood reveal a softer, deeply introspective side. As he continues to navigate life as a parent, Reynolds remains committed to keeping his family at the center of it all.
