Ryan Reynolds opened up about his approach to parenting at the Wall Street Journal CMO Summit in New York, offering insights on how he and Blake Lively raise their four children. Discussing the Ryan Reynolds parenting style, the actor highlighted how prioritizing emotional safety and humor shapes their family dynamic.
Reynolds Shares Insights on Parenting and Childhood
During his appearance at the summit, Reynolds addressed the concept of soft parenting, acknowledging its contrast to his upbringing. The Deadpool star explained the evolution of modern parenting approaches, noting,
“Soft parenting is new, right? I didn’t have that.”
– Ryan Reynolds, actor
He further described how this style limits harsh discipline, sharing,
“There’s not a lot of yelling or punishments or anything like that,”
– Ryan Reynolds, actor. Reynolds also challenged the belief that creative talent requires personal turmoil, stating,
“I don’t think … I really don’t believe that you have to be screwed up, f—– up, to make good stuff.”
– Ryan Reynolds, actor.
Building a Safe Environment for Better Decisions
Focusing on the impact of emotional safety, Reynolds emphasized how creating a secure space affects children’s choices. He articulated this connection by saying,
“If you’re just in a place of safety, you make great decisions.”
– Ryan Reynolds, actor. He believes that when children feel safe, they can consider others and avoid reactive responses. Still, Reynolds acknowledged the challenges and humor in everyday family life, including his own role in household chaos with,
“Are they still, like, spawns of Satan? Yes.”
– Ryan Reynolds, actor. He noted in jest that he, at times, is the source of the mischief.
Their children—James, Inez, Betty, and Olin—are each developing under this philosophy, which blends practical guidance and lightheartedness. As the Wrexham co-owner interacts with his kids, he balances maintaining structure with letting kids experience normal ups and downs.
Contrasts With His Upbringing and the Value of Emotional Growth
Reynolds contrasted his current parenting with the environment in which he grew up. He explained that attending a conflict resolution workshop had a transformative effect, referring to it as having changed my entire life. He commented on the shift in generational approaches, stating,
“Parents today are so different. We’re so soft. I don’t yell,”
– Ryan Reynolds, actor. Describing his childhood, he reflected,
“I grew up with like — it was nuts, it was an improvised militia.”
– Ryan Reynolds, actor.
A key message from Reynolds is the importance of stability and comfort at home while embracing humor to manage common parenting anxieties. With Blake Lively, Reynolds aims to guide their children by modeling thoughtful decision-making and resolving conflicts with openness and patience.
As families look to balance tradition and new methods, Ryan Reynolds’s parenting style sets an example of adaptability, humor, and nurturing emotional well-being, elements that could shape his children’s futures and resonate beyond his own household.
