Tyler Perry’s Surprising Approach to Parenting: Why He Refuses to Spoil His Son
When most kids dream of unwrapping piles of presents on Christmas morning, 10-year-old Aman Perry might be in for a very different experience. While his father, Tyler Perry, is a Hollywood mogul and a billionaire, he’s making sure his son grows up far removed from the spoiled, entitled lifestyle that so often accompanies wealth.
In a recent appearance on Sherri, Tyler Perry shared a surprising, yet thoughtful, perspective on parenting — one that’s in stark contrast to the luxurious life he leads. When host Sherri Shepherd asked about his son’s Christmas wishlist, Perry didn’t hesitate to respond with a firm, “He don’t get no Christmas list.”
The reason? Tyler Perry’s intentional approach to parenting goes beyond simply keeping Aman grounded. It’s about teaching him the values that are often lost in a world obsessed with wealth and privilege.
A Simple Approach: Books and Legos
When asked about what his son receives for Christmas, Perry made it clear that it’s not a shopping spree. “He gets two things: books and Legos,” Perry said, clearly stating that he believes in fostering a sense of humility and responsibility.
It’s not that Tyler Perry is against gifting his son. But, as he explained, “He don’t have a job! What else is he going to get?” The billionaire producer is using his wealth, not to spoil his son, but to teach him the importance of hard work and gratitude.
Tyler shared how, even at a young age, Aman was already getting accustomed to luxury — flying on private jets. Perry and his ex-girlfriend, Gelila Bekele, decided to switch things up when their son began complaining about long lines and delays, and took commercial flights instead. Why? “So that he understands I worked, he did not!” Perry explained. “So when he works, he can learn that lesson.”
It’s a clear message that goes beyond Christmas gifts: Perry wants Aman to understand the value of effort and appreciate the simple things in life.
The Fight Against Entitlement
For Tyler Perry, it’s personal. Raised in poverty, he knows what it’s like to struggle, and that’s something he’s not willing to let his son forget. He’s been candid in interviews about the dangers of raising a child in an environment where everything is handed to them on a silver platter. “I have friends who have wealthy kids, and I want to punch them in the face,” Perry jokingly said, referring to the entitled behavior of some wealthy children. He’s determined to avoid that outcome for his own son.
Perry is intentional about keeping Aman’s childhood grounded, despite the privileges that come with his family name. “I want him to know who he is before people start to say, ‘Oh, that’s Tyler Perry’s son!’” He’s not shy about keeping their family life private and allowing his son to play and grow without the constant attention that comes with being the child of a famous person.
Even in public spaces, Perry prefers to stay out of the spotlight. At games, for instance, he’ll sit in the back to ensure Aman can enjoy himself without the disruption of constant attention. Perry is committed to creating as normal an environment as possible for his son, one where he can grow up free of the pressures of fame.
The Power of a Grounded Upbringing
While Perry’s approach might seem unconventional, it’s rooted in a desire to raise a well-rounded, empathetic young man. He’s quick to praise his ex-girlfriend Gelila Bekele for being a crucial partner in keeping their son grounded. “She is very grounded and balanced at making sure he stays that way,” Perry said. Their team effort is a crucial factor in ensuring Aman isn’t overwhelmed by the wealth and privilege that comes with his family’s legacy.
For Perry, teaching Aman about the world’s struggles and the blessings they have is key to raising a well-balanced individual. “We teach him about how people are all of us,” Perry said. “We teach him about the struggle. We teach him about what a blessing it is to have anything.”
The Bottom Line: A Balanced Approach to Privilege
Tyler Perry’s parenting philosophy is an important reminder that wealth doesn’t have to come at the cost of character. While many might assume that a billionaire would shower his child with extravagant gifts and luxuries, Perry’s approach is rooted in something much more valuable: humility, empathy, and hard work.
In the end, Perry’s message is clear: true wealth isn’t in material possessions, but in the lessons we pass on to the next generation. And as Aman grows up, these lessons — from appreciating books and Legos to understanding the importance of hard work — will serve him far beyond the holiday season.