Tyler Perry, the renowned billionaire producer, has garnered attention not just for his cinematic achievements but also for his unconventional parenting style. Perry, 55, recently shared his surprising philosophies on raising his 10-year-old son, Aman, during an appearance on the December 18th episode of Sherri. While promoting his Netflix movie The Six Triple Eight, the conversation took an unexpected turn when host Sherri Shepherd inquired about Aman’s Christmas list.
Perry’s response stunned Shepherd: “He don’t get no Christmas list.” He firmly stated his intention to avoid spoiling his son, even during the holidays. Instead of extravagant presents, Aman receives only “books and Legos.” Perry’s justification for this minimalist approach? “He don’t have a job! What else is he going to get?”
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The conversation further revealed Perry’s commitment to grounding his son. He recounted an incident where he and his ex-girlfriend, Gelila Bekele (Aman’s mother), decided to fly commercially after noticing their then 5-year-old son complaining about long lines and becoming accustomed to private jets. Perry affirmed that Aman has been flying coach “for years,” much to Shepherd’s surprise. He explained his reasoning amidst audience applause: “So that he understands I worked, he did not! So when he works, he can learn that lesson. He’s not going to be one of those ridiculous spoiled rich kids.”
Perry also emphasized his efforts to shield Aman from the pressures of fame. He avoids public appearances with his son and even takes discreet measures at events to allow Aman to play undisturbed. Perry’s priority is to ensure his son experiences a normal life, drastically different from his own challenging upbringing. His goal is to prevent Aman from becoming “spoiled, rich, entitled.”
This isn’t the first time Perry has addressed his parenting approach. At the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival, he spoke with Gayle King about raising Aman to be “grounded and balanced” despite his privileged background. He reiterated his stance on limiting gifts and praised Bekele for her role in instilling these values.
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Perry acknowledged the internal conflict of wanting to provide his son with everything he lacked in his own childhood. However, he recognizes the potential pitfalls of excessive privilege, drawing from observations of “obnoxious” wealthy children. He and Bekele prioritize teaching Aman about empathy, struggle, and gratitude. Their aim is to ensure their son maintains a grounded perspective and appreciates the blessings in his life. Perry’s unique parenting philosophy offers a refreshing perspective on navigating wealth and fame while raising children with strong values.
