It’s fair to say Gordon Ramsay is one of the best-known chefs of modern-day culture. Shows such as Hell’s Kitchen and The F Word in the UK, and MasterChef and Hotel Hell in the US are hugely popular, making him a household name on both sides of the Atlantic. His hot temper and often insulting attitude towards those on his shows are legendary, although daughter Tilly has said he’s a “teddy bear”. He and his wife, Tana, have three other children – daughter Megan and twins Holly and Jack. They also announced on New Year’s Day 2019 that they are expecting a fifth child.
1No swearing allowed
This is a surprise, coming from someone who’s renowned for his, erm, colourful language on television. But Ramsey says that at home, he wants his children to show respect and there is no bad language.
“They know I’ve said bad words. I say it is an industry language. You’ve got to be boisterous to get results,” he explains. “They do not walk around saying the f-word.”
2A healthy diet is important
Given his profession, it’s not surprising that their father is keen the Ramsay children eat healthily. The Ramsay children weren’t allowed constant treats at home as they grew up – they were expected to follow a healthy lifestyle. Tilly said during an interview: “Mum tries to keep us all healthy, but on a Friday night we’re allowed some crisps and dips after school, before dinner. That’s our weekly treat.” We wonder whether that’s still the case now they’re older!
3They should help out at home
Ramsay expects his children to help with cooking, setting the table and cleaning up after dinner. He believes kids should be part of making sure their home life runs smoothly – and it will teach them skills and discipline for the future. “They tidy up after each and every dinner. It’s a system. It’s important they help set and clear the tables, it’s important they cook, it’s important they do their homework,” he says.
4Help those less fortunate
Ramsay is also known for his commitment to supporting charities, and he’s instilled the same values in his children. He believes that those in a position to help those in need should do so. As a result, his children are also involved in a number of charities. Ramsay has helped those closer to home, too – he’s paid for several his chefs to receive training and education. “I’m the most unselfish chef in Britain today,” he is reported as saying.
5Let kids make their own way in the world
Ramsay has publicly stated that he has no intention of leaving his fortune to his children. He believes they should be responsible for themselves – there are no trust funds to prop them up. “It’s definitely not going to them, and that’s not in a mean way,” he has said. “It’s to not spoil them. The only thing I’ve agreed with Tana is they get a 25% deposit on a flat.”
6Don’t spoil your children
When the Ramsays travel, they go first class – or at least, the parents do. On flights, while Ramsay and his wife would turn left, their kids would be in the standard seats. His view is that privilege like that should be earned. “They haven’t worked anywhere near hard enough to afford that,” he has said. “I worked my arse off to sit that close to the pilot and you appreciate it more when you’ve grafted for it.”
The Ramsay kids also have a budget and are expected to pay for things like their own mobile phones, bus fare and jeans. “The earlier you give them that responsibility to save for their own jeans and trainers (sneakers), the better,” he says.
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