Tyler Perry sparks debate with his strict parenting approach, revealing he refuses to spoil his son with luxury, opting instead for books and Legos as Christmas gifts.

Tyler Perry, the award-winning filmmaker known for his success and wealth, has shocked many with his unconventional approach to parenting.

The actor, producer, and writer, who could easily afford to shower his 10-year-old son Aman with luxury gifts and private jet flights, revealed on The Sherri Shepherd Show that he takes a far different route when it comes to raising his child.

According to Perry, Aman does not make Christmas lists, does not fly in his father’s private jet, and instead receives a simple, grounded selection of gifts: books and Legos.

In a candid conversation about his parenting philosophy, Perry explained that his son’s upbringing is focused on humility, hard work, and the values of a grounded life—despite the extreme wealth Perry has accumulated throughout his career.

“He don’t get no Christmas list,” Perry laughed as he spoke about Aman. “He gets two things: books and Legos. He don’t have a job.

What else is he gonna get?” Perry’s response made it clear that, while he is blessed with unimaginable wealth, he is determined not to raise his son as a spoiled child who expects lavish gifts or a life of privilege without effort.

The conversation took a turn when Perry recounted a particular moment when Aman, who was used to flying with his father on private jets, complained about long lines and delays at the airport while flying commercial.

Perry was quick to respond to this complaint in a way that many parents might find surprising.

He and his partner, model and activist Gelila Bekele, who co-parents Aman with Perry despite their 2020 separation, decided that Aman would no longer have access to their private jet.

“So they’ve been going coach for years,” Perry said. “He’s not gonna be one of those ridiculous, spoiled rich kids. I can’t stand that. He ain’t got no money!”

This revelation, though meant to convey Perry’s desire to instill strong, humble values in his son, has ignited a storm of debate online.

Many are questioning the necessity of Perry’s strict parenting approach, with some arguing that the luxury Perry enjoys should be passed on to his child, while others are applauding his decision to keep Aman’s life free from entitlement.

TikTok users, in particular, have voiced their opinions, with one user, @Farai, expressing confusion about Perry’s stance. “I’ve never understood this… I’m working so that my family never struggles,” they wrote.

“I’m not saying they should be spoiled, but if I can afford luxury, they’ll get it. All I need is kindness and respect.”

This sentiment is one shared by many, who argue that a parent’s success should benefit their children, and that there’s a balance between giving children the best and teaching them humility.

On the other hand, @Maajenn|Kontent Kreator defended Perry’s philosophy, suggesting that the focus should not be on material wealth but on life lessons.

“Some of you don’t understand,” they wrote. “His father’s name will open doors for him, but first, he has to understand that hard work is the way. They’re preserving the legacy.”

In this view, Perry’s approach is seen as an effort to ensure that Aman learns the importance of earning success rather than relying on his father’s wealth or fame. By withholding luxuries, Perry is shaping his son to understand that success is achieved through effort, not entitlement.

Meanwhile, other critics, like @lightskinkeithsweat, disagree with Perry’s method, arguing that it is possible to spoil a child without raising them to be entitled. “I don’t agree with this,” they said.

“You can spoil a kid and they won’t grow up to be spoiled rich kids. I thought the idea of being rich was so your kids don’t have to experience the struggle.”

This perspective emphasizes that wealth should be a tool for offering children a comfortable life, and that good parenting should ensure they grow up to be grounded and grateful, even if they receive material comforts along the way.

Similarly, @Robin added, “Your children can enjoy wealth and still learn good life lessons and be humble. Just have to stand on business.”

This viewpoint suggests that it’s not about depriving children of comforts, but about teaching them how to handle those comforts responsibly, ensuring they grow up with a strong work ethic and an appreciation for what they have.

Perry’s stance is certainly not unique. In fact, it’s a view shared by other prominent figures who, like Perry, have achieved great wealth but choose not to indulge their children excessively.

Actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, for example, has been vocal about his decision to ensure his daughters grow up with a sense of appreciation and understanding that success comes through hard work, not just the perks of their father’s fame.

Johnson has spoken about how he and his wife make sure their children don’t take luxury for granted, offering them the tools to succeed on their own rather than relying on their parents’ success.

Perry’s parenting approach, while raising eyebrows, also challenges the typical narrative surrounding wealthy families and their children.

In a world where celebrities are often seen indulging their children with extravagant gifts and private jets, Perry’s decision to keep Aman’s life humble and grounded is a stark contrast.

His refusal to let his son become another “spoiled rich kid” may be seen as controversial, but it also reflects a larger conversation about the role of wealth in shaping the next generation.

Despite their 2020 separation, Perry and Bekele have been described as having a seamless co-parenting relationship, with both parents aligned on the importance of instilling life lessons in their son.

Aman, who was born in November 2014, has been kept out of the public eye for the most part, with Perry and Bekele choosing to provide him with a private and grounded upbringing, away from the pressures and expectations that come with celebrity status.

The debate sparked by Perry’s comments is far from over, and it touches on broader themes about parenting, wealth, and how we raise the next generation.

While some may criticize Perry for being too strict, others will likely see his approach as a necessary antidote to the entitlement that often accompanies inherited wealth.

In the end, Tyler Perry’s parenting philosophy might not be for everyone, but it undeniably raises important questions about how we balance privilege and personal growth in a child’s upbringing.