Will Ferrell got candid about his parenting techniques and how he makes sure his kids don’t take things for granted.
Will Ferrell has shared a glimpse into how he approaches raising his family, explaining that he tries to avoid handing his kids everything on a plate.
While speaking on the Harland Highway Podcast, the comedian touched on life with his three sons: 22-year-old Magnus Paulin Ferrell, 19-year-old Mattias Paulin Ferrell and Axel Paulin Ferrell.
His comments quickly grabbed attention, with Ferrell suggesting that withholding financial “extras” can teach responsibility.
He said: “I won’t pay for, stuff for like my kids.
“They gotta, like food and clothing, they gotta earn it. They just gotta figure it out, its part of life.
“Figure it out, I had to.”
Host Harland Williams appeared amused as Ferrell delivered the lines in a matter-of-fact way.
Ferrell then expanded on how he says he handles travel when it comes to family trips with his wife, Viveca Paulin, and their sons.
He continued, if we take a family trip, I’ll sit in first class and my kids will sit, not only in coach but on a different airline, not even on the same flight.
“I’ll make sure its a redeye, so I get the cheapest fare. They only get to fly Spirit, Spirit Air.
“Economy and as many changes and layovers as possible. I’m trying to teach the value of a buck.”
Williams piled on with his own suggestion, joking that putting the kids in a dog crate would cut costs even further.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that Ferrell has built his career around comedic exaggeration, so not everyone took the remarks at face value.
Still, the clip sparked debate online, with some viewers criticizing what they believed was a harsh stance.
Others argued the whole thing sounded like an obvious bit, especially given the over-the-top details.
One user wrote: “Guys you really need to listen to this carefully. He isn’t being serious this is a bit. “Red eye on spirit and as many lay overs as possible”
With another joking: “I’m the same I make my kids go out in the forest and find their own food like our ancestors. A few of them have died but the ones that remain are also actually quite sick to be honest.”
And a third writing: “I’m worried about all the commenters seeing a Will Ferrell clip and not registering that he’s doing a bit…”
With another simply saying: “So many people not realizing this is comedy.”