Ed Sheeran, the globally renowned singer-songwriter, has recently offered a glimpse into his life as a father to his two daughters, Lyra Antarctica and Jupiter Seaborn Sheeran. In a candid discussion, he revealed the challenges and considerations that come with raising children in the public eye, particularly the desire to provide them with a normal upbringing.
Sheeran, who shares his daughters with his wife Cherry Seaborn, has expressed a strong commitment to shielding his children from the excesses of fame and wealth. He recounted an appearance on Alex Cooper's "Call Her Daddy" podcast, where he articulated his vision for raising Lyra, who is four, and Jupiter, who is two, in an environment that fosters authentic connections and values simplicity.
One of Sheeran's primary concerns is preventing his daughters from growing up in a "Richie Rich" lifestyle, a reference to the fictional character known for his abundance of luxury but lack of genuine relationships. Having been raised in Suffolk, Sheeran emphasizes the importance of community and the grounding influence of his wife, Cherry, in maintaining a sense of normalcy within their family life. He noted that Cherry often reins him in when things get "too Hollywood," ensuring that their children understand the value of hard work and don't take their comfortable lifestyle for granted.
Sheeran's commitment to providing a balanced upbringing extends to his parenting style. He and Cherry consciously avoid showering their children with excessive material possessions, instead focusing on providing them with love, attention, and guidance. Sheeran wants his daughters to experience life as he did, without being overwhelmed by luxury and excess. He believes in balancing fun and discipline, encouraging his daughters to appreciate simple pleasures like family time and outdoor activities rather than constantly buying them everything they want.
Ed Sheeran's desire to protect his daughters from the spotlight extends to their privacy. He has stated that he is "very, very private" about his children's image. He recognizes the difficulties of raising a family while living in the public eye, admitting that he can't take them to places like zoos or parks without someone trying to film them. He mourns the loss of those normal parts of life, wishing he could push his kids on a swing in a public park without it being a spectacle. Sheeran believes that his children "have not signed up" for the trade-offs that come with his fame.
Despite his best efforts, Sheeran acknowledges that it's impossible to completely shield his children from fame. He recounted an instance where he was flying back from a gig in Italy on a commercial flight, only to find that many of his fans were on the same flight.
Sheeran's approach to parenting also stems from a desire to instill in his daughters a sense of responsibility, gratitude, empathy and kindness. He wants them to grow up to be respectful and well-rounded individuals. He has spoken about how becoming a father has brought him closer to his own parents, fostering a sense of eternal gratefulness and respect for what they went through raising him.
In addition to his views on parenting, Sheeran has shared details about his home life, including the unique personal spaces he has created for relaxation and creativity. While he has built a pub, a cinema, and a recording studio at home, he is mindful of not over-indulging his children and wants to ensure they don't grow up in a "Richie Rich house". Sheeran's wife, Cherry, serves as a grounding force, helping him maintain a sense of perspective and preventing things from getting "too Hollywood".
