Singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor has offered a candid glimpse into her family life, revealing she doesn't enforce strict rules in her household while raising five children with her husband, Richard Jones.
A Communicative Approach Over Strict Rules
The 46-year-old 'Murder On The Dancefloor' star, mother to sons Sonny, 21, Kit, 14, Ray, 11, Jesse, seven, and Mickey, four, explained her parenting philosophy in a new interview. She stated she has 'too many' children to be a strict parent, a value she has consciously moved away from.
"I'm a communicator," Sophie told The Telegraph. "I often ask them, 'What would you do if you were the parent in this situation?' We're big on talking about stuff – we don't have fixed rules about anything."
Despite this flexible framework, the singer emphasised that boundaries and a moral compass are crucial. Kindness and freedom are key pillars in her home, which she aims to be a sanctuary from the pressures of school and exams.
Family Dynamics and a Unique Living Arrangement
Ellis-Bextor also shared a unique detail about her eldest child's living situation. Her 21-year-old son, Sonny, now lives with his grandmother, Janet, who resides close by. Sophie encouraged this move, noting they have 'always been so close' and that her mother lived alone prior to Sonny moving in.
She described being "quite firm around the edges" when it comes to core family values, wanting home to be a place where her children feel "good, safe and supported by their siblings."
Addressing Schoolyard Challenges
The conversation also turned to the challenges her younger children face. Sophie had previously admitted on her 'Salon Confidential' podcast that her kids with red hair have experienced bullying for not "blending in" with classmates.
"It's definitely been something they've experienced, which is really harsh," she said, acknowledging the strong adolescent instinct to conform. Her approach is to have open conversations, aiming to "keep an eye on it and keep it on the right side of things."
She remains positive, noting that the traits that set you apart young often become sources of pride later. "I can always find them so easily in a playground," she quipped about her children's distinctive hair.
In a lighter recent moment, Sophie was praised by fans for humorously mocking the extreme morning routines popularised by influencers on TikTok, showcasing her relatable and down-to-earth personality amidst discussions of modern family life.
