shared his tough approach with his children to ensure they are fully prepared for life’s challenges.
The media personality, 49, and wife of 24 years, Juliette ‘Jools’ Oliver, also 49, share five children – Poppy Honey Rose, 23, Daisy Boo Pamela, 22, Petal Blossom Rainbow, 16, Buddy Bear Maurice, 13, and River Rocket Blue, seven.
As his children achieve various milestones, from following in to , Jamie has shared that life isn’t supposed to be ‘easy’ and he doesn’t expect it to be for his children.
, who was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia from an early age, explained: ‘Confidence, worry and are all part of a cauldron of emotions that challenge us.
‘When you’re young, they can present themselves as things that hold you back. But, as you get older, [they provide] a tension that makes you do your best work.’
He added to Psychologies magazine: ‘Life’s not supposed to be linear or easy. I want my kids to struggle as much as possible, in a safe and controlled way. If it’s too easy, it’s really vanilla.’
As part of this strategy, he has encouraged his children to look on the bright side of life whenever they can.
‘Even today, I say to my girls, you have to brush your teeth, look in the mirror, and decide it’s going to be a positive day – decide to be glass half-full.
‘And I know it’s easier said than done. But if you try, it’s about being glass half-full most of the time and hopefully having friends around you that will catch you on the not-so-good days,’ the former restaurant chain owner reflected.
In a recent interview with Chris Moyles, Jamie’ to stop his already-large family from growing even bigger.
He also reflected on the struggles of being an older father, as he approaches his 50th birthday.
‘I’m now the oldest parent in River’s lot. And like, I can’t age them. So you’re sitting there talking to a parent, and then the references aren’t quite keying in, and you’re like, “Dude, how old are you?” He’s like, “32,”‘ Jamie recalled.
Last summer the couple celebrated the graduation of their eldest daughter Poppy, with mum and former writer Jools saying it was the ‘end of an era’ .
Meanwhile, Jamie’s 13-year-old son Buddy is reportedly gaining his own BBC cooking show after the success of his YouTube series, Cooking Buddies.
Jools and Oliver recently , this time in Las Vegas with an Elvis impersonator to celebrate their 24th wedding anniversary.
In a post marking the occasion, Jools wrote: ‘Happy 24 crazy married years together. I love you so much, thank you for indulging my LOVE for Elvis.’
In 2019, the family-of-seven moved into the 16th-century estate Spains Hall together, estimated to cost £6million. The mansion includes a six-bedroom farmhouse, three-bedroom lodge and swimming pool.
