Comedian Katherine Ryan has stated that having numerous children can be perceived as 'trashy' and asserted that there is 'no normal, smart, sane, middle-class person' who has more than two. The mother of four, aged 43, posited that individuals with large families typically fall into two categories: those who exploit state benefits and the affluent for whom extensive child-rearing is a 'luxury experience.'
Ryan shared her perspective on her podcast, 'Telling Everybody Everything,' suggesting that those with many children are either highly or poorly achieving, with few in between. "Don't you think it's like a real trash thing to do, having lots of kids?" she questioned. She elaborated that while state assistance has its purpose, some people misuse it to have many children without valid reasons, education, or sometimes with drug and alcohol dependencies, noting that societal norms do not prevent procreation.
Ryan, known for the Netflix comedy 'The Duchess,' is herself a mother of four. She has Fred, five, Fenna, three, and ten-month-old Holland with her husband Bobby Kootstra, and her eldest daughter Violet, 17, is from a previous relationship. She contrasted families relying on state support with wealthier parents who can manage the financial and logistical demands of a larger family, describing it as a 'luxury experience' where one can afford school fees, necessary vehicles, and travel accommodations.
She also commented on celebrities who have multiple children, suggesting they might view it as manageable due to the ability to hire nannies. Ryan reiterated her stance, stating, "Not to say they're not good parents, but there's no normal, smart, sane, middle-class person who has more than two kids."
Ryan also addressed Hollywood actress Natalie Portman's decision to have a third child at age 45. While calling it a 'blessing,' Ryan expressed doubt about Portman's choice, stating, "But she will regret this decision, absolutely."
