Rio Ferdinand: I'm a strict parent

Rio Ferdinand is a “strict” parent.

The 42-year-old former footballer has four children – Lorenz, 14, Tate, 12, and Tia, 10, whom he has with his late wife Rebecca Ellison, and six-month-old son Cree, whom he has with his wife Kate Ferdinand – and has said he often lays down the law in his home, and is especially tough on his kids when it comes to snacks.

He said: “Yeah I am quite strict. I think it’s finding the balance really. You’ve got to be strict, but you’ve got to allow the kids to have a good time and enjoy themselves, within reason.

“When it comes to things like snacks, it’s doing it at the right time and controlling the amounts when they’re young kids. My kids are good like that, we’ve got them into a good routine.

“When we watch football or watch a movie, that’s our snack time and we love it.”

Rio also said he’s a “hands on” parent, as he doesn’t mind changing his youngest child’s nappies.

He told The Sun newspaper: “I’m quite hands on, I think Kate would say the same. I don’t mind changing the nappies at all, bath times and stuff are great, also a bit of cooking when I can, I don’t mind doing that as well.”

Meanwhile, Kate – who tied the knot with Rio in 2019 – recently admitted motherhood has been “such a journey”.

Although there have been so many ups and downs, Kate is grateful for the support of her friends, loved ones and her fans for helping her to “stop beating herself up if every day doesn’t go to plan”.

Taking to her Instagram story, she shared: “Some days I make it to the gym and feel ready to take on the world … And other days we shower, get back in bed, snuggle and that’s ok! Being a mum is such a journey.

Since talking to you all and other mums … I’ve really felt like I can relate to you all so much and have stopped beating myself up if every day doesn’t go to plan.”