Canadian-born comedian Katherine Ryan has found herself at the centre of a social media storm after sharing what many are calling 'privileged' parenting advice during a recent podcast appearance.
The Controversial Comments
Ryan, known for her Netflix specials and regular UK television appearances, revealed her unconventional approach to potty training her children during an episode of the 'Spinning Plates' podcast with Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
The 40-year-old comedian explained that she doesn't believe in traditional potty training methods, stating she prefers to wait until her children are 'ready' rather than pushing them to meet developmental milestones.
Social Media Backlash
Almost immediately after the podcast aired, parents took to social media platforms to express their frustration with Ryan's comments.
'Waiting until children are ready is a luxury many working parents simply don't have,' wrote one Twitter user. 'Some of us have nursery deadlines and jobs that don't allow for extended nappy-wearing.'
Another critic commented: 'This is such privileged advice. Most parents can't afford to keep buying nappies for years or risk their child being refused from preschools with strict potty training requirements.'
Supporters Rally Behind Ryan
Despite the criticism, many parents came to Ryan's defence, praising her for promoting a child-led approach to development.
'Every child develops at their own pace, and Katherine is right to follow her children's cues rather than societal pressure,' one supporter wrote on Instagram.
Another added: 'Why are we judging how another mother parents? If her method works for her family, that's all that matters.'
The Broader Parenting Debate
This incident has reignited the ongoing debate about class privilege in parenting advice, with many noting that flexible, child-led approaches often require financial stability and flexible work arrangements that aren't available to all families.
Ryan, who has three children and frequently discusses motherhood in her comedy routines, has yet to publicly respond to the backlash.
The controversy highlights the increasingly polarised nature of modern parenting discussions, where personal choices often become public battlegrounds on social media platforms.
