Shaun Ryder Reveals How His Wife Saved Their Family Life

Updated on: October 8, 2024 1:56 am GMT

Shaun Ryder, frontman of the iconic band Happy Mondays, recently revealed that his children would likely have been “taken off him years ago” if it weren’t for the unwavering support of his wife, Joanne. In a candid interview with Loaded Revival, Ryder opened up about his parenting experiences, especially regarding his children’s battles with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Ryder’s Honesty About Fatherhood

The 62-year-old musician shares two daughters, Pearl and Lulu, with his wife Joanne, whom he married in 2010. He also has four older children from previous relationships. In the interview, Shaun humorously acknowledged his shortcomings as a parent, stating, “If I were in charge of the kids I’d have had them taken off me by social fking services years ago!” This frankness illustrates his deep appreciation for Joanne, whom he credits as the primary caregiver in their household. Ryder’s self-deprecating remarks continue to resonate as he discussed the complexities of fatherhood, particularly with children who face challenges due to ADHD.

Ryder’s admission comes amidst a broader conversation on ADHD, a condition that affects his current four children and possibly others in the family. The musician noted that although they face difficulties, his children have shown resilience and adaptability. “The older ones are in their 30s, and they’ve all turned out really well,” he said. However, he elaborated on the unique challenges of parenting his two teenage daughters, who both have ADHD. “They’re absolutely fking mad girls… it’s like fking bitch dogs on heat. Girls are just fking hard work,” he remarked candidly.

He also mentioned the differences in raising boys versus girls, asserting, “Boys are easy, but girls… it’s just a different kind of challenge.” His observations highlight the varying dynamics of parenting children who may exhibit different behaviors due to their respective conditions.

The Impact of ADHD on Shaun Ryder

In his interview, Shaun Ryder revealed that he himself was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 59. He reflected on how this diagnosis helped clarify past behaviors, including impulsiveness and struggles with learning. “When I was in school, I often left the classroom instantly forgetting what I had just learned,” he stated, tying his experience with ADHD to his wild youth and career filled with excesses such as substance use. “All the mad behavior and all the trouble I got into and why I couldn’t fking learn anything. I’ve got six kids, two are undiagnosed, and the rest are all ADHD. That all comes from me,” he added, taking a degree of responsibility for the challenges his children face.

Ryder’s commitment to supporting his family extends beyond emotional support; he also faces significant financial obligations. He has openly discussed the need to work diligently to fund therapy for his children battling ADHD. “I have six kids and five of them have it. That’s why I’m always working, because I’ve got to pay for their fing therapy,” he remarked, emphasizing the ongoing pressures of parenthood that require balancing work commitments with the needs of his family.

Throughout the interview, Ryder offered straightforward advice to parents navigating similar challenges. His primary counsel was to “not f*king worry,” suggesting that while parenting can be daunting, engaging with children’s unique needs doesn’t require perfection. This perspective reflects a realistic takeaway for many parents who may be feeling overwhelmed by their children’s disabilities or behavioral challenges.

As an artist who achieved fame in the ’80s and ’90s, Ryder’s experiences resonate not only as entertainment but as a source of insight into the importance of resilience, support systems, and candid conversations about parental challenges. His journey through parenthood, marked by both hardships and triumphs, sheds light on the realities faced by many families coping with ADHD.

Shaun Ryder’s story shows us that even when someone is famous and successful, family life can still be complicated. He always respects and supports his wife and talks honestly about his feelings and struggles. This gives us a real picture of what being a dad is like today.