We all know and love Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey right? But what is she like when the cameras are off especially when it comes to her kids? Well get ready because Ellen recently spilled the tea on her parenting style and it turns out she is way stricter than you might think. Plus we have got the inside scoop on why her younger daughter is banned from watching Grey's Anatomy for now and what Ellen hopes to teach her girls about being strong women.
'I Will Break Their Fingers!' Ellen Pompeo Jokes (Kind Of) About Her Super Strict Parenting Rules
Yep you heard that right. Ellen Pompeo considers herself a "very strict" parent. She made the revelation on Alex Cooper's podcast Call Her Daddy and she was not kidding around. When asked if her kids would ever sneak out of the house Ellen's response was pretty intense. "They are not sneaking out. I will break their fingers" she told Cooper. Whoa Meredith Grey does not play around when it comes to curfew!
She clarified that she is "very strict" and "super intense". This might surprise some people who see her as this cool laid-back celebrity but at home it sounds like she runs a tight ship. Ellen has been married to music producer Chris Ivery since 2007 and together they have three kids. Maybe being strict is just her way of keeping things organized and in control in a busy Hollywood household.
No Grey's Anatomy For You (Yet)! Why Ellen Pompeo Doesn't Want Her 10-Year-Old Watching the Show
Speaking of her kids Ellen also opened up about why her younger daughter Sienna May is not allowed to watch Grey's Anatomy. Apparently Sienna who is 10 really wants to see what mom does on TV . Her older sister Stella Luna 15 has already watched it and all her classmates are tuning in too. But Ellen is putting her foot down for now.
Why the Grey's Anatomy ban? Ellen explained it is because she does not want Sienna to see her "in my underwear on television just yet". Fair enough right? She joked that it makes for "great conversation at pick-up" when she talks to other parents about it. While she is not judging other moms and dads who let their kids watch Ellen is drawing a line for her own family especially Sienna.
Mom First Actress Second: Ellen Pompeo's Focus on Family and Raising Strong Daughters
Being a strict parent is not just about rules for Ellen it is about being a present and involved mom. After stepping back from her full-time role on Grey's Anatomy Ellen said she is "super happy" to have more time with her kids. She told Drew Barrymore back in 2022 that it is "really important for me to be around for them and be more present for them".
Ellen has also talked about how important it is for her daughters who are Black to see strong Black women as role models. She makes sure they see images of "beautiful powerful strong Black women" in magazines and on TV. Whenever a Black woman is on a magazine cover Ellen makes sure that magazine is in her house for her daughters to see. It is clear Ellen is very intentional about raising confident and empowered girls.
Husband Chris Ivery's Take on Grey's Anatomy's Steamy Scenes: Awkward but Understandable
What does Ellen's husband Chris Ivery think about all those Grey's Anatomy scenes especially the romantic ones? Well it sounds like it can be a little awkward for him too. Ellen mentioned that in the beginning of the show it was "really hard for him". He would joke "This is not what I signed up for. You go to work and make out with that." He even said about Patrick Dempsey "I like Patrick and everything he’s a good dude but like really?"
Chris admitted in 2019 that while he is not exactly jealous it is still "awkward" to watch his wife with other guys on screen. He said he tends to avoid those scenes because it can be uncomfortable. Even though Ellen knows it is acting and Chris understands that too it seems like they both acknowledge that those steamy moments are definitely something to navigate in their relationship especially with their kids getting older and potentially watching one day.
Ellen Pompeo's Kids: Meet Stella Sienna and Eli
Want to know more about Ellen Pompeo's kids? Here is a quick rundown:
- Stella Luna Pompeo Ivery: Oldest daughter age 15. Has seen Grey's Anatomy.
- Sienna May Pompeo Ivery: Middle daughter age 10. Wants to watch Grey's Anatomy but mom says "not yet!".
- Eli Christopher Pompeo Ivery: Son youngest child age 8.
Ellen and Chris are raising their three children in a Hollywood world while trying to keep things as normal and grounded as possible. It sounds like a balancing act but Ellen's Focus on Family and her "strict but loving" approach seems to be working for them.