Wanda Sykes Reveals the Free Gift Her Twins Want for Their Birthday and Why She Won’t Give It to Them

Wanda Sykes’ Twins Opt for a Birthday Gift that She Had to Say No To

Renowned actress and comedian, Wanda Sykes, recently disclosed that her twins, Olivia Lou and Lucas Claude, voiced their desire to start using Instagram as they turned 16 on April 27. However, during a guest appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on April 28, she candidly admitted to being apprehensive about granting them access to the app, despite its cost-free nature.

The 61-year-old mother of two, who shares her children with her wife Alex Sykes since their arrival in 2009, received applause from the audience when she made it clear that she was reluctant to allow Olivia and Lucas onto the social media platform. Her concerns about the content on Instagram resonated with many parents, as she highlighted the potential negative impact it could have on her children, stating, “Do you know what the hell is on Instagram?”. Wanda expressed her fears of social media potentially influencing her children negatively, reflecting the sentiments of many parents navigating the complexities of modern technology and its effects.

While Wanda herself is active on social media, primarily for work-related purposes, she emphasized the distinction between her professional use of the platform and her children’s prospective exposure to it. Her stance on limiting her twins’ engagement with social media showcases a protective and cautious approach to their digital consumption, aligning with the challenges faced by parents in safeguarding their children’s online experiences.

The celebrated actress has been vocal about her family life over the years, offering glimpses into her parenting journey. PEOPLE exclusively reported on the joyous occasion of the twins’ birth in May 2009, following Wanda and Alex’s union in 2008. Despite consciously maintaining their privacy, Wanda occasionally shares anecdotes about Olivia and Lucas, showcasing the delicate balance between public figures’ personal and professional lives.

During a heartwarming segment on Today with Jenna & Friends in March 2025, Wanda humorously addressed the twins’ upcoming foray into driving as they reached the milestone age of 16. Her humorous yet relatable take on the prospect of teaching her children to drive resonated with many parents navigating the challenges of guiding their teenagers into independence while ensuring their safety.

Wanda’s playful interactions with her children have been highlighted on various platforms, demonstrating her candid approach to parenthood. Reflecting on past experiences such as receiving gifts from her twins, she shared anecdotes that resonated with viewers, fostering a sense of relatability among fellow parents facing similar situations. Her witty remarks on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2016 shed light on the nuances of motherhood and the efforts parents make to cherish the heartfelt gestures of their children.

As Wanda navigates the complexities of raising teenagers in the digital age, her candid revelations and humorous anecdotes serve as a source of comfort and guidance for parents grappling with similar challenges. Her firm yet nurturing approach to parenting exemplifies the intricate balance of setting boundaries while fostering independence in her children, resonating with audiences navigating the ever-evolving landscape of parenthood in the 21st century.