Wanda Sykes, the well-known actress-comedian, is experiencing a new phase of motherhood as her twins have turned 16. Olivia and Lucas, born in 2009 to Wanda and her wife Alex Sykes, are now embarking on the journey of learning to drive and navigating social media for the first time. As they reach this significant milestone, Wanda shared with PEOPLE at the Critics Choice Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema and Television on June 7, that she is adjusting to the idea of her children growing up.
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The twins’ 16th birthday marks the beginning of their driving journey as they have recently obtained their learner’s permits, a development that Wanda finds somewhat nerve-wracking. She disclosed that she prefers not to be the one guiding them behind the wheel, opting instead to hire someone who can supervise with an extra brake on the passenger side for added safety measures. Despite the occasion, Wanda mentioned that she does not plan on gifting them a new car, as their existing SUV from 2009 is still deemed suitable for the purpose.
Regarding their online presence, Wanda shared that the twins were given phones at the age of 13 when they started taking the bus to school. Initially, the couple agreed to keep the children off social media. Still, as the twins turned 16, they were granted access to Instagram under strict monitoring and privacy settings to ease them into the virtual world. Reflecting on this decision, Wanda humorously expressed some concerns on a recent appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, highlighting the apprehensions about her son’s potential online persona.
Wanda and Alex Sykes have been protective of their twins’ privacy, refraining from sharing photographs of them publicly. However, Wanda occasionally shares light-hearted anecdotes about her children, emphasizing how they have influenced her comedic material since their arrival in 2009. The children’s presence has naturally shifted the focus of her comedy towards family dynamics, showcasing the significant impact they have had on her life and career.
While Wanda has opened up about some aspects of her family life, the couple remains cautious about maintaining a balance between privacy and sharing glimpses of their parenting journey. As the twins venture into new experiences like driving and social media, Wanda’s candid reflections offer a relatable insight into the challenges and joys of parenting teenagers in the digital age. Embracing this new chapter, Wanda and Alex navigate the complexities of modern parenthood with a blend of humour, caution, and unwavering love for their children.
In conclusion, Wanda Sykes’ journey into this milestone with her twins reflects the universal experience of watching children grow and mature, presenting parents with opportunities for growth and adaptation. As she continues to navigate the nuances of parenthood in today’s dynamic landscape, Wanda’s approach serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing protection with encouragement and trust as children transition into young adulthood.