An Inside Look At The Beckham's Strict Parenting Rules For Their Four Kids

Elizabeth Spina
Victoria Beckham, David Beckham
instagram | @davidbeckham

Victoria and David Beckham run a tight ship.

The former Spice Girl and former soccer icon have a strict but fair parenting style for their four children, Brooklyn, Romeo, Harper, and Cruz. Their eldest son, Brooklyn, has recently made headlines after his multimillion-dollar wedding, so what better time to unpack how he was raised?!

When it comes to their four children, Brooklyn, 23, Romeo, 19, Harper, 10, and Cruz, 17, Victoria and David Beckham have made sure to run a tight ship.

Victoria Beckham, David Beckham
instagram | @davidbeckham

While the former Spice Girl and soccer icon recently married off their eldest son Brooklyn, 23, they still have a few that haven't left the nest quite yet.

To ensure their children keep a good head on their shoulders, Victoria and David have a strict set of rules that their kids must follow.

David Beckham
instagram | @davidbeckham

Over the years, they've opened up about what it means to be a part of the Beckham household, starting with manners.

“Me and Victoria were brought up with strong discipline by our parents and to have respect for people and our boys have definitely got that,” David said back in 2013.

Victoria Beckham, David Beckham
instagram | @davidbeckham

“They've been saying their please and thank-yous since they were two or three years old. They're very polite boys," he added.

Their children have kept their manners sharp by attending a strict private school.

David Beckham
instagram | @davidbeckham

"That's one of the first questions that we ask when we go for meetings at school is about their manners: and it's one of the first things their teachers say – that they've got impeccable manners," David explained. 

David and Victoria have also made sure to teach their clan about the importance of giving back.

Victoria Beckham, David Beckham
instagram | @davidbeckham

“David and I explain to the children what privileged lives they lead. We tell them that in many places in the world children are hungry, homeless, and sick,” Victoria has said. “They all understand how important it is to help others.”

Another life skill that the Beckhams have taught their kids is the importance of having a great work ethic.

Victoria Beckham, David Beckham
instagram | @davidbeckham

In fact, David has dubbed hard work the most important thing one can teach their children.

"Being hardworking is the best thing you can show your children," he said, adding that he and Victoria have led by example.

Victoria Beckham, David Beckham
instagram | @davidbeckham

“We try to lead by example, by showing them it's important to work hard," he continued.

"That's one of the key things me and my wife have always done before we had children," he said. "And now we have four children."

Victoria Beckham, David Beckham
instagram | @davidbeckham

Last but not least, the Beckhams have a strict "no ball" rule in their home, which may come as a surprise to some, considering how prevalent soccer must be to their family.

“They're still fun and they still run around the house and they're still crazy and they're dancing and they're kicking footballs around, which I don't allow them to do,” Victoria once revealed, admitting that she has had a difficult time enforcing the rule.

Victoria Beckham
instagram | @davidbeckham

“That seems to be the one area I can't discipline them," she said. "They will not stop playing football in the house."

They also make sure not to spoil their kids too much.

Victora Beckham hugging her son, Romeo.
instagram | @victoriabeckham

Well, not materially anyway, as Victoria told Vogue they "never spoilt the children with anything other than love".

Communication also seems to be key within this family.

The Beckham Boys all in suits.
instagram | @davidbeckham

She said they are a "very affectionate family, we're always cuddling and we communicate constantly".

That doesn't mean that their method of parenting has left them without struggles, though.

"I think that the kids get harder as they get older," Victoria said.

David Beckham hugging his daughter, Harper.
instagram | @victoriabeckham

"The most important thing is to make sure that each child gets the individual attention that they need. I can never go to bed early because Brooklyn is always up and that's when I see him, and then you've got Harper who is up super early. So I do feel that I'm being pulled in four different directions with the children. And then I have David and work, too."

Regardless of how stressful it may be, the Beckhams pride themselves on being good parents.

A family portrait in front of a balloon background.
instagram | @victoriabeckham

Even with two fame-filled careers, the two always make their children a priority, once boasting that they had never missed a parents' evening or a sports day, or any other event their kids consider special.