Ellie Kemper is ready to trade structure for spontaneity this summer. The 45-year-old actress and mom of two told Parents magazine that she’s letting go of rigid parenting rules in favor of a more relaxed approach with her sons James, 8, and Matthew, 5.
"I'm looking forward to having not as much structure," said The Office alum, acknowledging that while experts often stress the importance of routine, she believes summer offers a natural break. “I think it’s also nice to let some of the structure slide.”
Kemper, who shares her children with husband and comedy writer Michael Koman, described her parenting style as “constantly evolving.” She admitted that while their home has rules and boundaries, she’s learning to adapt and ease up when necessary.
Known for her cheerful roles on Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and The Office, Kemper has also been candid about her real-life parenting moments. On The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2021, she shared how her son Matthew’s first phrase was a polite “No thanks,” joking that she deserved a medal for raising such a courteous toddler.
She also spoke fondly about her older son, James, who is both respectful and independent. “He’ll say, ‘Mom, you don’t have to help me—I know you don’t have a lot of patience left,’” Kemper recalled with a laugh.
With summer here, Kemper seems ready to embrace more play, flexibility, and the joy of less structure—something many parents may find relatable.
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