“We are also extremely proud that in spite of some criticism..”: How Stephen Curry and Ayesha Curry taught their kids to embrace the spotlight without letting criticism define them

Stephen Curry and Ayesha Curry have spent years raising their children while millions of people watch their family life from the outside. Riley became a familiar face during Stephen’s NBA career when she was still a toddler, while Canon later found himself at the center of an unnecessary online debate about his weight. Through those moments, Stephen and Ayesha have tried to give their children something more valuable than protection from every comment: the confidence to remain themselves.That approach did not begin recently. Ayesha spoke openly about it in 2015, when Riley was just two years old, and Stephen has now offered a similar message as the couple raises four children. Their approach has evolved with their family, but the idea remains consistent: criticism may come with being a Curry, but it should not decide how their children grow up. Ayesha Curry stood by Riley when the spotlight brought criticismRiley first experienced the strange side of public attention during the 2015 NBA playoffs, when she joined her father at a press conference and quickly became the star of the room. Her playful personality won over plenty of fans, although some people questioned whether a child should have been part of such a high-profile media moment.Ayesha did not believe Riley needed to be hidden simply because cameras were present. In her June 4, 2015 TIME essay, “How to Parent When Your Kid Goes Viral”, she explained that she and Stephen wanted their daughter to enjoy her childhood even while their family dealt with the growing attention surrounding Stephen and the Golden State Warriors. “I believe you should let your children be children, and don’t be afraid to be a parent, regardless of who’s watching,” Ayesha wrote.She also addressed the criticism Riley received after appearing alongside Stephen, making it clear that the family did not view the moment as something they needed to regret. “We are also extremely proud that in spite of some criticism, Riley was able to share in that experience with her father and bring joy and laughter into the lives and homes of many all over the world,” Ayesha wrote in the same TIME article.More importantly, Ayesha explained that the family tried to preserve Riley’s ordinary routines even when Stephen’s professional life became hectic. She wrote that bedtime routines and daily activities remained in place, while Riley continued doing things she enjoyed, including horseback riding and swimming. For Ayesha, being present mattered more than allowing the noise around the family to dictate their parenting.She made that belief clear when she wrote, “You can never be too busy for your child.”That same instinct appeared again when criticism moved from Riley to her younger brother Canon.Stephen Curry wants his children to carry the Curry name with confidenceIn May 2019, when Canon was 10 months old, Ayesha shared a family photo after the Warriors defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference Finals. After someone asked whether she was pregnant again, she explained that her son weighed around 30 pounds and joked that he was “breaking my back in every Photo.” The conversation took an uglier turn when another commenter questioned Canon’s weight and suggested that the baby had serious health issues.Ayesha immediately pushed back with “Excuse you? No. Just no.” Her response showed the same boundary she had established with Riley: public attention did not give strangers permission to make personal judgments about her children.Seven years later, Stephen offered a look at the other side of that parenting equation. In a February 2026 interview with PEOPLE, he discussed raising Riley, Ryan, Canon and their youngest child, Caius, with Ayesha, describing parenting as “the best gift and responsibility” and explaining that he enjoys watching each child develop a distinct personality.Stephen also draws from his own upbringing as the son of former NBA player Dell Curry, explaining that he grew up with “support but also tough love” and wants to strike a similar balance with his own children.That philosophy becomes especially important because Stephen knows his children will always carry a famous surname. During the same PEOPLE interview, he explained the message he gives them: “They know what their last name is. I tell them not to shy away from it. Be confident in who you are… and have fun.”That advice brings the Curry family's parenting approach full circle. Ayesha has made it clear that her children should be allowed to enjoy ordinary childhood moments even when people criticize them, while Stephen wants them to understand that being a Curry is something they can embrace rather than something they need to hide.The couple cannot control every opinion that follows their family, but they can control how their children respond to it. For Stephen and Ayesha, that means stepping in when criticism crosses a line while giving their kids enough confidence to keep enjoying the spotlight on their own terms.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.