Helen Flanagan, the former Coronation Street actress, has recently opened up about being ‘mum-shamed’ over her son Charlie’s ‘horrendous’ tantrum in public. The actress-turned-mother shared her experience on Instagram, where she was criticized by strangers for her parenting skills, leaving her feeling embarrassed and judged. The incident is just one of many examples of how mothers face judgement, negativity and harsh criticism on a daily basis. In this article, we will explore the issue of ‘mum-shaming’ and how it affects mothers’ mental health and parenting decisions.
Helen Flanagan, the former Coronation Street star, has opened up about being ‘mum shamed’ while on a family holiday with her three children, Matilda, Delilah, and Charlie. Writing on her Instagram Stories, Flanagan explained that her youngest child had been having tantrums during their trip and that she had received negative comments about her parenting from fellow hotel guests. Flanagan’s honesty about her struggles with parenting has attracted praise from other mothers who have faced similar judgments.
Flanagan’s Instagram Stories also provide a glimpse into her recent holiday. In one post, she shows off her recent breast augmentation surgery, which she says has helped her feel more confident after breastfeeding her three children. Flanagan, who split from her ex-fiancé Scott Sinclair in October, adds that she has also had lip fillers and Botox, although she advises women not to undergo such treatments when they are too young.
Flanagan’s candidness about her experiences of parenting and plastic surgery has struck a chord with many women who feel judged for their choices. As mothers, they often feel that they are constantly under scrutiny, whether from strangers or family members, and are criticized for everything from their child’s behavior to their appearance. Flanagan’s willingness to talk about these issues has provided a much-needed space for other women to share their own stories and seek support.
The ‘mum shaming’ phenomenon is a pervasive problem in society. Mothers are judged for everything they do, from how they discipline their children to what they feed them. They are often criticized for seeking help with childcare or for having a career outside the home. This scrutiny can be damaging to a woman’s self-esteem and lead to feelings of guilt and anxiety. It can also make it harder for women to seek support when they need it.
Flanagan’s experience of plastic surgery is also relatable to many women who feel pressure to look a certain way after having children. The pressure to ‘bounce back’ after giving birth is intense, and many women feel that they need to hide any physical changes that have occurred. Flanagan’s willingness to talk about her breast augmentation and lip fillers is refreshing, as it helps to break down the stigma that can still surround such procedures.
While Flanagan’s experiences are unique to her, they also resonate with many women who feel judged for their parenting choices and appearance. By speaking out about these issues, Flanagan has provided a space for other women to share their stories and seek support. This is a crucial step in combating the ‘mum shaming’ phenomenon and the pressure on women to conform to narrow beauty standards.
As parenting standards and societal expectations continue to evolve, it’s disheartening to see that mum-shaming still remains prevalent in our culture. It’s important to remember that no one has all the answers when it comes to raising children, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. Helen Flanagan’s experience serves as a reminder to offer empathy and support to fellow parents instead of criticism and judgement. Let’s come together to create a culture of kindness and support for all parents, because in the end, we all just want what’s best for our children.
