Scarlett Moffatt: There's no 'preparation' for parenting
Scarlett Moffatt has insisted "there's no preparation" for being a parent and the best way to learn is just to get "in the thick of it".
Scarlett Moffatt has insisted "there's no preparation" for being a parent.
The 35-year-old TV star - who has son Jude, two, with partner Scott Dobinson - believes that now matter how much advice mums and dads-to-be seek out, the best way to learn is to be "in the thick of it" and take things one day at a time.
Speaking as part of her partnership with MAM UK, she said: “There's no preparation. It doesn't matter how many parenting books you read or how many TikToks you watch, you just have to be there in the thick of it and figure it out as you go.”
The former Gogglebox star spoke out after teaming up with the company for their As They Grow, So Do You campaign, which challenges the unrealistic expectations parents face and reassures them that real parenting isn't as picture-perfect as it may seem.
MAM UK's research of 1,000 parents found almost two thirds (63%) feel they often or always feel pressure to be "perfect", with 41% admitting social media adds to their stress, and over half confessing they felt pressure from their parents, parents, or in-laws.
But while social and cultural pressures play a part, more than half (54%) of those surveyed admitted their own expectations are hardest to live up to.
Claire Terry at MAM UK, said: “Parenthood today can feel like a constant balancing act, between what we think we ‘should’ be and who we really are. This campaign is about giving parents permission to be honest, imperfect and proud of the small wins. As babies grow, so do parents and that’s something worth celebrating.”
Meanwhile, the former I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! winner previously admitted she "definitely" wants to have another child.
She told OK! magazine: "I was an only child until I was 16 and now me and my sister are so close. I really want Jude to have that bond - his own little bestie in the house."
Scarlett's outlook on life has totally changed since becoming a mother.
She explained: “I have a completely different mindset these days - it was like a switch flicked in my head when I became a mam.
"I used to put so much pressure on myself and worry about other people’s opinions. Now? I don’t care.
"I feel I know myself a lot more. And I’ve given birth to a little human being - that’s amazing.”
