Influencer hits back at critics shaming her for going on vacation without kids: ‘I won't put myself last'

New York Post

04-05-2025

An influencer has given a fiery response to 'mom-shamers' after a recent trip to Bali drew a wave of criticism.
Ashy Bines, 36, is currently in Bali on holiday with friends. However, while on holiday, she has hit back at people who are criticizing her for not spending time with her children, Taj and Tala.
'You should be with your family'
Taking to Instagram, she said she has received comments such as 'You should be with your family,' 'Good moms don't leave their kids behind on a holiday,' 'Moms shouldn't wear that, how embarrassing' and 'Poor Steve having the kids to himself while you relax in Bali.'
4 Influencer Ashy Bines responded to critics who shamed her for going on a vacation without her kids.
Instagram / @ashybines
'People will tell you how to live, what's wrong with you and your life, and project their own 'rules' and beliefs onto you. If you live by their rule book, you'll never feel truly happy or free to just be YOU,' she wrote on Instagram, alongside a video of her dancing and posing in an orange tube dress.
She said the truth was that Steve, her husband, is a 'incredibly supportive and a very capable, hands-on father.'
'I refuse to live my life or neglect my own needs because of what others think. I won't put myself last or stop spending time with my friends, going on holiday, or pursuing my passions just because people label me as selfish or a bad mom,' she said.
4 Bines took a trip to Bali with her friends.
Instagram / @ashybines
Bines, who announced the shock closure of her activewear company last year, said that being a mom didn't mean that she couldn't relax, spend time with friends, have a career, travel, be sexual or seize opportunities.
'I want my kids to see me embracing all of these aspects of life so that they understand they are normal, important, and something they should do for themselves,' she said.
'I want them to prioritize their mental health, their bodies, their energy, and their relationships with partners, friends, and anyone else who matters to them. I want them to explore life, the world, and themselves without guilt or shame. So YES, I will do all of the above and have so much fun while doing it!'
4 Bines encouraged her followers to not live by other people's rules.
Instagram / @ashybines
Bines being away from her children isn't the only aspect of her Bali trip that has caused controversy, with images shared to Outspoken Podcast Community Facebook group appearing to show the mom riding a scooter without a helmet, Daily Mail reported.
'Ashy Bines has had two brain aneurysm surgeries of late, speaks about how thankful she is to survive on a podcast released only yesterday. But … wears no helmet while riding on the back of a motorcycle twice in Bali in the space of 24 hours,' one said.
Another said: I just can't when people do this … it makes my blood boil. So ridiculously stupid!'
news.com.au has contacted Bines for comment.
4 Bines noted that she was able to go on the trip because of her 'incredibly supportive and a very capable' husband Steve.
Instagram / @ashybines
A health scare
In March 2024, Bines revealed she'd been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm after she was rushed to the hospital for temporarily losing her sight three times in the space of a week.
An aneurysm is the abnormal swelling or bulge in the wall of a blood vessel, according to Better Health Channel. When left untreated, aneurisms can burst and result in internal bleeding or a stroke. This can sometimes be fatal.
'[It's] pretty scary as [my husband] Steve has had a huge one removed and I also have this run in my family, already lost a young uncle and a nan to an aneurysm.'
After doctors performed the scan, she said they revealed it was unlikely the aneurysm will burst due to its size, but warned she needs to return for check-ups every three months.
'I really have to slow my life, workload and stress right down,' she explained, adding she would be putting her other commitments on hold to focus on getting better.