Latest news with #parentingdebate
The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Mum-of-5 sparks debate after moaning about ‘arrogant' stranger at family attraction – many think SHE'S the selfish one
WE ALL know that getting the kids out and about in the summer holidays is vital but stressful. And one mum-of-five has sparked a fierce debate online after her encounter at a family tourist attraction in the UK. 3 3 Taking to social media, Samarra Davis revealed she and her partner took their five children to the family tourist attraction, The Forbidden Corner, located in Yorkshire. The family was enjoying their day out and had come to one of the attractions that saw people walk along pavings surrounded by water to get to the next part of the tour. The mum was filming the happy memories on her phone as her children tried to jump on the stones and avoid the water sprinklers splashing at them. But her family day out was soon 'ruined' by other guests. She shared the video on social media, writing: "Amazing day until this... How impatient and arrogant are people these days." While the mum and dad were patiently waiting to let their children cross the water in their own time, a queue of people had formed behind them. One dad, seemed to lose his patience as he said: "There's quite a lot of people waiting here, can you keep moving." But Samarra was having none of it, replying: "I've got a two-year-old, you're gonna have to wait." She wrote over the video: "Should have pushed him in." While the mum was not happy with the dad's comments, it seems that many people were on his side. 3 Center Parcs makes major change to its swimming pools – and guests are divided She shared the clip on her TikTok account @ mumma_of_05 which went viral with over 5 million views and 169k likes. Despite her claims that the man was being arrogant, many viewers sided with him and asked why the mum wasn't considerate of the queue of people waiting. One person wrote: "People with kids thinking they own the place again Another commented: "Sorry but why didn't the dad pick the little one up. You're holding about ten people up. Seems he was just saying what everyone was thinking." How to survive six weeks of school summer holidays IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you've come to the right place... BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there's nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: 'Don't feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun. 'Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time. 'Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, 'What do you think you could do?' and maybe have a list of 'I'm bored' activity ideas on the fridge.' SCREEN OVERLOAD: It's tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don't let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen. Liat says: 'It's unfair to expect older kids to power down but it's important to set some ground rules. 'Set family tech rules together. If you're often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren't allowed any screen time until they've done set chores, some exercise, or a board game. 'Are there times when you'd like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit. 'Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.' TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime. Liat says: 'If you're juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it's normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace. 'If you can't afford or don't want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids' workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours. 'Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn't make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.' SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children. Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of says: 'Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken. 'Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea. 'We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood. 'Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.' EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier. Dr Bugembe says: 'Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather. 'Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they're wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun. 'Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They'll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.' "A full minute to cross 5 stepping stones is milking it a bit though," penned a third. Meanwhile a fourth said: "This is why I don't go to these places, watching other families parent is so frustrating." "You don't own the attraction, you have to be understanding that other people also don't want to wait around for you and your family to take as long as you like……you could easily pick up the children and go through, come back when it's a bit quieter if it's that important,' claimed a fifth. Someone else added: "She's allowed to experience this just as much as everyone else. I don't get the people moaning about it. "It's her experience too. This makes me mad. Well done to the mum for letting her take her time."
The Sun
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I had my fourth child at 43 & now I'm 51 – people think I had my child too old & I disagree but there IS a cut off point
A MUM who welcomed her fourth child at the age of 43 has reignited the debate on how old is too old to have children. Natalie Heptinstall, 51, from Doncaster, has previously faced criticism for being an older mum, with trolls branding her 'incredibly selfish' and even claiming her child would grow up to be a 'monster'. Despite the negativity, Natalie continues to advocate for the benefits of being an older parent, sharing her experiences with her followers on TikTok under the handle @ natalie_heptinstall. Natalie, whose eldest child is 26 and youngest is nearly seven, recently took to her TikTok page to open up about the double standards surrounding older parents. She questioned why men aren't scrutinised in the same way as women when it comes to having children later in life. Reflecting on her own journey, Natalie said: 'I had my last child at 43, and it was a really positive experience. "I'm a huge advocate for speaking positively about the benefits of being an older parent, but I definitely feel there's a cut-off point.' Recently, Natalie shared her thoughts on Amanda Byram, the former Total Wipeout host, who gave birth to her first child at the age of 51. Natalie explained that there's "definitely a cut-off point" when it comes to people saying 'Oh, congratulations, good luck,' and others being "horrified and judgemental" for having a baby at specific age. She also highlighted the disparity in how society views older fathers versus older mothers. Natalie explained that "nobody bats an eyelid" if a man is 50 plus and having a child, and male celebrities who father children in their later year are "rarely questioned." She added: 'Meanwhile, with Amanda, the entire article focused on her age, and her husband's age wasn't even mentioned.' I have a 3-year-old & I don't think kids are worth it - trolls call me a 'bad mum' but I want to warn other women Natalie expressed frustration at the lack of progress in attitudes towards older mothers, asking her followers, 'How old is too old to have a child? What are your thoughts?' In the caption section, Natalie she also explained that she is a "huge advocate" for speaking positively about the benefits of being an older parent, but she " definitely feels there's a cut-off point." Natalie's TikTok video went viral within 24 hours gaining one million views and 3,483 comments. It sparked a range of responses, with many rushing to share their thoughts and start a debate. One wrote: "It's not fair on the child having an old parent." While a second added: "I personally don't think it's fair on a child." 2 But someone else said: "My mum had me at 32. "I remember how embarrassed I used be that my mum was much older than the other mums. "She must only been 40 at the time but to me it was old." However, another added: "I find some comments awful, you could have a child at 25 and die at 28, or have one at 49 and live until your 90... life isn't guaranteed." And one TikToker said: "A friend of mine passed away age 29, leaving a child behind. You can die at any time. "It is usual for a woman in the UK to die in her eighties now, so a 51-year-old baby should be an adult when they pass." Here's why I love being a young mum Tracy Kiss, who fell pregnant at 19, has revealed what she believes are the pros of being a young mother. The personal trainer and blogger, from Buckinghamshire, believes women who give birth in their teens make BETTER mothers than those in their 30s. She claims young mums snap back into shape quicker, have more energy and relate more easily to their children, meaning they're better behaved and happier. Tracy told Fabulous: "Women who become first-time mums in their teens make better parents than those in their 30s or 40s. "I believe if I'd been 10 or so years older before becoming a mother then I wouldn't have the relationship I have with my children now. "For a start, being older I would have had less energy and therefore less patience. "I wouldn't be as enthusiastic to speak to people after months of sleepless nights as I was in my teens. "My body snapped back to its pre-pregnancy size through fitness post-birth, which in turn gave me the confidence to date and find love again. I've never been happier than I am now at the age of 30 with two children. "If I'd have been alone at 40 with a newborn baby I'd be more tired, less happy with my body, less energetic and far more stressed from the shock of living my life for myself instead of putting others first. Sometimes age and the innocence of ignorance is a good thing. "As a teen mum I just got on with it, found my feet and became responsible and capable because at the time I didn't know any different."
