'Molly-Mae Hague's parenting woes are tougher than most - she shouldn't be shamed for it'

Reality star and influencer Molly-Mae Hague has recently revealed the intense challengesshe is facing as a mother, openly sharing moments of emotional strain as she navigates parenthood with two-year-old daughter Bambi.

The former Love Island star, 26, welcomed Bambi with partner Tommy Fury in 2023, but Molly-Mae has been faced with seemingly endless challenges since. However, an expert has insisted that her candidness offers an important reminder of the realities many new parents endure but are rarely seen or discussed publicly.

In a recent tearful video, Molly-Mae spoke about feeling overwhelmed amid the pressures of raising her daughter Bambi, particularly as she goes through what many know as the "terrible twos." It comes after Molly-Mae sobbed in a YouTube video after she was called 'out of touch' by fans.

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The 25-year-old said: “I just feel overwhelmed. I feel like my brain is jumbled, and I don't feel like myself anymore.”

She described the exhaustion and mental load that come with constant parenting demands, admitting that motherhood has been far tougher than she anticipated.

The video struck a chord with many parents, who praised her honesty, though it also drew criticism from others who accused her of being “out of touch” due to her high-profile lifestyle and for being "too soft" when Bambi throws her tantrums.

However, behavioural experts say Molly-Mae’s experience is far from unusual and stresses the importance of compassion in tough parenting situations like hers.

Dr. Hannah Richards, a behavioural psychologist specialising in parental wellbeing, told The Mirror: "Parenthood is a profound psychological and emotional transition.

"Feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, and self-doubt are common, especially during challenging developmental stages like the toddler years. For public figures like Molly-Mae, the scrutiny intensifies the pressure, making it harder to cope."

Dr. Richards points out that societal expectations often create an unrealistic picture of motherhood as always joyful and as easy as it looks. “The truth is much more complex. Parenting involves highs and lows, and being honest about struggles is crucial to breaking down stigma.”

Molly-Mae’s decision to share her vulnerability publicly is helping to broaden conversations about the true nature of parenting. “It’s okay not to have everything figured out,” she recently said, encouraging others to be open about their difficulties.

Her experience with Bambi’s “terrible twos”, which is a stage marked by increased independence and testing behaviours, can be challenging for any parent says Dr. Richards.

"This developmental phase can push parents to their limits, and admitting to struggles is a sign of strength, not weakness," she says.

Despite the huge backlash from thousands of fans, other supporters applauded Molly-Mae for shedding light on the emotional realities many parents face in private. One fan commented: "Seeing her be so honest helps people understand they’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed."

Another echoed: "She's literally a 26-year-old girl trying to navigate being in the public eye, being a businesswoman, and being a mum. Give her some grace."

As more public figures like Molly-Mae share their honest journeys, mental health professionals are hoping that society will grow more empathetic and supportive toward new parents.

“Instead of judging, we should offer understanding and compassion," Dr. Richards concludes. "Parenthood is one of life’s most demanding transitions and everyone deserves support. People shouldn't judge Molly-Mae for being honest."

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