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Strictly’s Frankie Bridge reacts to criticism of parenting decision

She doesn't pay attention to the comments anymore

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Frankie Bridge has hit back after being criticised for allowing her two sons to use soothers.

The Saturdays popstar and retired footballer husband Wayne Bridge are proud parents to Parker, four, and two-year-old Carter.

And Frankie, 29, loves posting sweet pics of the little ones to Instagram.

Instagram @francescabridge
Frankie and Wayne’s children Parker and Carter pictured in January (Credit: Instagram @francescabridge)

Of course, as we all know, opening your life on social media can expose you to the judgement of others, which Frankie well knows.

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In an interview with OK! magazine, the star spoke about being criticised by some for giving her children a dummy.

Frankie said she finds the criticism “hilarious” now but it did previously wind her up.

“You don’t know what other battles I’m having to fight with my kids, so for me and them, having a dummy in the grand scheme of things isn’t a big deal,” she said.

Instagram @francescabridge
Frankie can’t understand why people comment on other people’s decisions (Credit: Instagram @francescabridge)

“Also what difference does it make to you if my child has a dummy? That’s what I don’t understand. If that’s what you need to do throughout your day, that’s fine, but I don’t have time to be worrying about whether your child has a dummy or not.

“Everyone is so quick to judge parenting, which I think is really sad because we’re all just trying our hardest.”

It’s not the first time Frankie has spoken out about the judgement mums can receive.

Grant Buchanan / Flynet - SplashNews
Frankie pictured in December (Credit: Grant Buchanan / Flynet – SplashNews)

Frankie previously told The Mirror: “I just think the minute you say you’re pregnant you get judged. Are you going to breastfeed or not? Are you going to have a natural birth or a C section? Stay at home or go back to work? And everyone has an opinion

“I find it fascinating that everyone is so bothered about what other women choose to do. I believe in each to their own. You don’t have to be a hero when you give birth if you don’t want to, nobody is going to give you an extra medal at the end.”

Meanwhile, Frankie isn’t the only celebrity to speak out about children and dummies.

Back in 2015, David and Victoria Beckham saw themselves criticised after photos emerged of then four-year-old daughter Harper with a soother.

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Hitting back, David said: “Why do people feel they have the right to criticise a parent about their own children without having any facts??

“Everybody who has children knows that when they aren’t feeling well or have a fever you do what comforts them best and most of the time it’s a pacifier so those who criticise think twice about what you say about other people’s children because actually you have no right to criticise me as a parent…”

Instagram @francescabridge
Frankie doesn’t pay attention to criticism online (Credit: Instagram @francescabridge)

Meanwhile, Frankie has been in training ahead of two performances on the Disney On Ice: Worlds of Enchantment tour.

She’ll perform in London and Liverpool in April.

Have you ever felt judged over a parenting decision? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor

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