I had kids with the ‘wrong person’, so I could go on child-free holidays with my new man – it’s not messed up
A MUM has divided opinions after stating that she is happy she had kids with the “wrong person”.
Claire Mulligan revealed that the breakdown of her previous relationship means that she can now go on holiday with her new man, without having to take her kids with her.
Taking to TikTok, the 26 year old healthcare worker posted a video of herself and her partner James, relaxing on inflatables, whilst in a pool at a sunny holiday resort.
“Had kids with the wrong person so I could have child-free holidays with the right person”, she said.
Claire has presumably left her children with their father whilst she is on holiday, so that she can soak up some sun in peace.
The mum of two’s video, which was posted under the username @clairemulligan4, has likely struck a chord with many people, as it has racked up over 1.1 million views on the video sharing platform.
TikTok users raced to the video’s comments section to share their thoughts, with many accusing the mum of being selfish.
One person said: “I had kids with the right man so they can grow up in a house full of love with their parents still together”.
Hitting back at this, Claire said: “Unfortunately life doesn’t always work out that way for a lot of us.”
Replying to this comment, another person said: “You made it sound like it was what you planned from the beginning though!”
Another person added: “How do you think your kids feel that you bragging to be happy to have a child free holiday?”
Claire responded: “My four and five year olds with no TikTok access are just fine, they’d probably understand the joke better than most people commenting”.
Another person said: “I have kids with the wrong person, but if I do something special my kids are included.
“I’m not going on a holiday without them.”
Adding to this, another user remarked: “I wouldn’t enjoy a holiday without my kids.”
However, others rushed to defend Claire.
Different parenting styles explained
There are four recognised styles of parenting explained below:
Authoritarian Parenting
What some might describe as ‘regimental’ or ‘strict parenting.
Parents with this style focus on strict rules, obedience, and discipline.
Authoritarian parents take over the decision-making power, rarely giving children any input in the matter.
When it comes to rules, you believe it’s “my way or the highway.”
Permissive Parenting
Often referred to as ‘soft parenting’ or ‘yes mums/dads’.
Permissive parents are lenient, only stepping in when there’s a serious problem.
They’re quite forgiving and they adopt an attitude of “kids will be kids.”
Oftentimes they act more like friends than authoritative figures.
Authoritative Parenting
Authoritative parents provide their children with rules and boundaries, but they also give them the freedom to make decisions.
With an authoritative parenting style, parents validate their children’s feelings while also making it clear that the adults are ultimately in charge.
They use positive reinforcement techniques, like praise and reward systems, as opposed to harsh punishments.
Neglectful or Uninvolved Parenting
Essentially, neglectful parents ignore their children, who receive little guidance, nurturing, and parental attention.
They don’t set rules or expectations, and they tend to have minimal knowledge about what their children are doing.
Uninvolved parents expect children to raise themselves. They don’t devote much time or energy to meeting children’s basic needs.
Uninvolved parents may be neglectful but it’s not always intentional. A parent with mental health issues or substance abuse problems, for example, may not be able to care for a child’s physical or emotional needs consistently.
One person said: “It’s acceptable for men to leave the kids with their mum 99 % of the time, but if a woman leaves the kids with the dad for a week to enjoy some time on her own…this is a double standard!”
A second person said: “You can enjoy a holiday without your kids.
“It doesn’t mean that you don’t love them”.
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