Rachel Finch is no stranger to the spotlight. The 28-year-old model from Australia was once a Miss Universe contestant, which means when she sees her name mentioned through social media, it’s typically in a positive light. Unfortunately, in recent weeks she and her husband, Michael Mizener, have been the subject of debate amongst parents and denizens across the globe.
In an interview with Sunday Style, Finch said “Every weekend [Violet] goes to Mish’s mum’s house, and we get our weekend to ourselves. I think that’s incredibly healthy for the relationship. And on Sunday, when we pick her up, we have 100 percent energy back.”
The quote has enraged many and sparked much debate across netizens and parents alike. Parents argue that her need to unload the burden of her daughter every weekend suggests that she doesn’t want to fully commit to being mother. Conversely, others say that her desire to strengthen her relationship with her husband is important because it provides a better lifestyle for her daughter by building a “stronger family unit”.
Whether or not you agree with these parents’ tactics and option to have “child-free” weekends, there’s no doubt that the former Miss Universe contestant has received a ton of flak in recent weeks.
Just last week, Finch decided to respond to those who strongly disagree with her parenting strategy with a powerful post on her Instagram account:
There are more than one ways to skin a cat, and there’s more than one way to raise a child. No matter how much or how little we agree with Finch’s strategy as a parent, it’s difficult to say that Finch and her husband are doing a bad job as parents. How they choose to spend their weekends is a little unorthodox, but if it works for them and their family then we shouldn’t shame them.
Every family is different, but different doesn’t mean better or worse. Finch’s statements may have caused some uproar but it’s clear that she’s a competent parent, and doesn’t deserve the negative attention she and her husband have garnered in the past few weeks.
It’s time to give this mum a break and agree to disagree with her strategy!
What do you think, mums? Do you approve of her parenting strategy of a “child-free” weekend? Do you think her treatment from netizens is deserved?
If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them with us!