Lorraine Kelly's Mother Voices Disapproval Over Family Parenting Decisions
ITV daytime television presenter Lorraine Kelly has openly discussed her mother's critical views on her parenting approach, confessing that she has become even more indulgent now that she is a grandmother. In a candid new interview with The Telegraph, Lorraine, alongside her mother Anne and her thirty-one-year-old daughter Rosie, delved into their family dynamics and differing perspectives on raising children.
Anne's Frank Critique of Lorraine's Parenting Style
Anne did not mince words when expressing her opinions about how Lorraine raised Rosie. She specifically highlighted concerns over excessive treats and toys, stating frankly, "I had my opinions about how Lorraine was raising Rosie – giving her too many sweets or toys. She was terrible about giving toys. It wasn’t one Barbie, she’d give her 10." This maternal criticism underscores a generational divide in parenting philosophies within the family.
Lorraine's Unapologetic Indulgence as a Mother and Grandmother
Despite her mother's admonishments, Lorraine, aged sixty-six, remains unrepentant about her generous nature. She chuckled as she revealed, "I just couldn’t resist. The best part of being a mum is giving them all the toys you want." The Scottish television star, who shares Rosie with her husband Steve Smith, admitted that this tendency has only intensified with her new role as a grandmother to Rosie's daughter, Billie, born in 2024.
Lorraine elaborated, "I’m even worse as a granny. I constantly give Billie space-themed toys because my dad got me interested in space and I’m indoctrinating her too." This comment reflects a heartfelt connection to her late father, John, whose influence continues to shape her actions and family traditions.
Rosie's Insights and New Book on Motherhood
Rosie, who welcomed her first child, Billie, with her partner Steve, has channeled her experiences into a new book titled Mother to Mother. The work explores motherhood across different eras and is inspired by her personal journey. As a journalist, Rosie emphasized the invaluable support she receives from both her mother and grandmother when navigating parenting challenges.
She shared, "I needed advice from people I trusted. My mum and my granny gave me the best. You always go back to mums, they’re the experts." Rosie also acknowledged the importance of self-care, noting, "When I first gave birth, I was just trying to do it all on my own (and to some degree I still am) but Mum and Granny really taught me to look after myself too."
Family Support and Reflections on Work-Life Balance
Lorraine expressed lingering guilt about balancing her demanding career with motherhood when Rosie was young. However, Rosie quickly reassured her, affirming that there was no cause for concern. Anne added supportive words, recalling, "And your dad and I were happy to help out with the school races and fetes and things while you were working." This highlights the collaborative family effort that supported Lorraine's professional commitments.
The interview also touched on the recent loss of Lorraine's father, John, who passed away in January. Lorraine paid a moving tribute, writing, "I am mourning the man who bought me a telescope when I was five years old, who watched the moon landings with me and taught me to always be curious and interested in everything. He was in poor health but it has still been a shock. We will miss you dad." His legacy clearly endures in the family's shared interests and values.
