Stacey Solomon had hit back at trolls who criticised her ‘alternative family set-up’ as her sons prepared to spend time with their dads.
The TV presenter, 29, revealed her two eldest sons, Leighton, 12 and Zachary, six, were off to spend time with their fathers and the other side of their family as she defended her family choices.
Stacey has three children from her past relationships, having had Leighton when she was just 17 by her then boyfriend Dean Cox, Zachary from her former fiancé Aaron Barham and her new baby Rex with current man, Joe Swash.
She posted a photo of Leighton and Zachary, telling fans: ‘They’re off on their holidays with their daddy’s tonight and they’ve been inseperable all day! [sic]
‘They’re going to have the best time but they will miss each other lots. (And I will miss them a tiny bit too ). For the last couple of days they’ve stopped arguing and bickering and have been really soppy and cuddly knowing that they’re about to go off on their adventures.
‘For the first time they have a new dimension, leaving Rexy. It’s always hard to split them up, but it’s so important for them to spend special time and make memories with the rest of their families.’
She added that people have criticised her blended family, explaining: ‘Recently I’ve experienced people having a lot to say about alternative family set ups. So I thought I’d just say this… No matter what negative, unhelpful things people may say or think, ignore it because they’re wrong.
‘Don’t ever let it get you down. It doesn’t define you or your family. The boys’ brotherly bond is just as strong as any other regardless of our set up – and the decisions I’ve made have made us stronger as a family.’
Stacey added that she loves her unconventional family, and that no one model of a family is better than another.
She explained: ‘I used to really beat myself up about not being able to offer them a “normal”, “perfect” family all under one roof. Until I realised how normal, and perfect our family is for us.
‘Seeing the way they are together reminds me that it’s all ok. Families come in all shapes and sizes and what’s important is that the love is there no matter where it comes from.
‘We are not a “broken family” in any way shape or form we are an extended family. And everyone loves an extension.’
We bet the house is going to be pretty quiet with just Stacey, Joe and Rex while the boys are on their holidays, but it won’t be long until they’re all back under one roof once more.
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