So Sophie Turner is a "bad mother" for not giving up her pre-motherhood persona?
In an era where women's roles have evolved, there still seems to be a pernicious double standard. The acclaimed actress Sophie Turner has recently found herself in the crosshairs of public opinion for not forsaking her career and personal desires after embracing motherhood.
Last weekend, media outlet TMZ revealed that Turner and her spouse, Joe Jonas, are contemplating divorce. The story continued beyond the announcement. A snide remark on Jonas frequently caring for their daughters, 3-year-old Willa and her younger 1-year-old sister, while Turner is in the UK filming a TV series, tagged along.
As the couple later confirmed the impending divorce, another comment surfaced hinting at Turner's preference for partying while Jonas is more of a homebody. The insinuation? Turner doesn't fit the stereotypical mother role because she enjoys going out. Yet, fans quickly rectified the narrative, recalling that Turner had been a primary caregiver since her first child's birth in 2020. Moreover, in a 2022 Elle UK interview, she candidly dubbed herself as "less cool" and "old woman" post-motherhood.
Isn't it fascinating that while Jonas is applauded for occasionally babysitting his children on tour, Turner is criticized for pursuing her professional goals? Why is fatherhood one of many roles for a man, while motherhood is the singular defining role for a woman?
Mothers everywhere face this dichotomy. Like the author of the piece above, many juggled work responsibilities while ensuring their children felt loved. Yet, they also showed their children that a mother could have passions outside the family realm. The writer reflected on the many times she was engrossed in her writing, allowing her children to see that she was more than just their mother.
Such modelling teaches children valuable lessons: independence, self-sufficiency, and understanding that parents have identities beyond caregiving. For the writer, her children saw that she was as devoted to her craft as she was to them. They learned that she wasn't solely in existence for their needs.
Sophie Turner is in the early stages of her parenting journey. Like any mother, she has dreams, passions, and ambitions. The world should give her the grace to explore herself beyond motherhood. The crucial message for everyone, not just mothers, is that we can embrace multiple roles without compromising on any.
So, instead of boxing Turner or any woman into a restrictive role, perhaps it's time to celebrate them for the multifaceted individuals they are. Everyone deserves to be their authentic selves, regardless of societal expectations.