Ulrika Jonsson, 55, has voiced her stance on Mother’s Day as she asked her children not to get her any gifts. The mum-of-four went as far as admitting she wanted to scrap the annual event after allowing children to “ruin” her life.
She said: “I’m trying not to be a Negative Nellie about it but, while it should be a joyful, heartwarming day for those of us who’ve been foolish enough to allow children to ruin our lives, I can’t deny I find it tricky to navigate.”
Ulrika went on to explain that, while she had been lucky enough to welcome four children into the world, other women had had more “tragic” experiences.
She continued: “I don’t want gifts. I simply ask my kids for good behaviour and some familial kindness for a couple of hours. Even this, more often than not, falls on deaf ears.
“I am very lucky to have had my maternal instincts fulfilled by becoming a mother four times over but I know that for many mothers it’s going to be a difficult day.
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“There are many mums who, for whatever tragic reason, will be unable to spend it with their offspring — and here am I moaning about feeling forced to endure the day with mine,” Urika added in her new column for The Sun.
Ulrika also expressed her sadness for those who do not have any choice about seeing their children.
She shared: “I also think of all the women who no longer have a mum to celebrate. For them, tomorrow will be a giant pit of heartache.”
Ulrika has been outspoken about her views on women’s issues, having recently backed Mel B when she voiced her mistrust in the police in light of how domestic abuse cases are handled across the UK.
In light of the story, Ulrika talked more widely about how the police handle domestic abuse cases in this country – and why it fuelled women’s mistrust of the people who are supposed to keep them safe.
Earlier this month, Mel B told BBC Newsnight she would only report domestic abuse if “the whole entire system” of justice was reformed by the government.
She said that she would not trust the police with the issue, for fear of not being “taken seriously”.
The singer has become a firm campaigner for domestic abuse survivors after leaving what she has described as an abusive relationship.
“I wouldn’t [call the police], because I wouldn’t know if they would take it seriously,” the Women’s Aid patron said.
She went on to explain how she felt police officers need better education in order to spot the “tell-tale signs” that someone is a victim of abuse.
“Like if I’m living here and I want to report it to the police, I don’t know if I can trust the police,” she said.
“I don’t know if they’re going to take my allegations seriously,” she reiterated.
