Love Island's Laura Anderson reveals parenting ‘struggle' in candid post – and admits ‘I don't know who my daughter is'
The Love Island alum, 36, was eager to share "the truth behind my smiles" as she opened up on navigating life with one-year-old Bonnie.
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She told how she "didn't recognise" her young daughter's new behaviour traits and that the issue of disciplining her had resulted in a knock to her self-confidence.
Former air hostess Laura shares her daughter with ex Gary Lucy, 43, welcoming the tot in September 2023.
Sadly she has often been the target of cruel online trolls, who recently called out her decision to keep her dog - who has bitten her child.
They also slammed her for being "out of touch" after she complained about a First Class plane journey with her tot, as well as being mum-shamed for going on holiday with her new man and leaving Bonnie behind.
Now the Scot has confessed that her happy snaps of late have been hiding the reality of her feelings.
She uploaded a series of snaps showing family days out with the tot at the beach and the circus, sharing special time with her mum, partner and pals.
Yet in her lengthy caption she outlined the real deal.
Laura wrote to her fans: "These may be images of love, laughter and core memories being made recently but the truth behind the smiles is- I'm struggling.
"This has been the hardest week of parenthood so far for me. Bonnie is coming up for 22months and a lot has changed and keeps changing.
"I don't know who my daughter is some days, I don't recognise her which has led to my dip in confidence communicating and or disciplining my own child (especially in public).
Laura Anderson takes HUGE swipe at Gary Lucy on Father's Day
"I'm scared of responding in the wrong way, I'm scared of making a mistake because what if it teaches her long lasting bad behaviours?!
"And let's be honest if you grew up in the 80s/90s like me, gentle parenting didn't exist. We got smacked (no offence to my parents) and now it's illegal. So I guess you could say I'm trying to find my place as a mother somewhere in between."
Laura continued: "We also talk about the 'juggle' but It's so much more than that. It's the responsibility of choosing a priority every second of the day because we simply can't do it all.
"I love my child but this is inevitably the hardest 'job' I've ever had (and I've had a lot of jobs.)
Laura Anderson and Gary Lucy's relationship timeline
Laura and Gary met when they both appeared on Celebs Go Dating back in 2022
They announced Laura's pregnancy in February 2023
Just one day later, they revealed that they had split
Later in 2023, they appeared to have reconciled
Laura gave birth to daughter Bonnie in September 2023
They announced shortly afterwards that they were no longer together
In June 2024, Lucy was asked if Gary had seen Bonnie, to which she responded: "No he hasn't since 2nd January if you would like to direct those questions to him as I have no control over the actions of others".
In August 2024, Gary shared a video of himself with Bonnie
With Laura hitting out: "Instead of posting videos of the one time you saw your daughter this year, can you please reply to my text from 2weeks ago please, that would be great".
Laura marked Bonnie's birthday in September 2024 as she referenced her "beautiful daughter"
When someone asked where her relationship with Gary stands, Laura replied: "No matter what Gary has done and not done I will always respect him as Bonnie's father and I hope one day he is capable of being the father she deserves."
" My new mantra though, is- 'show me how good it can get.'
"So without wishing my daughter's childhood away or those precious bonding turning point/learning curve moments. I hope 'this' ie tantrums…too shall pass."
Fans and fellow parents were quick to react to her no-holds-barred upload.
One supportively wrote: "We're all wingin' it."
A second urged: "Be kind to yourself and Bonnie. You went away for a week (no shame in that) you've moved house and moved in with your partner and she's started nursery all in the space of a month? That's a lot for anyone to deal with. Once life feels more settled, so will she."
A third noted: "Bless your heart, it's hard AF & doesn't get easier as they get older! Hugs sweetie x"
One then added: "Love how genuine & honest u are Laura.
"Parenthood certainly ain't all plain sailing but you've got this beautiful mama even if it feels like u don't sometimes, that's a normal part of parenthood but u do n ur such a great mammy to beautiful Bonnie."
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