Featured Image Credit: Credit: Instagram/@mrscmcguinness
Topics: Health, Parenting, Christmas, Celebrity, TV And Film
Rhianna Benson
Topics: Health, Parenting, Christmas, Celebrity, TV And Film
Christine McGuinness has never held back when it comes to ruthlessly defending her three children.
And this week has seen no exception, after she was met with a huge wave of criticism over what she feeds her youngsters.
The TV star shares twins Penelope and Leo, nine, and daughter Felicity, seven, with comedian ex-husband Paddy.
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All three of her children - and Christine herself - have been diagnosed with autism in recent years, and the former Real Housewives of Cheshire star has always used her platform to raise vital awareness about the condition, most notably in documentary, Paddy and Christine McGuinness: Our Family and Autism.
She also regularly claps back at trolls and frequently shares insights into the often-distressing realities of single parenthood - since she and ex Paddy called time on their marriage in July last year - on Instagram.
But that still doesn't stop the Liverpool-born former model from being subjected to vicious 'mum-shaming' criticism over the way she parents her three youngsters.
And earlier this year, Christine, 35, was forced to pre-emptively respond to the negative comments she receive get after revealing she gave her kids fish fingers and chips on Christmas Day.
In a statement she posted on social media at the time, she explained why she opted not to present her children with the traditional meal of turkey, roast potatoes, veggies and gravy.
"Because autism doesn’t stop for Christmas day!" she hit out. "They like what they like and I want my children to eat so I choose my battles and I don’t want one today!"
"For anyone who may not understand this, food aversion can be quite common for those with autism.
"This isn’t lazy parenting or fussy children, this is sensory issues due to their condition that limits what our children eat. I am delighted they are very slowly exploring new textures.
"It may be basic and it’s still all beige but they’re happy and their tummies are full."
As mentioned, Christine was herself diagnosed with autism back in 2021, writing on Instagram at the time: "Autistic and proud. Now I feel ready to share another part of my story.
"I got my diagnosis a few months ago. I have felt different my whole life. Honestly, I am relieved to finally understand myself!"
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Just months after she made her announcement, Christine and Paddy, 50, declared their decision to call time on their marriage after 10 years together.
The former couple wrote in a joint statement at the time: "We hadn't planned on sharing this publicly until we were ready but after the lack of privacy surrounding our life personal life, we feel left with no other option but to clarify.
"A while ago we took the difficult decision to separate but our main focus as always is to continue loving and supporting our children.
"This was not an easy decision to make but we are moving forward as the best parents we can be for our three beautiful children."
Their statement went on to read: "We'll always be a loving family, we still have a great relationship and still live happily in our family home together."
"We hope this now draws a line under anymore unwanted intrusion into our private life.
"Although we work in the public eye we ask kindly if you could respect our wishes for privacy on this matter."