Drew Delaney: ‘I Don’t Connect With Those Who Breeze Through Parenting’

In a candid conversation with You Magazine, Drew Delaney opens up about her experiences navigating life and motherhood following her divorce. Like many, she has been grappling with the emotional challenges brought on by the pandemic. Since parting ways with her former partner, art consultant Luke Johnson, in 2016, Delaney has embraced the role of a single mother to her daughters, Ava (9) and Mia (7). Her reflections reveal two significant insights: the journey of single motherhood is far from easy, and living with regret is not an option.

“I’m open and honest because I don’t want to give the impression that I have everything figured out,” she shares. “I’m not a complete mess, but I can’t relate to those who seem to glide effortlessly through parenting. I identify with the challenges and the humor found in the chaos of life. I can’t tolerate inauthenticity.”

Facing the Challenges of Motherhood

Delaney, now 46, has previously discussed various topics, including the guilt that comes with working as a mother, the importance of learning to rest post-children, and her battles with diet culture. She has openly acknowledged her past brief marriages, but it was her third marriage to the father of her children that truly tested her resilience. Having experienced a tumultuous childhood herself, she felt shattered by the divorce.

“Divorce was my greatest fear,” she admits. “It was something I never wanted to subject my children to. I felt utterly broken. I made significant changes in my life at just the right time, right before the pandemic hit. I can’t imagine where I would have been otherwise. I just managed to keep things afloat until everything turned upside down.”

Life in the Spotlight

Delaney is no stranger to the spotlight; her life has been a series of dramatic highs and lows, many of which have played out in public view. Her divorce led to what she describes as a “breakdown” that prompted a major life shift.

“I definitely had a long, emotional breakdown,” she reflects. “In the midst of all this, I realized that I had to believe I would rise again. But with my kids involved, it felt even more critical. Being a parent is the most important aspect of my life, and raising young children is both thrilling and daunting.”

Co-Parenting Journey

Now, having come out on the other side, Delaney acknowledges that life and parenting are ongoing journeys. She and her ex-partner have made significant strides in co-parenting.

“Luke and I have put in so much effort over the years,” she says. “It was incredibly challenging. For those who make co-parenting look simple, I commend you. Our journey was messy and painful, but we remained focused on what was best for our daughters. After five years of hard work, I’m grateful we achieved this harmony. It’s been a long road, but we didn’t give up.”

Delaney has even developed a positive relationship with her ex-husband’s new wife, whom he married last summer.

“She’s wonderful: kind, sweet, and funny. I often have to remind myself to give them space,” Delaney shares. “I feel fortunate to have someone who accepts me and wants to maintain a connection.”

Authenticity in Parenting

Her parenting philosophy is grounded in authenticity and sharing her struggles, particularly since she lacks parental role models of her own.

“When discussions about parenting happened, I often felt isolated,” she reveals. “It took me years to gather the courage to ask others for guidance, to admit I was eager to learn.”

Her past as a child actor has heavily influenced her parenting style, particularly in avoiding the pitfalls she encountered in the industry. She keeps her children away from social media and strives to shield them from the negative aspects of Hollywood culture that she experienced.

“I joke about being a protective mom, but I aim to use my challenging upbringing to guide my children better,” she explains. “This is why I resist the notion of perfection. I’ve learned to transform my failures into strengths. I want them to have a normal childhood, especially in a world so obsessed with age and appearance. I faced a lot of rejection growing up—being told I was ‘washed up’ or ‘overweight.’”

Empathy Through Experience

Ultimately, Delaney believes that her challenges will help her be a more empathetic and understanding mother.

“I know I won’t be everyone’s favorite, and that’s perfectly fine. But I hope my life experiences make me a better mom.”

Resources for Further Reading

For more information on home insemination, check out this article, and for resources on fertility, visit Make A Mom. If you’re looking for more guidance, Resolve is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.

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Summary:

Drew Delaney candidly shares her experiences with single motherhood, emphasizing the challenges and authenticity in parenting. Despite her public struggles, she focuses on growth and the importance of co-parenting, ultimately aiming to provide a nurturing environment for her daughters while learning from her past.