EMILY ANDRE’S OK! COLUMN

OUR COLUMNIST ON HOLDING ON TO THEO AND THE DANGERS OF JUDGING OTHERS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Model Rosie Huntington-whiteley [left, with partner Jason Statham] has opened up about keeping her son Jack’s face off social media and wanting him to live a normal life [below]. She said: ‘Things on the internet live forever. Jack might grow up one day and want to be a doctor or a lawyer or a solicitor or an architect and might not want to have his face all over the internet.’

I think she is spot on because when you put your kids on social media you’re implying their consent to be online and at that age they can’t understand the pros and cons or how it’s going to affect their lives later on. As soon as Millie, five, and Theo, nearly three, are old enough to make and understand that decision it’s fine, but until that time I don’t want to make that decision for them. So many people come up to me and say it’s so nice that I keep them off social media and they really respect that decision. I’ve never had anyone say anything negative so I’m going to stick to my guns until they’re older. Having said that, every parent is different and I wouldn’t criticise anyone for what they choose to do!

I don’t worry about my kids wanting to be in the entertainment industry because a job is a job and I’ll be proud of them whatever they do. I think it’s unlikely though as they’re both really shy like me! Pete said when he was young he was always performing and the centre of attention, but our kids are the opposite! Who knows, they might come out of their shells and follow in their dad’s footsteps.

Pete recently spoke about how I don’t want Theo to go to nursery as he’s a mummy’s boy. He’s starting in January for one morning a week and I’m dreading it. He’s still so attached to me and I just know I will cry even though I know it’s the right thing for him! I also think I’m feeling this way because he’s my little boy [above]. He turns three next week and we’re having a tea party at our house with his friends. When they are that age I don’t think you need to go all out for a party as they’re still so young.