Some new moms take months to feel ready for their first night out without the baby, while others are eager to have a night off just days after returning home from the hospital. But who gets to say what’s right or wrong when it comes to parenting choices? The answer is simple: no one should.
This was the stance taken by Australian actress and model Amy Clarke, who recently found herself in the crosshairs of online criticism after sharing a date night selfie with her husband just weeks after welcoming their second child, a daughter named Lily. The couple also has a three-year-old son, Max. Knowing they had trusted grandmothers on hand to babysit, Amy felt confident stepping out for a much-needed evening with her partner.
What she didn’t anticipate was the wave of judgmental comments that followed. In her post, Amy shared a delightful snapshot of their night out, detailing how both kids were in the capable hands of their grandmothers: “Max is with his Nanna ✔️ Lily is with her Nonna ✔️ We’re off for a quick dinner date. We miss our babies, but it’s so important for parents to carve out couple time when they can!”
However, the online parenting police weren’t on board with her view. After reading the backlash, Amy added a lengthy note to her post, defending her choice. “Of course, our kids come first. But if you can manage to steal a little time for yourselves, it’s a victory for your well-being as parents,” she emphasized. She explained that both of her children were well cared for, with Lily having been bathed, fed, and put to bed before they left. Plus, there was enough expressed breastmilk for feedings while she was away—just in case.
Amy also mentioned that her newborn typically sleeps 4-5 hours at a stretch, which made their short outing feasible. “On our date night, she slept from 6 to 10:30, which was perfect timing for a one-hour dinner,” she wrote. Drawing from her experience with Max, she shared, “With my first baby, I hardly went out for the first six weeks because of guilt and fear. It was during that time I felt a bit lost and even experienced mild postnatal depression. Ensuring your child is well cared for in your absence means it’s perfectly fine to take time for yourself as a couple or even solo.”
Many parents can relate to the anxiety of leaving their infant for the first time. I remember feeling anxious when I attended a wedding when my first child was just five weeks old, despite knowing she was safe with family. But looking back, that brief escape with my husband was refreshing. With our second baby, we quickly embraced date nights early on, which proved to be beneficial for our well-being.
Amy’s message is clear: “You’ll be happier and better parents for it.” Conversely, if you feel uneasy about leaving your baby, that’s perfectly valid too. The beauty of parenting lies in the freedom to make choices that feel right for you, and it would be nice if the internet could respect that. Amy is adamant about ignoring negativity, stating she deletes anyone who spreads judgment on her page. After all, we’re all trying our best in this parenting journey, and there’s no place for judgment in that.
For more insights into parenting and fertility, check out this article on couples’ fertility journey for intracervical insemination and learn about the advantages of Manuka honey for soft, touchable skin. For additional resources on pregnancy, the CDC has an excellent guide available here.
In summary, actress Amy Clarke faced harsh criticism for enjoying a date night shortly after becoming a mother for the second time. She defended her choice by highlighting the importance of couple time and ensuring her children were well cared for while she and her husband took a break. This situation raises an essential point about the freedom parents should have to make choices that suit their families without facing judgment from others.