Karla Simmons experienced mom-shaming during a recent flight with her little ones. Here’s how it unfolded.
If you’re fortunate, your kids might sleep soundly through takeoff and even the turbulence. But eventually, the moment we all dread arrives: your children wake up. Once they do, these energetic tiny humans demand snacks, toys, and screens, leaving you wishing you could trade a kidney just to maintain peace and avoid potential embarrassment in the air. Though, private jets exist for those who can’t bear the sounds of typical toddler antics.
“I have a toddler and a baby, who is nine months old. Yesterday, while flying with both of them, we had to wake up at 4:00 AM. The woman sitting behind my husband commented when my daughter was making noises to entertain my baby, saying, ‘Is that absolutely necessary?’” Karla explains. Her husband quickly chimed in, “Well, there are plenty of things three-year-olds do that aren’t ‘absolutely necessary.’
Best known for her role as Laurel Castillo on the ABC thriller How to Get Away with Murder, Karla is a devoted mother to her children, Gianna and Luka. She fiercely defends them.
The chaos of flying with kids is already a challenge, especially during a pandemic. With isolation and mask mandates, the situation can become overwhelming. Karla reflects on the lack of empathy she encountered: “Then my mama bear instincts kicked in, and I confronted her, which I don’t recommend. I turned around and said, ‘Is it really necessary to dye your hair that color and wear those hideous boots?’ I know I shouldn’t have said that,” she admits.
Yet, perhaps it was justified. Karla is also starring in the ABC sitcom Home Economics, which airs on Wednesdays. In this show, she plays a character married to a struggling writer portrayed by Topher Grace. The comedy allows her to explore motherhood humorously, something she finds refreshing after being in a dramatic role for six years alongside Viola Davis. “I was excited to talk about real motherhood issues, like pumping and the struggles of parenting,” she shares.
While she was pregnant with her son during auditions, she faced challenges finding roles. Thankfully, her current show embraced her reality. “They were ready to write my pregnancy into the storyline,” she says.
During the pandemic, Karla discovered the restorative power of short naps, squeezing them in between takes. “At the onset of COVID, I was doing too much—cleaning every corner, educating my kids, and jumping on trampolines. By week two, I was overwhelmed. I shifted from being a no-screens mom to letting my kids watch Spanish versions of their favorite shows,” she explains. “Family walks and listening to Brene Brown’s podcasts were lifelines during that time.”
Karla acknowledges the broader impacts of COVID on women, particularly regarding workforce participation. Her show addresses income disparity lightly while not diving into the severe economic struggles many families face. “It’s a comedic representation rather than a deep social commentary, but it highlights the reality of financial struggles.”
This show might even inspire women to openly discuss personal finance—a topic often shunned. “In my family, we talked about money openly, but my husband’s family didn’t. It’s such an important aspect of life and relationships. Why avoid it?” she adds.
For more insights on parenting and motherhood, check out our related blog post on home insemination and explore the topic further through the resources provided by Cleveland Clinic and experts at Intracervical Insemination.
If you’re curious about exploring this subject further, check out these search queries: home insemination kit, self insemination, home insemination syringe, motherhood challenges, and parenting during COVID.
In summary, Karla Simmons’ experience with mom-shaming while traveling highlights the challenges parents face in public. Her candidness about motherhood and the societal pressures surrounding it resonates with many, especially in today’s world. Her role in Home Economics offers a humorous take on these struggles, emphasizing the importance of open discussions about finances and parenting.