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Stacey Dooley Opens Up About the “Unhinged” Reality of Motherhood
Television presenter Stacey Dooley has shared a candid account of the unexpectedly “chaotic” nature of new motherhood. The 38-year-old, known for her documentary work and Strictly Come Dancing win, welcomed her first child, Minnie, with partner Kevin Clifton in January 2023. Dooley admitted she had underestimated the challenges of parenting and that her initial perceptions were quickly dispelled by the realities of raising a newborn.
Initial Underestimation of Parenting Difficulties
The documentary filmmaker confessed to Heat Magazine that she initially believed people were “exaggerating” or “overreacting” regarding the trials of raising children. She stated she thought, “It can’t be that hard,” before experiencing motherhood firsthand. However, she explained her perspective dramatically changed upon Minnie’s arrival. “Then, the second my daughter came on the scene, I was just unhinged,” Dooley revealed.
Candid Account of Early Motherhood
“I did not know what I was doing, and that’s entirely my fault because I didn’t put any groundwork in whatsoever,” Dooley admitted. She described the disarray of the initial months, noting, “The first few months, Kev and I were living in the living room.”
Early Days Chaos and Sleep Deprivation
Dooley further depicted the disorderly atmosphere of their early days with Minnie, describing how their home felt confined to one room. They existed amidst “energy drinks and Yorkie wrappers,” which she jokingly referred to as “the pits,” highlighting the intensity and exhaustion of that period.
Impact of Motherhood on Relationship with Kevin Clifton
Dooley also previously admitted that her intimate relationship with professional dancer Kevin Clifton, 42, has taken a backseat since Minnie’s birth. The couple, who first met and won Strictly Come Dancing in 2018, have been together for over five years. Speaking on the Parenting Hell podcast, Dooley humorously confessed that their romantic life had suffered due to the focus on parenting.
Intimacy Takes a Backseat
Referring to their current sleeping arrangements, Dooley explained, “Minnie is in our bed. I am sort of not really bothered.” She acknowledged the societal pressure to have children sleep independently but suggested their situation is different due to Clifton’s frequent absences for work. “I know there’s such emphasis on getting kids in their own bed, but I think it’s because Kev is away so much anyway.”
Reigniting Romance Post-Tour
Dooley playfully suggested that intimacy might be revisited once Clifton concludes his current touring commitments. “Maybe when Kev is back on the scene, we will start remembering how you have sex. Then maybe I would think, Minnie, you’re going to have to go and hang out in your own bedroom now,” she joked.
Kevin Clifton’s Career and Family Routine
Kevin Clifton, who was a prominent dancer on Strictly from 2013 to 2019, is presently touring the UK performing as Billy Flynn in Chicago The Musical. Dooley described their evening routine while Clifton is on tour: “Of an evening we’ll have something to eat, then I’ll put her in the bath. We have a bit of a chat, put her PJ’s on and we just end up getting in my bed together.”
Early Bedtimes and Family Time
Emphasizing the current focus on Minnie, Dooley concluded, “We watch one episode of Paddington then go to sleep. I am going to bed early, at 8pm. I love it, honestly!” revealing a contentedness with their current family-centric lifestyle, despite the parenting challenges and adjustments faced.