DANI Dyer has admitted she really struggled in the early stages of parenthood.
The 25-year-old welcomed son Santiago last year and was thrust into single parenting as her now ex partner Sammy Kimmence was sent to jail.
The reality star, who has been announced as an ambassador for the BBC’s Tiny Happy People, revealed she often questioned herself as she got to grips with it all.
She recalled some of the questions she found herself asking, including: “Are you doing ‘the parent thing’ right? Is everyone judging how you’re coping? Is the life you knew pre-baby gone forever? How can you meet other parents in the same situation?”
Dani, who is now dating footballer Jarrod Bowen, went on to explain to the BBC how during her first year with Santiago – also known as Santi – she spent a lot of time comparing herself to other parents.
“I honestly wasn’t prepared for the rush of hormones. It was a little bit hard for me at the beginning. I really did struggle,” she said.
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“I remember when Santi was born, all I did was compare, and I always used to think, ‘Why can’t I breastfeed?’ I really, really struggled with that. And I put so much pressure on myself.
“I shouldn’t have compared so much. I shouldn’t have looked online. I should have just enjoyed my baby bubble and just gone with it.”
Dani, who appeared on Love Island in 2018, also revealed she is lucky to be well supported by her father – the actor Danny – and mother, Joanne Mas, something that has helped her a lot, particularly as a single parent.
“The way they have been there for me is honestly just such a dream,” she explained.
“There have been some long nights, if Santi’s not been well, where I really struggled and I’ve just needed to have a chat or a sleep in the afternoon. And they’ve been there for me.
“Knowing I’ve got them, I am blessed with that.”
BBC Tiny Happy People is an online digital, social and face-to-face initiative created by BBC Education.
As an ambassador for BBC Tiny Happy People, Dani will open up about her experience of becoming a single parent at a young age in the hope that she will be able to help others, as well as sharing her daily life with Santi alongside hints and tips for parents and carers.
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