Lucy Mecklenburgh says it's 'important' as she takes swipe at mum-shamers

Reality TV star Lucy Mecklenburgh has opened up about her approach to parenting following a "negative" question on social media about her family's lifestyle. She said that it is "really important" to the speak out about the situation.

Lucy, 33, has two children with her fiancé Ryan Thomas, 41. The couple are parents to kids Roman, five, and Lilah, three, together. Through the relationship, she is also a step-parent to Scarlett Thomas, 16, who is former Coronation Street actor Ryan's daughter from a previous relationship.

Former the Only Way is Essex star Lucy often posts about her life on Instagram. It includes keeping fans updated on holidays and her going away, with her having occasionally posted on the platform about taking trips without her kids.

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Lucy was faced with a question about her lifestyle in a Q&A on Instagram yesterday. After inviting her followers to submit questions, she revealed that one submission asked about her having previously gone away with Roman and Lilah.

The question read: "Why do you always leave your kids and go away?" Lucy responded in a post that included a photo of herself and her partner Ryan sat in a restaurant, which is thoughts to have been taken on a holiday together.

Addressing the question, Lucy wrote in her response: "I know this was meant as a negative message but actually I think it's really important to talk about. I adore my kids so much and as much as [I] get mum guilt every time I leave them I think it's so healthy for a relationship to have a date night or short break away with your partner or friends."

She went on to add that she also travels away for work. Lucy wrote: "I also do have to go away a lot to London or abroad to my retreats but that's my work and actually I absolutely love what I do & love that my kids see me enjoying my job."

Lucy co-founded the brand RWL, which hosts wellness and fitness retreats, including in Portugal. Earlier this month, she posted about having been away at a retreat in the UK, with her writing: "My favourite kind of weekend away."

She told her followers in a video message: "Oh my god, I cannot believe this weekend has come around so quickly. So the last time I was here was October and it was one of the best weekends of my life, so I just had to do it again."

Lucy said it included walks in the countryside, "delicious" food that is cooked for the guests, a variety of workouts, hot tub use and being surrounded by "like-minded women". She added: "This is the ultimate girls weekend away."

Lucy had previously posted about needing some time away. Last month, said over footage from a retreat: "I need a break and we shouldn't feel guilty for feeling like this because when I get time to myself doing something that I love that is looking after my wellbeing, I am definitely a better mum and better at my job."

Days earlier Lucy had revealed to fans that she had enjoyed a family holiday abroad recently too though. Lucy had gone on a Royal Caribbean Cruise with Ryan, their two kids and her stepdaughter Scarlett in April. The trip included stops in Miami, St. Kitts and the Bahamas.

She wrote in a post about the holiday that she hadn't ever planned to go on a cruise but was already looking forward to another with her family in the future. She wrote: "Honestly, cruising with kids? Game. Changer. Non-stop fun, dreamy destinations every day, amazing food (still thinking about it), and the kids' clubs? Unreal." After sharing the itinerary, she told fans: "Would I do it again? In a heartbeat."

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