Stacey Solomon has become one of the most relatable celebrity mums in the UK. As a mother to five biological children and stepmother to a sixth, she navigates a busy, blended household with warmth, honesty, and humour. Her parenting journey includes moments of chaos, vulnerability, mental health struggles, and strong values. Through her BBC reality show, social media presence, and public reflections, she offers practical lessons in embracing imperfection, building emotional resilience, and raising children with a sense of responsibility. In 2025, Stacey’s candid discussion of perimenopause, parenting pressures, and her decision against leaving a large inheritance has sparked wider conversations about modern motherhood.
Who Is Stacey Solomon and What Does “Mum” Mean to Her
Stacey Solomon first came to fame as a contestant on The X Factor in 2009, and later won I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2010. Over the years, she has built a career in television, home décor, and lifestyle, while also becoming a central figure of family life in the public eye. But beyond her celebrity persona, being a mum is core to her identity. For Stacey, motherhood is not just about nurturing her children – it is intertwined with her values, her challenges, and her vision for what a family can be.
As a mum, she often describes her children as her proudest achievement. She is open about her imperfections, acknowledging that parenting doesn’t always go to plan. Rather than hiding the messy bits, Stacey leans into them, sharing both the joy and the strain of motherhood with her audience. Her transparency has helped her build an image of authenticity: she’s not a perfect parent, but she is deeply committed and emotionally invested.
The Solomon-Swash Family: A Blended Household
Stacey Solomon is mother to five biological children and stepmother to one, creating a bustling, blended family life at their home, known affectionately as Pickle Cottage. Her children are:
Zachary, born when Stacey was 17, from a previous relationship.
Leighton, from her earlier engagement.
Rex, her first child with her husband Joe Swash, born in May 2019.
Rose, their daughter, born in October 2021.
Belle, her youngest daughter, born in February 2023.
Harry, Joe Swash’s son from a previous relationship, to whom Stacey is stepmother.
This combination means that Stacey is directly parenting five children and also shares parenting responsibilities with Joe for Harry, making six children in their household.
Living with such a large, blended family brings both joy and complexity. Their family life includes pets: two dogs and several ducks, which became a charming element of their public image when they invited a camera crew into their home. The dynamics of five children ranging from teenagers to toddlers require constant organisation, adaptation, and emotional labour.
Stacey Solomon’s Early Motherhood and Growth
Becoming a mother at 17 was a defining moment in Stacey’s life. Her eldest son was born during her teenage years, and she has spoken openly about the stigma she faced, the responsibility she carried, and how that experience shaped her into someone who is highly organised, driven, and deeply grounded.
Motherhood at a young age forced her to grow up quickly. She has said that missing out on a perfectly conventional young adulthood taught her discipline — whether in her studies, her work, or raising her child. These early experiences framed her as a young woman who had to juggle ambition, responsibility, and vulnerability all at once.
Stacey’s transparency about being a teenage mum has resonated with many. By talking candidly about her challenges, from managing finances to balancing relationships, she normalised a path that often remains hidden. Her journey demonstrates how early parenthood, while difficult, can foster resilience, purpose, and long-term growth.
Parenting Philosophy: Real, Messy, and Heartfelt
Stacey’s approach to motherhood is built on authenticity. She does not pretend to have it all figured out, and that is part of her appeal. Her parenting style is marked by a few recurring themes:
Embrace imperfection: Stacey often shares moments when things go wrong — missing shoes, forgotten tasks, or chaotic mornings. She celebrates the normal, unglamorous reality of parenting.
Emotional honesty: She speaks openly about anxiety, overwhelm, and the mental load of caring for a big family. Rather than hiding behind a public persona, she shows vulnerability.
Practical organisation: From her teenage years onward, Stacey developed systems to manage her life. Even as a busy celebrity mum, she leans on routines, lists, and structure.
Creating memories: Whether it’s tiny everyday traditions or big family projects, Stacey places value on shared experiences. Life at Pickle Cottage is rich not just in people but in moments — like building a pond or watching ducklings hatch.
Raising independent children: Stacey has expressed a desire for her children to earn their place in the world, rather than rely solely on inheritance or parental privilege.
Through her parenting, Stacey models that love and structure can coexist, that vulnerability is strength, and that family life does not have to be perfect to be meaningful.
Recent Trends in Stacey’s Motherhood (2025)
In 2025, Stacey Solomon’s journey as a mum has been under fresh public and media focus, thanks to new developments in her life and career.
One of the biggest trends is the return of her reality TV show with Joe Swash, titled Stacey & Joe. Commissioned by the BBC, the show offers a deeply candid, fly-on-the-wall look into their home life at Pickle Cottage. Their blended family, pets, work commitments, and emotional dynamics are on full display. The second series premiered on 9 September 2025, covering key milestones: their youngest daughter Belle’s first day of nursery, teenage Zachary’s driving lessons, and Joe trying out a digger. The show also captures moments of tension, therapy sessions, and the real strain of managing a large family.
As the show unfolds, Stacey has also publicly shared concerns about early menopause (perimenopause). She described feeling unusually irritable and exhausted even after sleeping well, prompting fears of hormonal changes. This discussion has resonated widely, as she acknowledges that her age (mid-30s) is relatively young for such issues, but that early menopause can and does happen. This conversation adds a layer of depth to her public identity as a mother, showing that her challenges are not just about kids, but also about her own physical and emotional well-being.
Another trend in 2025 involves Stacey’s reflections on legacy and inheritance. She has indicated that she does not plan to leave a vast inheritance for her children, preferring they learn to work and achieve independently. This philosophy aligns with her belief in personal responsibility and cultivating resilience in her children.
At the same time, she has voiced regrets about how she comes across on her reality show. Some critics and viewers have interpreted her as “bossy” or dominating, particularly in scenes where she manages household logistics or expresses frustration with Joe’s timekeeping and attention to detail. Stacey has admitted that she worries about being portrayed too harshly, even as she tries to show the full truth, warts and all.
Real-Life Examples from Stacey’s Motherhood
Several moments from Stacey Solomon’s life provide concrete insight into how she lives out her role as a mum:
When the first series of Stacey & Joe aired, viewers saw her juggling a major work meeting with toddler tantrums, while Joe silently managed the kids in the background. In one episode, Joe forgets essential items while shopping, leading to an awkward moment of “dad guilt” — a scenario that many parents can relate to. The Guardian’s review of the show described Joe as “utterly chaotic,” emphasising how his disorganisation amplifies Stacey’s role as the stabiliser of the household.
In another episode, Stacey and Joe attend couples therapy. The cameras capture their emotional arguments, where Stacey expresses frustration that even though Joe tries, he misses the specific things she asks for. He, in turn, feels guilty and inadequate. This emotionally raw moment resonated with audiences, as it exposed the mental load she carries and the communication struggles that lie beneath the surface of a “celebrity family.”
A highly publicised scene involves Stacey’s revelation of possible perimenopause symptoms. She recounts feeling drained, moody, and distant—not because of the children, but because her body feels out of sync. Viewers saw her vulnerability and her resolve to understand and cope with this new phase of life, while caring for her young children and navigating a public career.
Perhaps one of the most touching episodes shows Stacey watching ducklings hatch in her garden. For her, these small life events are not just cute content — they are core memory-building moments. She treats these events like a way to teach her children responsibility, wonder, and compassion.
Challenges Stacey Faces as a Mum
Stacey Solomon’s mothering journey is rich, but not without significant challenges. Some of the recurring struggles include:
Public scrutiny. As a public figure, nearly every parenting move she makes is observed, dissected, and critiqued. Inviting cameras into her home for Stacey & Joe meant exposing vulnerable family moments — and sometimes, this has led to her questioning whether it was the right decision.
Mental load and anxiety. Raising five children, supporting stepchild relationships, caring for pets, running her business ventures, and dealing with her own emotional health places a huge burden on her. She has spoken openly about her anxiety, and how parenting can exacerbate it.
Relationship strain. Her dynamic with Joe is often tense. In their reality show, she calls out his forgetfulness and disorganisation; he expresses guilt and frustration. Their differences in parenting style and time management reflect deeper issues about division of labour, responsibility, and emotional labour in their marriage.
Health uncertainty. Her fears around early menopause (or perimenopause) bring a personal health challenge that intersects with her identity as a young mum. This is relatively rare to see discussed so openly at her age, but she has brought it into her public conversation.
Legacy planning. Her choice to not leave a large inheritance to her children means she bears the responsibility for preparing them to be financially independent. This is a long-term parenting challenge beyond daily routines.
Regret and self-reflection. Despite her efforts to be open, Stacey has admitted that she regrets how she may come across on camera — particularly when she appears “bossy” or overly controlling. The feedback from viewers and critics has made her reflect on her public persona as a mother.
Practical Parenting Lessons from Stacey Solomon
From Stacey’s journey, there are several practical lessons any parent (celebrity or not) can glean:
Parenting doesn’t require perfection. Stacey’s openness about her mistakes — whether mismatched shoes, forgotten tasks, or tired meltdowns — reminds us that being a parent is not about being flawless. It’s about being present and willing to laugh at yourself.
Structure helps, but so does flexibility. While Stacey relies on organisation and systems, she also makes room for spontaneity: impromptu family projects, nature moments, and playful downtime. This balance allows her family to be both grounded and creative.
Be emotionally transparent. Sharing feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, or disappointment helps children see that vulnerability is natural. Stacey models that parenting is not just logistical; it’s emotional work, too.
Prioritise legacy in values, not just money. Stacey’s decision against leaving a huge inheritance means she’s instilling in her children the value of effort, responsibility, and self-reliance. This mindset may help them grow into purposeful, grounded adults.
Build meaningful traditions. Whether it’s watching ducklings hatch, DIY family projects, or group walks, Stacey teaches that memory-making is central to a rich family life.
Take care of yourself. Stacey’s public discussion of perimenopause demonstrates the importance of listening to your own body, seeking help, and prioritising your health as a parent.
Communicate honestly. Through couples therapy and everyday communication, Stacey and Joe show that facing conflict, admitting frustration, and asking for support are part of healthy parenting partnerships.
Why Stacey Solomon’s Experience Resonates
Stacey Solomon’s motherhood story strikes a chord for several reasons:
She started young, and that gives her perspective. Many parents, especially those who had children as teenagers, see her journey as relatable and aspirational. Her story is one of transformation, resilience, and accountability.
She refuses to hide her struggles. Mental health, health concerns, marital tensions — she brings them into public conversation, reducing stigma and normalising the complexities of parenting.
Her family life feels authentic. With ducks, dogs, five children, and small domestic dramas, her household has charm, mess, and heart. It’s not curated to appear perfect; it feels real.
She values emotional and practical preparation for her children. Rather than focusing solely on material legacy, she invests in raising children who can thrive independently and compassionately.
Her journey is aspirational, not idealised. She doesn’t present motherhood as a fairy tale; she shows the work, the emotion, and the joy. That balance makes her more trustworthy and inspiring.
FAQs
How many children does Stacey Solomon have, and who are they?
Stacey Solomon is mother to five of her own children and stepmother to one. Her children include Zachary and Leighton from previous relationships, and Rex, Rose, and Belle with her husband Joe Swash. She also helps parent Joe’s son Harry from a prior relationship.
When did Stacey Solomon first become a mum?
She became a mother at the age of 17. Her experience as a teenage mum shaped much of her early life in terms of responsibility, discipline, and emotional growth.
What is Stacey & Joe, and what does it show about her parenting?
Stacey & Joe is a BBC reality show that debuted to document Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash’s family life at Pickle Cottage. It captures their parenting challenges, their blended family, their pets, their work, their emotional conflicts, and their everyday routines.
Has Stacey Solomon talked publicly about her mental health?
Yes, she has. Stacey has discussed her anxiety and the emotional load of motherhood. She has shared how parenting, business, and her own health concerns sometimes overwhelm her.
Why is Stacey concerned about early menopause?
In 2025, Stacey opened up about feeling unusually exhausted and irritable despite sufficient rest, leading her to suspect she may be experiencing perimenopause. She has spoken about how this potential health challenge intersects with her role as a mother and public figure.
Does Stacey plan to leave an inheritance to her children?
Stacey has expressed that she does not plan to pass on a vast inheritance. Her philosophy is that she wants her children to learn self-reliance, work hard, and build their own accomplishments rather than rely on her wealth.
In Summary
Stacey Solomon’s role as a mum is deeply woven into who she is as a person — not just on screen, but in everyday life. She embodies a parenting model that is honest, messy, emotional, and grounded. Her willingness to share her joys, her struggles, and her vulnerabilities makes her relatable. Through her reality series, her candid reflections on anxiety and health, and her parenting decisions around legacy, she offers a powerful message: motherhood is not about perfection. It is about presence, growth, and shaping a home where love and resilience work side by side.
For parents looking for inspiration, Stacey’s story is a reminder that it is possible to balance ambition and family, to embrace your flaws, and to raise children with kindness and independence. Her journey continues to evolve, and by sharing it openly, she encourages others to do the same — to own their stories, embrace their challenges, and find strength in authenticity.
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