Frankie Bridge faced severe criticism from online commentators after she disclosed that she permitted her eldest son Parker to venture into town unaccompanied by an adult but with his school friends. The 36-year-old mother of two, who is married to former footballer Wayne Bridge, shared her experience of letting Parker explore some independence, as he is getting ready to transition to secondary school next year.
In a candid moment on TikTok, the former member of The Saturdays expressed mixed emotions about her son growing up so fast. Despite trying to maintain a calm demeanor, Frankie’s revelation about Parker’s lack of road-crossing skills and consistent failure to buckle up in the car sparked controversy among viewers.
Before dropping off Parker for his solo outing, Frankie imparted some last-minute advice, urging him to be respectful, avoid conflicts, and be considerate towards others. Reflecting on this milestone in her parenting journey, Frankie questioned if she had guided her son well and if he would remember her lessons in crucial moments.
While some online users condemned Frankie’s decision, arguing that an 11-year-old should not be roaming around town unsupervised in today’s society, others defended her parenting choices, praising her for instilling independence in Parker. The debate on social media platforms highlighted differing opinions on parenting styles and the balance between protecting children and allowing them to explore the world.
Despite the backlash, Frankie stood by her decision as a parent, emphasizing the importance of letting children experience moments of independence and personal growth. The incident sparked a broader discussion on child safety, maturity levels, and the evolving dynamics of modern parenting.
Frankie’s experience serves as a reminder of the complex challenges parents face in raising children in a rapidly changing world, where striking the right balance between protection and freedom is a constant struggle.