Single mum-of-three Helen Skelton is refreshingly honest about life as a parent. Far from presenting herself as “picture-perfect,” the vibrant TV presenter openly describes the reality of raising her three children—Ernie, 10, Louis, eight, and Elsie, three—as “chaotic.”
“Why do we put pressure on ourselves to present this perfect image when family life is naturally messy, busy, and a bit rough around the edges?” she asks. “My friends and I describe it as fifth gear or no gear. You just have to accept it and take the pressure off.”
When approached to participate in a playful initiative by bread-makers Warburtons, which highlights “lunchbox guilt,” Skelton initially hesitated. The campaign, inspired by a survey showing 60% of parents feel pressure to make picture-perfect lunchboxes, encouraged parents to embrace reality rather than social media ideals.
“I wondered, ‘Does this make me look chaotic?’ But my friend said, ‘No, you’re relatable,’” she recalls. “And I thought, ‘Yes, I’m chaos!’”
The campaign aims to shine a light on normal life, Skelton explains. “Around 45% of parents feel guilty if their lunchboxes aren’t Instagram-perfect. But most of us can relate—everybody’s doing their best. It’s not about creating perfectly matched bento boxes; it’s about keeping kids fed and happy.”
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The Reality of Lunchboxes
Skelton, who lives in Cumbria with her children, admits her lunchboxes have evolved since her first child. “When Ernie was little, I imagined organic, hand-prepped carrots and homemade treats. Over time, practicality won,” she laughs.
She contrasts her approach with that of friends who meticulously organize multiple lunchbox sections. “I can’t even find lids for Tupperware, so we use zippable bags instead,” she says. Despite this, her kids are well-fed, with lunches generally including sandwiches, ham, cheese, and occasionally soft cheese.
“As long as they’re eating something reasonably healthy and leaving with full tummies, that’s my goal,” she says. “I try them on a variety of foods. They might not always choose them, but they’ll give them a go.”
Social Media Pressure
Skelton believes social media can amplify parental pressure. “You compare every meal and activity. Comparison is the thief of joy,” she warns. “Social media offers amazing opportunities but can also make you feel enslaved. You can’t live entirely by it.”
She emphasizes that social media has its benefits. “It provides inspiration, but you must see it as ideas, not a blueprint for life.” On quieter weekends or non-working days, she experiments with recipes discovered online, adapting them for family outings.
“We’re a busy family, often on the road for activities and sports, so packed lunches are a constant,” she explains. “Weekends often involve picnics or days out, so practicality wins over perfection.”
Skelton shares relatable tales of parenting mishaps. One afternoon, she prepared a large tub of ham sandwiches for her boys’ football practice, only for her eldest to devour the entire lot. “That was supposed to last hours, but it was gone in minutes,” she laughs.
Different families have different approaches. Some take children to restaurants frequently, but Skelton finds that chaotic. “Every family has to find what works for them,” she says.
Balancing Work and Home Life
For Skelton, juggling her TV career and family life requires structure. Currently, she is busy returning to Morning Live, filming a second series of Lost and Found in the Lakes for the BBC, and launching Yorkshire Great and Small With Dan and Helen on Channel 5.
“I feel lucky. Efficiency is key,” she explains. “My work is my social life, so I set strict boundaries to ensure I have more time with my kids than anything else.”
Despite tight schedules, she enjoys collaborating with friends on projects like Yorkshire Great and Small. “Dan and I have two full-time jobs and three kids, so it’s a rush, but filming with friends in beautiful locations makes it fun. I’m lucky to work with my best mates.”
The Lunchbox Message
Partnering with Warburtons, Skelton encourages parents to abandon unrealistic lunchbox standards. The message is simple: nutritious, simple sandwiches matter more than Instagram-worthy presentations.
“This campaign isn’t about perfection—it’s about celebrating real life,” she says. “If you’re feeding your kids, keeping them healthy, and doing your best, that’s enough. Forget the pressure, embrace the chaos, and enjoy the family moments.”
Key Takeaways from Helen Skelton’s Parenting Philosophy
Embrace Imperfection: Family life is naturally messy. Trying to maintain a flawless image only adds unnecessary stress.
- Practical Over Perfect: Lunchboxes don’t need to be Instagram-ready; keeping kids fed and healthy is the priority.
- Use Social Media Wisely: Take inspiration but don’t measure yourself against curated content.
- Balance Work and Family: Efficient planning and clear boundaries allow parents to succeed at work while being present for children.
- Enjoy the Chaos: Laugh at mishaps, adapt to challenges, and find joy in everyday family life.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is Helen Skelton?
Helen Skelton is a British TV presenter, known for her work on Blue Peter, Morning Live, and other BBC and Channel 5 programs. She is also a mother of three children.
What does Helen Skelton say about her family life?
Helen describes her family life as “wild, chaotic, and beautifully imperfect.” She emphasizes that the reality of parenting is busy and messy, not picture-perfect.
How does Helen handle lunchboxes for her children?
Helen keeps lunchboxes practical, often including simple sandwiches with ham, cheese, and other easy-to-prepare items. She stresses that nutritious food matters more than an Instagram-perfect presentation.
What is Helen Skelton’s view on social media and parenting pressure?
Helen believes social media can create unrealistic expectations, making parents feel guilty. She suggests using social media for inspiration but not as a benchmark for real life.
What campaign has Helen Skelton supported regarding parenting?
She partnered with Warburtons to encourage parents to forget “lunchbox guilt” and focus on practicality over perfection, highlighting that simple, healthy meals are enough.
How does Helen manage work-life balance?
Helen maintains strict boundaries between work and family. She prioritizes spending quality time with her children while managing multiple TV commitments efficiently.
What is the key message Helen Skelton shares with parents?
Helen encourages parents to embrace imperfection, let go of unrealistic pressures, and enjoy the chaos of family life. Happy, healthy children are the real goal, not picture-perfect routines.
