Lifestyle influencer Ashy Bines is shutting down critics who’ve shared negative comments about her taking a vacation without her kids.
The Australian mom of two has been posting from Bali with her friends, and she was quick to explain why she feels no shame leaving her children at home with her “incredibly supportive” husband.
In the caption of her Instagram Reel, Bines wrote that she hopes her decision to take time away and relax will serve as a lesson to her kids about prioritizing mental health and friendships.
Australian influencer Ashy Bines is enjoying some sun and fun away from home, despite critics who say she’s abandoning her duties as a mom of two.
The lifestyle influencer, 36, has been sharing content from her girls’ vacation to Bali, where she’s been lunching out, shopping and even getting matching tattoos with her friends. However, she’s received some backlash from those wondering why she opted not to bring her younger family members along as well.
Earlier in the trip, the parent posted an Instagram Reel dancing alongside a message responding to her haters. In overlaying text, she wrote, “Your life choices don’t need to make sense for anyone but YOU.”
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Bines continued to address the criticism in her caption, writing, “People will tell you how to live, what’s wrong with you and your life, and project their own ‘rules’ and beliefs onto you. If you live by their rulebook, you’ll never feel truly happy or free to just be YOU.”
She also recounted some of the comments she had received from people while she was spending time abroad. Someone claimed she needed to be with her family, while another called her “such a selfish mom and partner.” One comment referred to her husband, Steve, and expressed pity for him having to watch their kids himself while Bines relaxed in Bali.
“Good moms don’t leave their kids behind on a holiday,” read another reply listed in her caption. The final one took a shot at her vacation attire: “Moms shouldn’t wear that; how embarrassing!”
She continued to lay down “the truth” of the matter, beginning with her gratitude for Steve, whom she described as “incredibly supportive and a very capable, hands-on father” in her post.
Ashy Bines/Instagram
Ashy Bines.
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“I refuse to live my life or neglect my own needs because of what others think,” Bines added. “I won’t put myself last or stop spending time with my friends, going on holiday, or pursuing my passions just because people label me as selfish or a bad mum.”
She voiced her hope that her getaway can serve as an important lesson for her children, teaching them that it’s “normal” and “important” to do something for themselves.
“I want them to prioritize their mental health, their bodies, their energy, and their relationships with partners, friends, and anyone else who matters to them. I want them to explore life, the world, and themselves without guilt or shame,” she wrote, concluding, “So YES, I will do all of the above and have so much fun while doing it!”
Bines also listed a few things she believes mothers should still feel free to do, including having fun, relaxing, spending time with friends, pursuing passions and hobbies, traveling, keeping up careers and expressing themselves. She also maintained that moms can still “be sexual” and “do silly TikToks.”
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