She’s one of Australia’s most famous women – and Jackie O, 40, has just dropped some serious truth bombs about motherhood, body image and marriage.
The radio personality recently spoke to The Motherish following her Fun Fearless Female Women of the Year Award nomination. And she had some refreshingly honest things to say about the struggles many woman face.
“I think women are too hard on themselves and on each other. There is so much criticism about our body types and shapes,” Jackie said.
“I get criticised for being too fat, Bec Judd gets criticised for being too skinny, so what are we supposed to be? I have times where I want to lose weight but it can’t be the be all and end all," she said.
Jackie said she tries to be a body positive role model for her four-year-old daughter, Kitty. "I don’t use the word diet in front of my daughter. I don’t want her to grow up with that word. I’ll say ‘mummy is trying to be healthy’," she explains.
While the KIIS FM host said she didn’t pay attention to gossip written about her, she does worry when it’s directed at Kitty or her husband of 12 years, Lee Henderson.
“It’s okay for me because I’ve had it for a long time so I’ve developed a thick skin…I don’t get upset any more, or I just laugh it off. But when it’s about my family I’m a lot more protective. If I read something that’s unfair or harsh I definitely have a problem,” Jackie said.
Jackie also offered some advice on relationships and marriage.
“There are going to be those ups and downs; no one has a perfect relationship. We have had great times and of course we’ve had bad patches, but it gets easier to understand the other person over time,” she said.
“I think we have got a really strong marriage - we might have a day or two that’s off kilter, but it’s about not expecting that everything’s going to be rosy every day," Jackie shares.
Despite her success, it turns out Jackie also “struggles every day” to balance work and motherhood, just like the rest of us.
“It’s important for me to have that balance and to leave work behind and give her [Kitty] all my attention. The guilt is the worst part; when I feel I haven’t spent enough time with her," she revealed.
Jackie said it was “very flattering” to receive the Fun Fearless Female nomination, but revealed a surprising fear.
“My biggest fear is public speaking, which is ironic because I speak on the radio every day. Getting up and talking to people in public terrifies me," she explained.
Congratulations, Jackie.
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