Helen Flanagan opens up about the emotional struggles of co-parenting her three children after her split from Scott Sinclair: “I really, really struggle when they go away.”
Former Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan has candidly shared the emotional toll co-parenting her three children has taken following her split from footballer Scott Sinclair. The 35-year-old actress, who shares daughters Matilda and Delilah and son Charlie with Sinclair, admitted the journey has been far from easy.
In a tearful Instagram story, Helen did not hold back. “I f****** hate co-parenting, f****** hate it. But then I really, really struggle,” she said, visibly upset. Her heartfelt admission gives fans a rare glimpse into the challenges of juggling parenting and personal well-being after a long-term relationship ends.
The Emotional Push and Pull of Parenting Alone
Helen described the intense push-and-pull of co-parenting. “It’s so hard because it’s like a double-edged sword,” she explained. “When they go, I want them straight back. And then when I’m with them all the time, I get really overwhelmed.”
She admitted that moments when her children are away trigger a deep sense of loneliness, while full-time parenting can also feel overwhelming. Her honesty reflects the complex emotions many parents face when raising children apart from a former partner.
Life After Coronation Street
Helen rose to fame as Rosie Webster on ITV’s Coronation Street, a role she started at just nine years old. Over the years, she became one of the show’s most recognizable young stars. After leaving in 2012, Helen reprised the role briefly in 2017 before stepping away again in 2018 to pursue other opportunities.
Since leaving the cobbles, she has appeared in reality shows such as I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Celebrity Super Spa. Through these appearances, Helen has been vocal about her experiences with motherhood and mental health, sharing openly with fans about the highs and lows of her life.
Struggles With Anxiety and Solitude
In her Instagram story, Helen also spoke about her struggles with anxiety and spending time alone. “I actually struggle being on my own,” she confessed. “It’s not just being on my own in a relationship; it’s like, I struggle being on my own in general. I’ve always got my friends with me… I’m really bad at spending time on my own.”
Helen shared that coping strategies such as exercising, spending time with friends, and getting sleep help her manage anxiety. She emphasized the importance of self-care, noting that taking a break for herself allows her to be more present and clear-headed when her children return.
Gratitude for Support and Honesty
The day after her emotional post, Helen thanked her followers for their outpouring of support. “Honestly, it made me feel so much better and it made me feel like I wasn’t on my own,” she said. “I like to just actually share my real life on here and actually be myself.”
Her willingness to open up has resonated with fans, offering both insight and reassurance to those navigating similar struggles.
Motherhood and Moving Forward
Helen has previously spoken about her experiences with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a condition that caused severe depression at times. Despite these challenges, she remains focused on raising her children and being honest about the emotional journey of life after a long-term relationship.
Her candid reflections serve as a reminder that parenting, mental health, and personal growth are often intertwined — and that it’s okay to acknowledge when life gets overwhelming.