Instagram/@ginakirschenheiter
With modern systems of individualism and parenting, Kirschenheiter of Real Housewives of Orange County fame treated the passionate topic differently, acknowledging different strengths that might be present within the co-parenting team with an honest look on the subject. In a candid moment, the Instagrammer admitted to some of her personal weaknesses that could be balanced by her ex-partner’s other half, which followed up with an utterly relatable scene for many fans identifying with either way of parenting.
Advertisement
Kirschenheiter titled one of her viral Instagram posts her weekend gift to her daughter: “Sunday reminder, that parenting is not a competition.” Dubbing Birdy, the nickname she had bestowed upon the child in her post, the Bravo star took to celebrating the polar opposite of her method of parenting with the Motherword vaguely declaring: “We all have our strengths and weaknesses. It’s ok to fill in each others cracks.”
The interchange was much appreciated as Birdy was apparently getting serious about making a hot breakfast, and this painted an especially good picture of that very comparison for the masses. But obviously unmentioned were those precious moments around the kitchen table for a breakfast not many would want to debate, perhaps some parents roll out a big batch of homemade buttery and golden pancakes while others opt for the fast track, and both are alright in a functioning family.
Coming clean about the way she went through her earlier divorcing process, reconstruction of family structures, and cooperative co-parenting models distinguish her from many others. With ex-husband Matt Kirschenheiter, she has three children; the topic of separated parenting, with all its struggles and triumphs, has been one she has discussed extensively on the accepted long-running reality series.
During the first few minutes after the post went live, the reactions were overwhelmingly positive, and some comments were made about the healthy relationship that Mrs. Kirschenheiter shared with her ex’s partner. One commenter went on to write: “I love the relationship you two have. And I love that it is never a competition, on either end.” Most of those comments echoed the same sentiments since such harmonious relationships seem to be quite rare and inspiring nowadays in a culture that’s largely marked by conflict.
Another commenter went on to say how far-reaching this spirit of cooperation could truly apply: “You two are inspiring for so many types of relationships to get it together!” This comment silently implies that the success story of that cooperative co-parenting relationship transcends just those who have split ways and runs far into all relationships where competition is eschewed for collaboration.
At once, the breakfast metaphor resonated strongly with a chunk of the fan base, many of whom were identifying themselves as either “Gina” or “Birdy” within their own homes. “My life goal is to be a Britt,” admitted one user, seemingly referring to Birdy’s real name. “But my reality is that I am a Gina.” The pattern of self-identification continued throughout the comment section. Another commenter unabashedly wrote, ” Lmaooo im a Gina and most days I don’t feel guilty about that lol.”
That post made me laugh,” said one follower, while another one responded with “spit out my coffee, girlie.” Kirschenheiter had most definitely succeeded in making humor out of those very tense and common parenting issues today.
The light-hearted manner received praise for dealing with some of the heavier aspects of such arrangements. “It takes an incredible person to forgive their ex and be able to have a newer healthier relationship with them AND their new partner,” remarked one commenter. “Speaks volumes about your character.” This comment recognized the way personal development and emotional work stood behind what otherwise seemed to be a simple breakfast metaphor.
Balance continued to crop up in the discourse. “And THIS my friends is what you call a balance,” declares one fascinated follower. “Not just in food choices but parental style balances = well-rounded littles.” This statement leads to an assertion where children benefit from being exposed to different parenting styles and that diversity itself could be one of the strengths of a family setting.
Even real suggestions for breakfast started pouring in crazy-fast with one parent chiming in: “Omg little bites FTW every morning. Now I don’t feel so bad. I also do frozen French toast sticks when im feeling sassy – 8 minutes in the air fryer chefs kiss.” This in itself showed that the post was becoming a launch pad for parenting tricks and suggestions shared without criticism.
Most comments concurred and identified with the message, but an angry voice shouted out, dropping insults at Kirschenheiter and stating that she was inconsequential and “should sit your stupid azz down.” This rare opposing voice stands as an anomaly being exceedingly outnumbered by the chorus of support; a reminder that even the most peaceful co-parenting shows can spawn hatred.
This post comes from Mrs. Kirschenheiter at a time when such high visibility co-parenting arrangements are all the rage, from Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas’ arrangements to other reality stars yet their own. Her notion-one that co-parenting doesn’t have to be built on competition, that people can acknowledge one another’s strengths, and that it can be hilarious-is a backdrop many families aspire to live on.
Advertisement
That very post has just made it obvious that there exists a huge appetite among the masses for what is actually going on in real families these days-if it is served with a dash of chalky laughter and a sturdy dose of mutual respect, instead of the usual spite and in-fighting. Gina Kirschenheiter-sonically indicates that by admitting to one’s own “cracks” and celebrating those helping to fill them, she has provided a much-needed example for the world of what cooperative parenting can look like, and with some finesse and wisdom injected into the mix. Her recent collaborations with Emily Simpson have shown similar humor and camaraderie, including their spooky season duet. She also recently celebrated a Too Faced event with Shannon Beador that drew both support and criticism from fans.