'I'm still fragile': MAFS' Martha Kalifatidis defends parenting decision after welcoming second child
Updated . First published at
Married At First Sight's Martha Kalifatidis has clapped back after being told it was "about time" she moved out of her parent's house.
The 37-year-old just welcomed her second child with fiancé Michael Brunelli. The family of four live with Martha's parents in Melbourne.
Martha defended their living arrangement in a lengthy Instagram Story after receiving a surprise comment from a fan.
Martha Kalifatidis has defended her living arrangement. Instagram
"It's about time you moved out of your parents home now you have a family," read the comment, which Martha received during an anonymous Q&A.
"Look, I know our living arrangement might not make sense to everyone," the former MAFS bride began. "But it works really well for us."
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She said the decision to stay couldn't be better for them, now with a newborn and toddler, which she described as a "fragile" time in her life.
The star responded a fan's comment online. Instagram / @marthaa__k
"Having the extra help from my parents while I'm still in this fragile postpartum period is everything!" Martha continued.
"We have support, the kids are surrounded by love and we all actually get along (surprise!). If this wasn't the case we probably wouldn't be here!"
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The mum explained that living with her parents has "been really special" for their three-year-old son Looch.
Martha and Michael welcomed their daughter Sunday, pictured with Looch, 3, in March this year. Instagram / @Instagram / @marthaa__k
"For Looch to have so much attention from his grandparents while I've been with the baby. I think it's help him not feel pushed aside during such a big transition," she wrote.
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The mum then explained other perks such as "being able to shower, blow dry my hair and feel somewhat human some days" which she said makes a huge difference.
As a second follower commented, "having a village is the biggest blessing," Martha's post continued.
The family that live together, even travel together. Instagram / @Instagram / @marthaa__k
Martha said they enjoy living in a multigenerational home. Instagram / @Instagram / @marthaa__k
In fact, Martha couldn't recommend the arrangement more.
"I actually think support makes you enjoy parenthood more. You're less burnt out, less overwhelmed and less likely to resent the hard parts because you're not doing everything completely alone."
Other followers came to the reality star's support with one commenting: "Amen. As if it isn't already hard enough... there's nothing life having your mumma there."
"The audacity. 😯 Some people are obviously not aware that this type of living arrangement is NATURAL for some families!" wrote another.
This isn't the first time Martha has clapped back at critics who questioned her and Michael's choice to live under the same roof as her parents.
In 2024 during another Q&A the star clarified that their "living arrangement has nothing to do with money".
"The sad thing is you probably believe we live with my parents to capitalise off of the situation, that is furthest from the truth."
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Martha's mum, who owns the house, has happily said the home was as much Martha and Michael's as it was theirs.
"Living with my parents brings us closer, fosters mutual support, and creates a rich environment where wisdom and experience blend," said Martha.
"It also brings my parents happiness."
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