The news of a Hollywood divorce is hardly shocking these days, with the exception of those rare celebrity couples who really seemed like they were in for the long haul. Like for instance Mayim Bialik, the Emmy-nominated star of Big Bang Theory (although if you're real old like me, you'll always think of her as Blossom). There's just something surprising and sad to hear that this level-headed actress, who also holds a doctoral degree in neuroscience, is divorcing her husband of nine years.
You may remember Mayim Bialik's public stance on extended breastfeeding -- she's such a proponent of attachment parenting, she even wrote a book called Beyond the Sling. Interestingly, she addressed this philosophy in her statement about her divorce from husband Michael Stone, perhaps heading off those who might guess that the divorce was related to her choice to breastfeed their nearly 4-year-old son, and share a family bed on the floor with both of their boys.
From the statement published on Mayim Bialike's website:
After much consideration and soul-searching, Michael and I have arrived at the decision to divorce due to “Irreconcilable Differences.” Divorce is terribly sad, painful and incomprehensible for children. It is not something we have decided lightly.
The hands-on style of parenting we practice played no role in the changes that led to this decision; relationships are complicated no matter what style of parenting you choose.
The main priority for us now is to make the transition to two loving homes as smooth and painless as possible. Our sons deserve parents committed to their growth and health and that’s what we are focusing on. Our privacy has always been important and is even more so now, and we thank you in advance for respecting it as we negotiate this new terrain.
We will be ok.
What a heartbreaking and searingly honest public statement to make. I'm sure it was incredibly difficult to come up with the words that they were willing to share with the world, but I think it was a smart move to address the attachment parenting topic. Although the reasons for their split are obviously their business and no one else's, touching briefly on the fact that relationship challenges aren't always tied to parenting styles was a good way to deflect the inevitable gossip.
Not that there won't be gossip anyway, that's the nature of being a public figure. But in glancing at the comments she's received, it looks like the majority of fans are saddened but completely support this family.
Such a bummer for this couple and their two young sons. I hope for all of their sake that they can get through the divorce process as quickly and painlessly as possible, with zero custody battles or tabloid drama.
Are you surprised to hear about Mayim Bialik's divorce?
Image via Hollywood_PR/Flickr
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Comments 23
I thought it was weird to say her parenting style was not a factor.
That being said, attachment parenting is a whole lot harder to do when kids are leaving every other weekend and Wednesdays to spend the night in a different house. I feel so sad for the children.
I think people oversimplify- it's easy to blame AP. How about the fact that when they met she was a neuroscience student- now she's back into acting full-time. That kind of paradigm shift would certainly be hard for me to wrap my head around... AP is not a marriage killer.
We can speculate what happened, but only Mayim and her husband know what ended their marriage.
I'm sad for her. That must suck. She seems like one of those rare, nice people, on and off screen. And to be fair, AP is a scapegoat for lots of issues, and widely known to be, so her mentioning it right out makes sense to me.
I can wish Mayim and her family only the very best, always.
I do agree that AP can test a relationship, but really, any style of parenting could. Kids in general can put strain on a relationship, no matter how you are raising them. We don't know exactly what ended their marriage, for all we know it could be financial disputes, or the fact that she's becoming a famous face in entertainment again. All I can say is she is handling the situation with garce and dignity and I applaud her. I wish all the best for her and her family.
Jessablessa, your comment sounds like it comes from someone who doesn't personally know AP. That's okay. I do caution you against disparaging parents you don't actually know. If your attitude comes from a defensive position because you feel threatened by people who are so thoroughly committed to their families, well I understand that. I've received that attitude from people before. The ones who can be educated, I try to inform. The lost causes I lament privately but let them continue in their ignorance.