Karla Johnson recently encountered a wave of mom-shaming during a flight with her children. Here’s how it unfolded.
For those fortunate enough, children might sleep soundly through takeoff and even the bumpy patches in the air. However, at some point, the dreaded moment arrives: your kids wake up. When that happens, the little ones demand snacks, toys, and screens, often making you contemplate selling a kidney just to restore peace and avoid public embarrassment. After all, private jets exist for those who find the sounds of toddlers unbearable.
Karla, the mother of a toddler and a nine-month-old, recounted her experience: “We had to wake up at 4 AM for our flight. At one point, my daughter was just making sounds to entertain her baby brother, and the woman behind my husband asked, ‘Is that absolutely necessary?’” Her husband retorted, “Well, there are plenty of things that three-year-olds do that aren’t absolutely necessary.”
Known for her role as the sharp and cunning Laurel Castillo on ABC’s How to Get Away with Murder, Karla isn’t one to back down when it comes to defending her children, Gianna and Luka. She was particularly frustrated, as traveling with kids can be chaotic even under normal circumstances. Add in the challenges of a pandemic, isolation, and mask requirements, and the situation becomes even more overwhelming. Unfortunately, the understanding spirit she hoped for from fellow travelers was lacking.
Karla, embodying the protective instincts of a mother bear, confronted the woman—though she admits it wasn’t her best move. “I shouldn’t have said it, but I replied, ‘Is it absolutely necessary to dye your hair black and wear those ugly boots?’”
While she may have regretted her response, Karla’s humor shines through in her new role on the ABC sitcom Home Economics, which airs Wednesdays. The show revolves around three siblings with varying financial situations, and her character, married to a struggling writer portrayed by Topher Grace, openly discusses motherhood, including topics like pumping and the challenges of parenting. “This script made me excited because it allowed me to touch on real-life issues with humor,” she shared.
While juggling her career and motherhood, Karla learned to appreciate brief moments of rest, discovering the value of a 10-minute nap between takes. The onset of COVID-19 pushed her to adapt her parenting style, leading her to embrace screen time for her kids, even if it involved watching beloved films in Spanish.
She recognizes that her show is a lighthearted take on family struggles, not a deep dive into the economic hardships many face, particularly women who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. However, it does subtly address issues of financial disparity among families.
Karla believes in breaking the taboo surrounding discussions about money, reflecting on her own upbringing where finances were an open topic. “I’ve always found it strange how some people avoid discussing money—it’s such a crucial part of life and relationships,” she noted.
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In summary, Karla Johnson bravely faced mom-shaming while flying with her children, igniting a discussion about the challenges of parenting in public. Through her experiences, she highlights the need for understanding and open conversations about motherhood and finance.
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