Christine McGuinness says parenting three children with autism has left marriage to Paddy ‘struggling’
CHRISTINE McGuiness says parenting three children with autism has left her marriage to Paddy "struggling" as they are both "full time carers".
The famous couple announced their three-year-old daughter Felicity has the condition earlier this month, after twins Leo and Penelope, six, were previously diagnosed.
But Christine has admitted the situation is putting a strain on her and the Top Gear presenter as she feels there's no one to talk to.
"There's no time for us as a couple. No quality time, no date nights," she told
"Not even time to have a laugh together. We're full-time carers and the kids come before everything.
"But we have to stay strong as a unit for our kids."
Chrstine also admitted she is struggling with who to talk to.
She added: "I'm the worst when it comes to telling people I'm struggling. I will never say if I've had a bad day and, to be honest, there's no one I feel I can speak to.
"I just don't feel there's anyone in my life that I would fully trust with anything.
"And then it's also that fear that if I get upset and let my emotions out, I won't be able to get myself back together."
Christine revealed her youngest has autism spectrum disorder on Instagram earlier this month, before getting emotional while talking to the Loose Women panel about it.
She admitted she was "relieved" to finally have the diagnosis, then read out a poem she had written for her three children.
The poem read: "I am so proud to be your mummy, you are everything to me.
"All three of you are thriving with ASD [Autistic Spectrum Disorder]. I will never try and change you, you are perfect as you are.
"Mummy is going to change the world to understand her superstars. You are sensitive, you are strong, and you have such a special bond.
"You are funny and talented, cheeky and sweet, you all love your toys to be kept extra neat.
"Shining brighter than the stars above. You are special, so wanted and oh so loved.
"Leo, Penelope and Felicity, you are unaware of the positive impact you have, even on the tough days you even make me laugh.
"My trio, my babies, my fabulous three. Together we are a strong, proud, unique family."
Once she finished she started crying before being handed some tissues and walking off the set.
Before reading the poem, Christine discussed the latest diagnosis and explained why it was easier the second time round.
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She said: “I think because I understand it more now. With the twins it was quite a shock, we were heartbroken because we didn’t know anything about autism.
“All we knew was that our children had a lifelong condition and that there was no cure and they were going to have difficulties throughout life.
“Now with our own experiences with the twins and knowledge, knowledge is power when it comes to autism and it just prepared us for a third one. Felcity was diagnosed, we knew it was coming, we saw the signs.”