Dawn O'Porter has opened up about the death of her mother when she was just seven-years-old. The writer and TV presenter is currently expecting her second child with husband Chris O'Dowd, and she revealed how her loss has shaped her approach to parenting. "It was 30 years ago now so it's very difficult for me to feel sad for what I missed because the life that was formed has been quite positive, eventually," she told the Loose Women panel. "So I look back on it now, as I'm a mum, and I just put myself in her shoes and think how devastating that would have felt.
Dawn O'Porter opened up about the death of her mother during an appearance on Loose Women
"I think, I never had that protective mother figure in my life, so – I've only got a two year old at the moment – but I don't think I'm going to be a massively protective, over-shadowing mum. I think I'll want him to experience the independence that I experienced, but also know that he has me at all times to fall back on."
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Dawn, author of new book The Cows, went on to reveal that she was raised by her grandparents until she was 10, when she then went to live with her aunt and uncle. Crediting them for all the love and support they gave her, Dawn added: "I think there are different ways to become a mother and a parent. And there are people who would say a child needs both parents, but my view is, as long as a child is loved, I really believe you'll be absolutely fine."
Dawn and husband Chris O'Dowd are due to welcome their second child in July
Dawn and Bridesmaids star Chris announced their second pregnancy back in January, and are due to welcome the new arrival in July. Asked what kind of a father Chris is, Dawn said: "He's brilliant. I knew he'd be good; he's from good Irish stock and very family orientated. So I knew he'd be brilliant, but he's actually blown my mind a bit. He's so hands on – he does as much as me."