They revealed on their reality TV series Stacey and Joe: Full House that they’ve been to marriage counselling to keep their relationship on track, but are still fighting a common parenting battle
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Joe Swash reveals ‘constant battle’ he and wife Stacey struggle with amid marriage concerns(Image: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty I)
Loose Women star Stacey Solomon and her husband Joe Swash have given a realistic perspective on their home life, admitting they have a “constant battle” with their kids. Former EastEnders actor Joe, 43, and Stacey, 35, have six children between them.
Together, they have Rex, five, Rose, three, and Belle, two. Stacey has two children from previous relationships, Leighton, 12, and Zachary, 17.
Joe also has a 17-year-old son, Harry, who he had with his ex Emma Sophocleous. The couple separated when their son was very young, with Joe going to court to see his son.
But parenting has taken on new difficulties in recent years, with Stacey and Joe forced to put their feet down when it comes to the relatable issue of screen time. They now call using the phone “a privilege”, making sure Rex only has an hour at the weekend to play games if he behaves at school and completes his chores.
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Stacey and Joe with most of their brood(Image: staceysolomon/Instagram)
In a new interview with Huffington Post, Joe explained his and Stacey’s “battle” with their son and his weekly reward of screen time. He said: “But even that, me and Stacey begrudgingly let him have that.
“It’s difficult, it’s a constant battle … And even then, when he’s playing the games, we’re constantly watching what he’s doing, what games he’s playing. It’s something that concerns us, you know?”
Joe explained that he feels it’s a balancing act – with their older children, he knows that access to a phone is a big part of their social life. But he still wants to keep tabs on their usage, to make sure they’re safe.
Although the couple are on the same page when it comes to using the internet, Joe admits there’s “no real right or wrong”. He added that every parent is “muddling through” and “making mistakes”.
The couple are always ones to keep it real, and with their new reality show Stacey & Joe: Full House, fans are getting a look into life behind closed doors for the close-knit family. Their series has given a realistic look into the ups and downs of family life, and how they all navigate their busy careers and home.
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The couple always keep it real when it comes to family and home life(Image: Stacey Solomon/Instagram)
The pair, who tied the knot in 2022, revealed they’ve turned to marriage therapy to keep their relationship on track. A source recently told OK! that Stacey and Joe may have underplayed how big a step having cameras around for every tricky moment would be.
The source said: “They underestimated how difficult it was going to be doing this reality show and having cameras around, and watching it back hasn’t been the easiest thing. The pressures of all the kids and work while balancing their relationship has been hard, they won’t deny that.”
The source also claims they are proud of opening up about having couple’s therapy on-air. “They’re going to therapy because they love each other and would never want to get to the point where they don’t want to be together anymore. Yes, there have been ups and downs and it’s been quite a rollercoaster – but they know there’s no shame in therapy and both realise it’s the best thing for their relationship and to iron out their issues.”
