By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
What's The JamWhat's The Jam
  • Home
  • Latest News
    • UK News
    • World News
  • Super ViralHot
  • Lifestyle
    • Health and Fitness
    • Photography
    • Property
  • Humor
  • Celebrity
  • Weird
  • Videos
  • All Topics
    • Babies and Kids
    • Celebrity
    • Comedy and Humor
    • Documentary and Reportage
    • Fails
    • Health and Fitness
    • Holidays and Travel
    • Influencers and Models
    • Latest Videos
    • Life Hacks
    • Lifestyle
    • Nature and Wildlife
    • Pets and Animals
    • Photography
    • Property
    • Real Life
    • Sport
    • Strange and Bizarre
    • Super Viral
    • UK News
    • World News
Search
  • Health and Fitness
  • Holidays and Travel
  • Nature and Wildlife
  • Pets and Animals
  • Photography
  • Babies and Kids
  • Comedy and Humor
  • Fails
  • Real Life
  • Strange and Bizarre
  • Submit News
  • Customize Interests
  • Bookmarks
  • Newsletter
  • Who Are We
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact
© 2023 What's The Jam. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: ‘People called me selfish for having kids but I’m taking ENTIRE summer holidays off to be with them’
Share
Notification Show More
Aa
What's The JamWhat's The Jam
Aa
  • News
  • World
  • Viral
  • Funny
  • Weird
  • Celebrity
  • DIY
  • Lifestyle
  • Sport
  • Videos
Search
  • Home
    • News
    • World
    • Super Viral
    • Videos
  • All Topics
    • Babies and Kids
    • Celebrity
    • Comedy and Humor
    • Documentary and Reportage
    • Fails
    • Health and Fitness
    • Holidays and Travel
    • Influencers and Models
    • Life Hacks
    • Lifestyle
    • Nature and Wildlife
    • Pets and Animals
    • Photography
    • Property
    • Real Life
    • Sport
    • Strange and Bizarre
  • Quick Links
    • Customize Interests
    • Bookmarks
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of use
    • Write For Us
    • Advertise
    • Contact
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact
© 2023 What's The Jam. All Rights Reserved.
Amelia Peckham, a disabled mum once called selfish for having kids, proudly books summer off to be with her sons - proving her critics wrong with love and presence.
Real Life

‘People called me selfish for having kids but I’m taking ENTIRE summer holidays off to be with them’

Katie Dollard
Last updated: 2025/07/25 at 12:40 PM
Katie Dollard
Share
7 Min Read
Amelia Peckham, her husband, and their kids Rufus and Ralph. (Jam Press/Amelia Peckham)
SHARE

A mum who claims people branded her “selfish” for having children due to her disability has had the last laugh – after booking the entire summer off of work to spend time with her kids.

Amelia Peckham was cruelly told it wasn’t fair for her to become a parent, after being left with permanent injuries from an accident in her teens that make walking properly challenging.

But despite the assumptions, the 39-year-old has gone on to have two children – seven-year-old Rufus and five-year-old Ralph – and insists her physical limitations don’t affect her parenting.

READ MORE: ‘Trolls say I should be BANNED from flying due to my size but I refuse to book a second seat’

- Advertisement -

In fact, with the summer holidays in full swing, Amelia has made the choice to stop working in order to spend time with her little ones.

She’ll also be saving an estimated £3,420 from not paying for school holiday clubs.

“I want to spend time with my children while they still want to spend time with me,” Amelia, who is CEO of Cool Crutches and Walking Sticks, and is based in Harrogate, told What’s The Jam.

Amelia Peckham, a disabled mum once called selfish for having kids, proudly books summer off to be with her sons - proving her critics wrong with love and presence.
Amelia Peckham, with her kids Rufus and Ralph. (Jam Press/Amelia Peckham)

“They’re at an age where they’re having so much fun, and they’re fun to be around.

“That window isn’t open forever, and I want to make the most of it.

- Advertisement -

“More than anything, I want my children to remember this summer as a time when I was truly with them – happy, present, and full of love.

“That’s not selfish – that’s the point.

“It makes me so happy to commit this time [to my children] despite what people said – I was plagued by what people thought and said about my disability for over a decade.

- Advertisement -

“From being lucky to have found my husband, to being selfish for having children, it was a constant worry.”

Amelia Peckham, a disabled mum once called selfish for having kids, proudly books summer off to be with her sons - proving her critics wrong with love and presence.
Amelia Peckham, her husband, and their kids Rufus and Ralph. (Jam Press/Amelia Peckham)

And Amelia is putting her good parenting into action fully over the six-week holidays, stepping back from her role at the company she created – inspired by her own struggles with walking – and enjoying uninterrupted time with her sons.

It’s something that she says won’t affect her business, as she has “invested in systems and people”, so the company isn’t dependent on her being around.

She added: “Taking time off doesn’t mean I’m slacking – it means I’ve built a business that works.

“We glorify burnout as ambition – but what’s more ambitious than building a business that thrives without you, so you can actually live your life?”

Amelia Peckham, a disabled mum once called selfish for having kids, proudly books summer off to be with her sons - proving her critics wrong with love and presence.
Amelia Peckham, her husband, and their kids Rufus and Ralph. (Jam Press/Amelia Peckham)

Amelia also feels that her physical struggles have even better equipped her for parenthood.

She said, “People have told me I’m selfish for having children with a disability.

“But my disability has given me a greater awareness of my health, my time, and what matters.

“Being a disabled parent doesn’t make me less capable – if anything, it’s made me more present and a logistical master.

“From day one, I’ve had to anticipate every challenge and prepare for the worst so we can enjoy the best.

Amelia Peckham, a disabled mum once called selfish for having kids, proudly books summer off to be with her sons - proving her critics wrong with love and presence.
Rufus and Ralph. (Jam Press/Amelia Peckham)

“I’ve been called selfish for having children and selfish for stepping back to raise them – maybe the problem isn’t with me, but with a society that still can’t picture disabled women as good mothers.

“I would be lying if I said it doesn’t creep into my head often that people have previously stated I’m selfish.

“I know my health fluctuates and my fatigue in particular means I can’t physically do as much as other mums, but I also know my body, my health and how to pace – most of the time – to keep myself well.

“People often say happy mum, happy baby, and I think ironically having a disability means you’re more aware of your health and happiness, which makes it more of a priority.

“This, in turn, protects your time with your children and as a mum.

Amelia Peckham, a disabled mum once called selfish for having kids, proudly books summer off to be with her sons - proving her critics wrong with love and presence.
Amelia Peckham, her husband, and their kids Rufus and Ralph. (Jam Press/Amelia Peckham)

“Don’t get me wrong, I still have days and weeks when I’m unwell and feel awful, both physically but also mentally, as I’m not able to spend as much time with my kids.

“But do they suffer because of it? Absolutely not.”

She also has the support of her husband, Andrew, who she says is “incredibly proactive”.

Amelia added, “We have very balanced roles as parents with both of us able to do everything.

“I’m not sure many of my friends can say the same, and that, for me, will always be the best we as parents can give our children.”

Amelia Peckham, a disabled mum once called selfish for having kids, proudly books summer off to be with her sons - proving her critics wrong with love and presence.
Amelia Peckham, with her kids Rufus and Ralph. (Jam Press/Amelia Peckham)

Of their upcoming summer together, Amelia said she is “proud” to have realised that other opinions don’t matter – as long as the family unit is together.

She added: “At the end of the day, I know I’ve done my best and my children will benefit enormously that I see the value of health and happiness.

“For that, I will always be grateful to my disability and all it’s given me.”

READ MORE: ‘I had a baby at 47 and I don’t care if people call me selfish – older mums make better parents’

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • X

Have a story to tell? Hello@whatsthejam.com
TAGGED: condition, holidays, Mums, shocking, slammed, travelling, Video

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
[mc4wp_form]
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Copy Link Print
Share
What do you think?
Love0
Sad0
Happy0
Sleepy0
Angry0
Dead0
Wink0
Previous Article Tourist shocked by chaotic thrift market in Hanoi with mountains of clothes stacked to the ceiling - viral video sparks concerns over hygiene and safety risks. Tourist climbs literal clothes mountain at thrift market to show ‘insane’ scale of fashion waste
Next Article Dyslexic student nearly flies to Paros instead of Paris after typo - goes viral on TikTok and shares how he caught the mistake before heading to volunteer in France. Student nearly ends up in Greece after buying ticket for Paros instead of Paris
Leave a comment Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay Connected

235.3k Followers Like
69.1k Followers Follow
11.6k Followers Pin
56.4k Followers Follow
136k Subscribers Subscribe
4.4k Followers Follow
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

Latest News

Mum-of-two Abbie Lodge dropped four stone in four months by making one daily change to her lifestyle - proving simple swaps can spark lasting weight loss success.
‘I’m losing a stone a month WITHOUT skinny jabs – this is my simple secret’
Health and Fitness 1 October 2025
A Dutch man traded a pen up to a MacBook Air and now aims to barter his way to a house, highlighting tough housing costs for young buyers while turning swaps into an adventure.
Cash-strapped man trades pen for computer in bid to swap his way…to a house
World News 1 October 2025
Cole, a rescue cat turned tarot card reader, has gone viral for his eerily accurate predictions, with fans flocking online for his mystical readings shared by owner Emily Cook.
‘My cat does tarot readings and they’re spookily accurate – he even predicted problems at work before they happened’
Lifestyle 1 October 2025
Youth football is set for a shake-up in 2026 as under sevens play three-a-side with no referees or goalkeepers, sparking backlash from parents and grassroots coaches.
Kids will play youth football matches without ref under barmy shake-up
Sport 1 October 2025

You Might also Like

A Dutch man traded a pen up to a MacBook Air and now aims to barter his way to a house, highlighting tough housing costs for young buyers while turning swaps into an adventure.
World News

Cash-strapped man trades pen for computer in bid to swap his way…to a house

1 October 2025
Cole, a rescue cat turned tarot card reader, has gone viral for his eerily accurate predictions, with fans flocking online for his mystical readings shared by owner Emily Cook.
Lifestyle

‘My cat does tarot readings and they’re spookily accurate – he even predicted problems at work before they happened’

1 October 2025
Youth football is set for a shake-up in 2026 as under sevens play three-a-side with no referees or goalkeepers, sparking backlash from parents and grassroots coaches.
Sport

Kids will play youth football matches without ref under barmy shake-up

1 October 2025
Chunk 32 has been crowned Fat Bear Week 2025 champion after finally securing victory with over 96,000 votes, weighing an enormous 1,200 lbs in Alaska’s Katmai National Park.
Nature and Wildlife

Fat BEAR crowned champion after getting over 96,000 votes for being the chonkiest boy at 1,200lbs

1 October 2025
A Vinted seller and buyer became embroiled in a two-week row over a £10.50 offer on a £28 Ralph Lauren top, with their petty insults and sarcastic exchanges going viral online.
UK News

Vinted seller caught in TWO WEEK long argument over buyer’s ‘low-ball’ offer on Ralph Lauren top

1 October 2025
Archie, an 11-month-old miniature dachshund, has been crowned Clarks Village’s new Canine Executive Officer after winning a public vote, beating 300 dogs to the coveted role.
Pets and Animals

Miniature dachshund bags role as CEO at shopping centre

1 October 2025
A black bear was caught on CCTV stealing a porch package in Washington, only to find a sweater instead of food, prompting wildlife officials to warn about hungry “furry pirates.”
World News

Dopey bear swipes package from family porch thinking it’s food… but is left disappointed as it’s only clothes inside

1 October 2025
Thrifter Vanessa Nagel was left stunned after finding a $9 Miu Miu dress in perfect condition at her local shop, despite the designer brand’s pieces retailing for thousands.
Lifestyle

Woman finds stunning designer dress ‘in perfect condition’ hidden in local thrift store

1 October 2025
//

What’s The Jam is your one stop website for the latest viral and weird news from around the world.

 
Have a story to tell? Hello@whatsthejam.com

Quick Link

  • Customize Interests
  • Bookmarks
  • Write for Us
  • Newsletter
  • About Us

Top Categories

  • UK News
  • World News
  • Latest Videos
  • Lifestyle
  • Super Viral

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

[mc4wp_form]

What's The JamWhat's The Jam
Follow US
© 2023 What's The Jam. All Rights Reserved.
Go to mobile version
adbanner
AdBlock Detected
Our site is an advertising supported site. Please whitelist to support our site.
Okay, I'll Whitelist
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?