01 September 2023 , 20:16
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Ulrika Jonsson praised Joe Wicks for the 'heartwarming' reason he decided to homeschool his children.
Fitness coach Joe recently revealed that he had started homeschooling his eldest daughter, Indie, who he shares with his wife Rosie Jones. He later explained the reason behind their decision and said: "I don't want to be someone who isn't present in my children's life. What I try and give my children is stability and love, and I want them to know I'm always there for them."
In her new column, Ulrika shared her thoughts on Joe's decision and admitted she first "baulked" at the idea of children being out of school. She first shared her fears, which include how children will be able to socialise and make friends when they stay at home for their education.
"But Joe’s thinking is as sage as his muscles are bulky. He’s only keeping his daughter at home for a year because he just wants a bit more time with her," she said. "He’s right, of course. Our kids are so young when we pack them off to school in this country – just past their fourth birthday. Whereas on the Continent, the school doesn’t start until seven in some countries."
Ulrika praised Joe's decision to homeschool his kids (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Ulrika first 'baulked' at the idea of homeschooling (Instagram)Writing in The Sun, she added: "It’s heartwarming to hear him talk about providing stability and love for his kids and he needs them to know he will always be there for them." Joe and his wife have two other children - Marley, three, and 11-month-old Leni.
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In a recent interview, Joe explained why he thinks school wouldn't be right for Indie, saying he doesn't think it fits into the lifestyle he and his family want at the moment. He told The Times: "It's not like I'm saying, 'I'm going to homeschool my kids and go and live on a farm in the middle of nowhere.' It’s really just about our lifestyle [now]."
He added: "I don't want to be someone who isn't present in my children's life. What I try and give my children is stability and love, and I want them to know I'm always there for them." The dad-of-three shared his thought process back in July, when a fan asked him about his daughter as part of an Instagram Q&A. They asked: "What's been the deciding factor(s) for homeschooling?"
When he first announced the news, he shared a caption over a picture of Indie smiling while holding a drawing of a rainbow and a star. He explained: "There's really nothing more to the decision than we just love being together as a family and want to spend more with the kids while we can.
"She had a great year in reception but we have always loved teaching the kids at home and want the freedom to travel more and explore the world." Adding that he may send Indie to school next year, he said: "We have no idea long term but want to do at least a year of home educating."