The 'Sherlock' star, who shares two children with former partner Amanda Abbington, opens up about his biggest parenting regret in a new newspaper interview.
- Feb 18, 2020
AceShowbiz - Martin Freeman's biggest parenting regret is smacking his children.
The "Sherlock" star, 48, shares children Joe, 14, and Grace, 11, with his former partner, actress Amanda Abbington, 45, and the pair made not physically punishing or swearing at the children two household rules.
But in a new chat with Britain's The Sunday Times newspaper, he admits he failed on several occasions - and now regrets his actions.
"I know I'm not supposed to do it (smack children) but there are so many images about how (parenting) all just has to be brilliant that it makes people feel bad," "The Hobbit" actor said. "Because it's not brilliant... It's the best thing I'll do, but that doesn't mean it's not really hard."
"This idea you only ever rationalise with a toddler? Genuinely, good luck. If you could do that, God go with you. Amazing. I'm not proud I did that, but I have."
In the U.K., it is illegal to smack children under The Children Act 2004, unless it amounts to "reasonable punishment."
