MAFS star defends family living situation
Former MAFS bride Martha Kalifatidis has hit back at trolls, defending her “unconventional” living arrangement.
A former Married At First Sight bride has clapped back at online trolls after receiving criticism over her family’s “unconventional” living arrangement.
Martha Kalifatidis and fiance Michael Brunelli — one of the show’s most popular couples — live with Martha’s parents in Melbourne wih their two children, after recently welcoming their second.
While Kalifatidis was very vocal about her difficult first pregnancy with her three-year-old son, Looch, she’s kept a lower profile during this pregnancy.
However, the 37-year-old took to Instagram to defend her family’s set up in a lengthy story post, after receiving a rude remark from a follower.
“It’s about time you moved out of your parents’ home now you have a family,” read the comment, which Kalifatidis received during an anonymous Q&A.
The mum-of-two wasted no time shutting down the critique, explaining that the decision to live at home with her family “couldn’t be better” for them as they navigate life with a newborn.
“Look, I know our living arrangement might not make sense to everyone, but it works really well for us,” the former MAFS bride began.
“We have support, the kids are surrounded by love and we all actually get along (surprise)!
“If this wasn’t the case, we probably wouldn’t be here!”
She went on to explain that the arrangment has also been “really special” for her son.
“Looch has so much attention from his grandparents while I’ve been with the baby, and I think it’s helped him not feel pushed aside during such a big transition,” she shared.
The busy mum and businesswoman also highlighted the other everyday ‘perks’ of having extra hands around the house, such as “being able to shower, blow dry my hair and feel somewhat human some days,” which she says has made an enormous difference.
“I actually think support makes you enjoy parenthood more,” Kalifatidis added.
“You’re less burnt out, less overwhelmed and less likely to resent the hard parts because you’re not doing everything completely alone.”
Fans quickly rushed in to back the reality star’s decision.
“Amen, as if it isn’t already hard enough. There’s nothing like having your mumma there,” one follower wrote.
“The audacity! Some people are obviously not aware that this type of living arrangement is NATURAL for some families,” wrote another.
This isn’t the first time the couple has been forced to defend their controversial living situation.
In 2024, the star clarified that their decision to stay with her parents had “nothing to do with money” after a troll asked why she and Michael didn’t “pay your way like the rest of the world.”
“The sad thing is you probably believe we live with my parents to capitalise off of the situation, but that is the furthest thing from the truth,” she fired back at the time.
“In reality, we mutually enjoy it.
“Living in a multigenerational home with my parents brings us closer, fosters mutual support, and creates a rich environment where wisdom and experience blend.”
Martha’s mum, who owns the house, has also been vocal about the arrangement, insisting the home is just as much Martha and Michael’s as it is theirs.
Martha added that having everyone under one roof ultimately “brings my parents happiness.”
Source: https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/overwhelmed-mafs-star-defends-family-living-situation/news-story/88b81020b41e4fc3b3d43cc4d93ae535