Karla Simmons recently experienced the unwelcome phenomenon of “mom-shaming” while on a flight with her children. Here’s how it unfolded.
If you’ve ever traveled with kids, you know the challenge: they might sleep through takeoff and turbulence, but there comes a moment when they wake up and demand everything from snacks to entertainment, creating a potentially embarrassing situation. As much as you may dream of a private jet to escape the noise, that’s not always an option.
Karla, a mother of two, shared her experience: “I have a toddler and a baby. The baby is nine months old, and we had to get up at 4:00 AM for our flight. At one point, the woman behind us complained when my daughter made some sounds to entertain the baby, saying, ‘Is that absolutely necessary?’ My husband responded, ‘Well, there are plenty of things three-year-olds do that aren’t exactly necessary.’”
Known for her role as the clever and fierce lawyer on the ABC series “How to Get Away with Murder,” Simmons is not one to take criticism lightly when it comes to her kids, Gianna and Luka. The challenges of flying with children are magnified during a pandemic, where patience and understanding are crucial. Unfortunately, Simmons felt that was lacking during her flight.
In a moment of frustration, she admitted, “I shouldn’t have said it, but my inner mama bear came out. I turned around and asked her, ‘Is it absolutely necessary to dye your hair black and wear those ugly boots?’”
Simmons is also starring in the ABC sitcom “Home Economics,” where she portrays the wife of a struggling writer played by Topher Grace. This role allows her to explore motherhood in a comedic light, discussing relatable topics like pumping and the challenges of parenthood. She appreciates the opportunity to share these experiences on screen, especially after her time in drama alongside Viola Davis.
While preparing for her role, Simmons was pregnant, and she appreciated the show’s creators’ willingness to incorporate that into her character’s storyline. During the pandemic, she discovered the value of small moments of rest, like taking ten-minute naps between shoots. “At first, I overdid it during COVID, trying to be the perfect mom and teacher,” she said. “But by week two, I was overwhelmed. I used to be a no-screens mom, but that quickly changed. At least I switched to Spanish-language shows!”
Simmons recognizes that her sitcom deals with some lighthearted struggles, but she is also aware of the broader issues women faced during the pandemic, particularly in the workforce. While the show touches on income disparity, it maintains a comedic tone and doesn’t delve deeply into the harsh realities many families endure.
She hopes the show encourages women to engage in open conversations about personal finances, an often taboo subject. “In my family, we talked about money openly, but my husband’s family avoided it. I’ve never understood why it’s such a sensitive topic,” Simmons expressed.
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For more related content, explore these queries:
- How to handle mom-shaming while traveling
- Tips for flying with young children
- Understanding the challenges of motherhood
- The impact of COVID-19 on working moms
- Navigating personal finance discussions in marriage
In summary, Karla Simmons faced criticism while traveling with her children, but she stood her ground. Her experiences highlight the challenges of motherhood, especially during a pandemic, and provide a comedic lens on serious topics like personal finance and parenting.

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