Australian influencer and mom of two, Ashy Bines, is making headlines for taking a much-needed vacation with her friends in Bali—and for defending her decision to leave her kids at home.
The 36-year-old fitness personality has come under fire online, with critics accusing her of being selfish, neglectful, and even “embarrassing” for wearing certain outfits and dancing in social media videos. But Bines isn’t backing down.
Instead, she’s pushing back with a clear message: “I won’t put myself last.”
In a fiery Instagram post, Bines responded to some of the harshest comments she received while on her girls’ trip. She listed examples like, “Good moms don’t leave their kids behind on a holiday,” “You should be with your family,” and “Poor Steve having the kids to himself while you relax in Bali.”
But Bines stood her ground. “People will tell you how to live… If you live by their rulebook, you’ll never feel truly happy or free to just be YOU,” she wrote alongside a video of herself dancing in a bright orange dress.
She made it clear that her husband, Steve, is more than capable of holding things down at home. “Steve is incredibly supportive and a very capable, hands-on father,” she shared.
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Far from feeling guilty, Bines says she wants her children—Taj and Tala—to see her embracing all aspects of life. That includes friendships, fun, rest, work, and even travel without them.
“I want my kids to prioritize their mental health, their bodies, their energy, and their relationships with partners, friends, and anyone else who matters to them,” she said. “I want them to explore life, the world, and themselves without guilt or shame.”
She added that being a mom doesn’t mean she has to lose herself or give up her passions. “I refuse to live my life or neglect my own needs because of what others think,” she said. “Moms can still be fun, sexual, silly on TikTok, and go on vacations.”
The backlash against Bines wasn’t limited to her parenting choices. Some commenters also criticized her for riding a scooter in Bali without a helmet, especially after she recently shared her experience with a serious health scare.
Back in March, Bines revealed she had been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm after losing her vision three times in one week. Doctors told her the aneurysm is small and unlikely to rupture, but stressed the importance of regular check-ups and stress management.
“I really have to slow my life, workload, and stress right down,” she said at the time. Despite the backlash, Bines seems committed to choosing grace over guilt. Her message to moms everywhere? Take care of yourself. Don’t let public pressure define your worth. And don’t be afraid to say yes to joy—even if it means a little time away.
“I want my kids to see me living,” she said. “So YES, I will do all of the above and have so much fun while doing it!”
