Tara Pavlovic just marked her first Mother’s Day as a separated mum: “I’m grateful”
Former Bachelor star Tara Pavlovic praised her ex for putting their children first.
The former Bachelor star, who split from husband Nick Shepherdson in April 2026 after five years together, shared an emotional account of the day on social media, crediting her ex-husband for making it special for their two children.
“Today wasn’t my day with the kids, but when I asked if I could have them overnight for Mother’s Day, there was no argument, no tension, no making things difficult. His response was simply, “Of course they should be with you on Mother’s Day.”
The 36-year-old said arriving to pick the kids up and seeing them with a handmade card and a special gift spoke volumes. “When I picked them up, they were holding a beautiful present and card for me, just like every other year. And I think that says a lot. Even though our relationship has changed, he still encouraged the kids to celebrate me as their mum.”
Tara, who previously said her children “deserve a happy, present mum,” used the occasion to reflect on what she hopes their new family dynamic will look like. “Co-parenting isn’t about who wins, who’s right, or holding on to resentment. It’s about putting your children first, even when things are hard.”
“Our relationship may have ended, but we will always be their parents. And I’m really grateful for the respect and kindness shown today.”
“I know separation can look very different for everyone, and it isn’t always easy, but moments like this remind me that healthy co-parenting is possible when both parents focus on what truly matters: the kids feeling loved, supported, and free to love both parents without conflict or guilt.”
She finished the post, writing: “At the end of the day, our relationship may have ended, but we will always be their parents. And I’m really grateful for the respect and kindness shown today.”
“This hasn’t been a quick or easy decision”
The mum-of-two has shared the news that she has separated from her husband, Nick Shepherdson, after five years of marriage, revealing the news in an Instagram post on Monday, April 6.
“I know there’s been a lot of speculation about what’s been going on in my life lately, so I wanted to share this in my own words. Nick and I have separated,” the 36-year-old wrote.
Tara made it clear the pair had been working on their relationship for some time.
“This hasn’t been a quick or easy decision. It’s something we’ve been trying to work through for a long time, and for a while I honestly didn’t even know what the outcome would be,” she shared.
After months of reflection, she said she has made peace with the decision. “But after a lot of thought, I’ve come to the decision that this is what’s best moving forward.”
The emotional toll behind the scenes
Opening up about the past year, Tara admitted things have been far from easy. “The last eight months have been incredibly challenging, and I know many of you have probably felt that through my content as I have been an absolute mess,” she wrote.
“There’s been a lot happening behind the scenes, and a lot I’ve been processing privately.”
She also revealed the physical impact of carrying that stress. “I don’t think I fully realised how much it was affecting me until I started to feel calm again. Sometimes your body knows long before your mind is ready to accept it.”
“Our kids will always be our priority”
At the centre of it all are the couple’s two children, son Paddy, four, and daughter Edi-Rae, three.
“Our kids will always be our priority, and everything I’ve done has been with them at the centre of it,” Tara said.
“As hard as this is, I truly believe this is the best thing for them, because they deserve a happy, present mum and I finally feel like I’m getting back to that place.”
Choosing privacy for her kids
While acknowledging public curiosity, Tara drew a clear boundary around what she’ll share. “I know there’s curiosity, but with children involved, some things will remain private,” she wrote.
“My priorities here are the kids and making sure the co-parenting relationship is healthy for them.”
Despite the heartbreak, she says she’s starting to feel like herself again. “I’m finally feeling back in alignment with myself, and for the first time in a long time, I feel excited for what’s ahead.”
“Do I believe in love anymore? Absolutely not. But I hope one day I will again.”
Her message ended on a positive note: “Onwards and upwards! It’s time to dance in the rain.”
From reality TV to family life
Tara first rose to fame on Matty ‘J’ Johnson’s season of The Bachelor in 2017, quickly becoming a fan favourite, and later appeared on Bachelor in Paradise in 2018.
She went on to find love with Nick Shepherdson, with the pair tying the knot in an intimate ceremony in September 2020.
Co-parenting tips that actually help
Keep kids out of it: Avoid venting about your ex in front of them as it puts pressure where it doesn’t belong.
Consistency is everything: Try to align routines, rules and expectations across both homes.
Communicate like a team: Keep conversations respectful and focused on the kids, even when it’s hard.
Let go of perfection: Co-parenting isn’t always smooth, aim for “good enough” and stable.
Protect your own wellbeing: A calmer, supported parent = a more secure child.
