Adriana Karembeu, the well-known model and television presenter, has opened up about her experiences of late motherhood and her troubled childhood marked by trauma. At the age of 46, Karembeu welcomed her daughter, Nina, with her then-partner Aram Oharian. This late entry to motherhood brought with it reflections and realizations about her own upbringing, particularly the difficulties stemming from her relationship with her father.
Speaking on the podcast Pause on December 20, 2024, Karembeu candidly shared her perspectives on motherhood. "For personal reasons, and I can’t quite put my finger on it… Why did I wake up so late? I don’t know. Was it because I had a complicated relationship with my father? Or not… It’s speculation," she noted. Such contemplation reveals the emotional weight she carries from her past, indicating how childhood experiences can linger, shaping adult decisions—especially those of significant emotional weight, such as becoming a parent.
The model explains her decision to have children later, citing fears from her past. "I was afraid of abandonment, because with the arrival of a child, one could say the person will abandon us. I wasn’t ready," Karembeu admitted during her intimate conversation on the podcast. This fear seems to be rooted not only in her traumatic past but also underlines the societal pressures concerning motherhood and the exploration of personal readiness.
Despite the late start to her motherhood, Karembeu finds herself blossoming as a mother to Nina. Yet, she understands the importance of fostering healthy communication. Divorcing Oharian, she wanted to navigate the conversations surrounding their separation carefully: "Communication is important for a child. I explained to my daughter, even if she was only four, 'Mommy and Daddy are no longer in love, but they love you very much.'" This approach reflects her efforts to shield her daughter from the emotional turbulence often associated with parental separation.
Critically, Karembeu confesses to previously feeling unqualified to be a mother, largely due to her childhood scars. She expressed anxiety about the possibility of repeating past familial patterns, which is not uncommon among individuals who have experienced childhood trauma. Through her discussions and her written work, such as her book Libre, she hopes to diminish the stigma surrounding such experiences: "It’s also one of the reasons I spoke about the abuse I suffered as a child. It’s good…" These insights highlight Karembeu’s commitment to confronting her traumas not only for herself but to pave the way for others who might feel similarly trapped by their pasts.
The narrative of Karembeu becoming a mother later signifies not just personal choices but also the transformation of her identity—a shift from the haunted echoes of her childhood to the nurturing role she embraces today. Understanding her fears and addressing her history have allowed her to embrace her motherhood with joy, nevertheless she candidly admits the challenges it brings. Her late motherhood experience coupled with her clear commitment to ensuring her daughter feels loved and secure stands as both commendable and instructive.
While challenging societal norms about the age of motherhood, Karembeu affirms the idea of being prepared—emotionally and psychologically—before welcoming children, something she articulates with her final reflections. Her focus remains on ensuring comfort and clarity, not just for herself but foremost for her daughter. Adriana Karembeu’s experience and her storytelling provide insights and inspiration to many, blending vulnerability with strength as she navigates the multifaceted roles of mother and survivor.