Peta Murgatroyd, beloved professional dancer from Dancing With the Stars (DWTS), recently shared poignant thoughts on family planning and motherhood during her promotion for her self-tanning line, Peta Jane Beauty. After welcoming three children into her life, it seems she is at peace with the idea of being done having kids. At age 38, Murgatroyd expressed feelings of guilt associated with potentially expanding her family further, especially considering her experiences with infertility and the demanding nature of parenting.
Murgatroyd’s husband, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, a fellow DWTS pro, has expressed a desire to be a "girl dad" someday. However, Murgatroyd explained her perspective to Us Weekly: “I think it’s fair to say [I’m done], yeah. Doing the back-to-back with the two babies was a lot—not just physically, but mentally.” With sons Shai, 8, Rio, nearly 2, and Milan, just 11 months old, Murgatroyd has her hands full. She reflects on the intense challenges of parenting young children and the natural instinct to ensure that each child receives sufficient attention.
In a candid discussion, Murgatroyd revealed her struggles with infertility, sharing the heartbreak of three miscarriages over two years. After undergoing IVF treatments, Murgatroyd and Chmerkovskiy welcomed Rio in June 2023. In what seemed like a miraculous turn of events, they discovered they were expecting again just four months later, leading to Milan’s birth in July 2024.
Expressing her concerns about dividing her time, Murgatroyd shared insights into her daily life. “I want to be able to give my all to my children, and I feel like, right now, I’m struggling to do that with three,” she admitted. This sense of being stretched too thin resonates with many parents today, who find themselves balancing work obligations and family needs. Murgatroyd highlights the importance of being present for all her children, especially since Shai was an only child for six years and received undivided attention during that time.
The challenges of parenthood continue to evolve as her children grow. Murgatroyd noted that her younger son, Rio, often demands her attention, forcing her to juggle family time with her other responsibilities. “He only wants me to hold him,” she remarked, which brought about its own set of challenges, as she navigates the intricacies of caring for three young children while managing her career.
Despite the chaos, Murgatroyd remains grateful for her family. Reflecting on her journey to motherhood, she acknowledges the emotional weight of past fertility struggles. “When I think back to the pain, the angst, the anger of not being able to keep a baby… it was a tragic circumstance,” she said. However, she draws strength from her experiences, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and resilience.
The busy dynamic at home often calls for self-reflection and connection with her husband, Maks. They work diligently to carve out moments for one another amidst the whirlwind of family life. “We’ve really had to sit down and say, ‘I miss you,’” Murgatroyd shared, showcasing their commitment to maintaining a healthy relationship even as they juggle parenthood.
Interestingly, Murgatroyd’s caring nature is not only evident within her family. She recently provided solace to her former DWTS partner, Nick Viall, and his wife, Natalie Joy, during their own struggles with pregnancy loss. Murgatroyd emphasized the importance of being there for others, stating, “I told her, just know that you will be pregnant again.”
Balancing motherhood and her professional aspirations, Murgatroyd is eager to return to DWTS if given the opportunity. She acknowledges that it may be challenging to teach a celebrity partner to dance while raising three young children. However, she firmly believes that a fulfilled mother enhances the parenting experience. “Some people were like, ‘Why would you go back [to DWTS]? Why would you leave your son?’… I believe I’m coming back as a better mom,” she said, emphasizing how work outside the home can invigorate one’s spirit and ultimately improve family dynamics.
As Peta Murgatroyd navigates her multifaceted life, she serves as an inspiration to parents everywhere, illustrating that while motherhood may come with its unique challenges, it’s also filled with immeasurable joy and love. By fostering open communication with her children and making time for herself and her relationship, Murgatroyd is building a solid foundation for a happy family.
In this whirlwind of parenting and professional aspirations, Murgatroyd remains a testament to resilience, gratitude, and the enduring strength of motherhood. Embracing her journey, she discovers beauty in the chaos, offering relatable insights that resonate with many parents striving to find balance in their own lives. Whether she returns to the ballroom or focuses solely on her blossoming family, her heartfelt reflections on motherhood will surely continue to inspire those who follow her journey.
