Challenges of parenting a child with health and social media struggles

By the Editorial Team · Monday, September 21, 2026

Ms Rachel, a children’s entertainer managing anxiety and OCD, recently apologized for accidentally liking an antisemitic comment online and shared how she copes with social media pressures while balancing family life. Her upcoming album, “I’m So Happy,” set for release on September 25, reflects her ongoing commitment to creating educational content inspired by her experiences as a mother.

Rachel Accurso, known professionally as Ms Rachel, continues to navigate the complex challenges of parenting while managing her public persona and health struggles. The popular children’s entertainer and advocate has been open about her ongoing battle with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), conditions she manages through a combination of medication and therapy. Central to her approach is learning to separate online negativity from reality, a skill she has found essential amid the pressures of social media.

Accurso recently shared the emotional toll that comes not only from facing online hostility but also from the high expectations and requests for support from her large audience. She described receiving an email alerting her to fresh online attacks, choosing not to engage with the negative content. Her Instagram comments reveal a constant tension between adulation and vitriol, illustrating the burden of her public role. Among the messages she receives is one from a follower who had designed a headset resembling her character for a deceased one-year-old child, underscoring the deep personal connections her work fosters.

The weight of her platform became evident in January 2026 when screenshots circulated showing that Accurso had liked an antisemitic comment—“Free America from the Jews”—under a post advocating for the freedom of several countries. She issued a tearful apology, explaining she had accidentally tapped “like” while attempting to delete the comment. She corroborated her account with a private conversation in which a follower affirmed that she had removed the problematic interaction promptly. She emphasized her opposition to antisemitism, underscoring her sensitivity to the issue.

Following the incident, Accurso found an unexpected source of solace in a turtle puppet gifted to her. She explained that playing with the toy reminded her to slow down and be more cautious, a metaphor for the careful navigation required in managing her online presence and public responsibilities.

Balancing her career and family life remains a priority for Accurso. She and her husband Aron faced difficulties conceiving but now focus on their two children, who also inspire her creative work. Their son Thomas, who previously experienced speech delays, now enjoys engaging conversations with his parents, often concluding with “Any questions?” Their daughter Susie, described as “cute and aggressive,” currently has a fascination with Christmas, which has even influenced Accurso’s search for themed costumes ahead of the holiday season.

Accurso acknowledges the influence of motherhood on her content development, indicating plans for new material addressing common childhood experiences such as minor injuries and the importance of not hitting. Ms Rachel’s latest album, “I’m So Happy,” is set for release on 25 September, continuing her mission of combining entertainment and education for young audiences.

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