The presenter of 'De lunes a viernes' confesses that, like many mothers, she turns to her parents to balance work with caring for her two young children during the school holidays.
Beatriz Archidona, the face of Telecinco's new summer magazine 'De lunes a viernes', has brought to light a topic that resonates in millions of Spanish households: family reconciliation in summer. In a recent interview, the presenter from Málaga was emphatic about how she manages the care of her two young children while facing the whirlwind of live broadcasting: "Like any mother, relying on grandparents."
The confession, far from being an anecdote, reflects a reality that Archidona knows well. Born in the capital of Málaga, the journalist has been balancing her television career with motherhood for years, and she acknowledges that without her family support, it would be impossible. "Grandparents are the lifeline of summer," she pointed out, in a statement that connects with the experience of thousands of families in Andalusia and across the country.
The summer television season and the double shift of mothers
Archidona has taken the helm of 'De lunes a viernes' alongside Santi Acosta, a format that promises to be the flagship of Telecinco's afternoons during the summer months. The programme, which is broadcast live from the Mediaset studios, requires full dedication that clashes with the school calendar. "When school ends, the real puzzle begins," the presenter joked, not hesitating to show her more human side.
The journalist has tried to downplay the issue, but her testimony highlights a structural concern. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics, 70% of Spanish women reduce their working hours or temporarily leave the job market during school holidays due to a lack of reconciliation resources. Archidona, using her media platform, has aimed to bring visibility to this reality: "I am not an exception, I am the norm."
The role of grandparents in family reconciliation
The presenter has emphasised the fundamental role that grandparents play in caring for their grandchildren during the summer. "They are the ones who really make it possible for us to work," she stated. In her case, both maternal and paternal grandparents take turns looking after the little ones while she and her husband fulfil their work obligations. "It’s a collective effort, and I am deeply grateful," she added.
This reality is not exclusive to families in Málaga. According to a study by the Association of Grandparents in Spain, over 40% of those aged 65 and older regularly care for their grandchildren during the summer period. "They are the pillar on which reconciliation in this country stands," Archidona emphasised, wanting to advocate for their work: "They also deserve to rest, but they are always there."
A message of empathy and naturalness
Rather than idealising motherhood, Beatriz Archidona has chosen to be natural. "There’s nothing wrong with admitting that we need help," she said. The presenter wanted to send a message of support to all mothers who, like her, face the double shift: "They should know they are not alone, that we are all rowing in the same direction."
With her testimony, Archidona not only promotes her new programme but also opens a necessary debate about reconciliation resources in Spain. "I hope one day we won’t have to talk about this because it will be normalised," she concluded. In the meantime, she will continue to rely on grandparents, like so many others, to keep the show going.
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