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Lily Allen blames her mum for her love worries
Updated 12:19pm on 16 Jan 2009Lily Allen hasn't had the best of luck finding love. And she thinks it may have something to do with her parents not being around when she and her little brother Alfie were growing up.
Lack of attention: Lily Allen with her mother Alison Owen
In an emotional interview, Lily revealed how she lacked the attention she craved as a youngster, which has left her insecure and desperate to please. She said: "We were quite naughty kids.
Alfie was really bad, I just went into myself. I was a polite sort of cowering child. I didn't talk much, I spoke to adults but not to anyone my own age."
It's hard to imagine the gobby 23-year-old being a shy and retiring child - but she insists it's true.
In retrospect Lily, 23, also wishes she had more parental supervision from her film producer mother Alison Owen after her father Keith left the family when she was four.
She said: "My mum had to work to support us and we lacked the attention we needed as children, which I think is one of the fundamental problems in our society.
" I'm not saying women shouldn't go and work for a living - that's not the answer - but something has to adjust because children are being neglected in an emotional level and it's having an effect on the world."
In Lily' s case, she thinks the neglect resulted in a constant need to be noticed and a tendancy to act out.
She added: "In the beginning I was so insecure and felt like I couldn't make friends. I totally felt 'everyone hates me and I need to prove myself', and I thought 'if I'm a famous singer, everyones gonna love me and my life's gonna be ok'. I didn't realise I would be opening myself up to more criticism."
Poor lamb.
Reader views (7)
No, I think the whole impact on parents always being at work and not being there for their kids as an emotional state is hard. My father left my mum, when i was young, and it was hard, my mum always busy at work, and my siblings picking on me constantly, no im not tyring to get sympathy, but i see where lily is coming from. I feel sad for her, She really needs to believe in herself, because the rest of the world already does. She is an amazing, Talented singer, and she is very very beautiful. despite what she thinks. I would like to be like her when im older, and i dont care what you guys think, yeah she might go out drinking, etc. but thats what young people do. I love you lily!
- Vicky, Central Coast, NSW, 23/06/2009 10:21
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dear lily allen i think you are great in your self and your mum aswell to let u no that u have cousins in southampton and my brother in law looked it up online thats how we new. it will b nice to see u in person and your parents aswell
- Dawnking, southampton hampshire, 27/04/2009 08:51
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I'd make a comment about how childish she is but that would imply that I cared.
- Bob, Cheam, 17/01/2009 22:24
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My parents both worked to support us, and I turned out well adjusted, well mannered and happy. Just like most normal, non-priviledged people I know. What an ignorant, immature statement. You can't find love because you're a kid with a lot of growing up to do.
- T, London, 16/01/2009 18:16
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If only her Mum had given her more attention we wouldn't have to put up with her inane mumblings.
- Alex C, London, 16/01/2009 17:39
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Maybe the reason is because she's a spoilt, immature brat!
- Cally G, Essex, UK, 16/01/2009 17:04
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What about children who's parents die do they use this excuse for their bad behaviour - no, too many people blame everything on their parents but when they are grown up it seems a bit silly
- Lindahf1, london, 16/01/2009 13:26
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