As many of us know, the girl we first met as Eleven on Stranger Things has steadily become a strong female icon, starring in new movies, launching new brands, and building a family, all before 23. After marrying her husband, Jake Bongiovi, in 2024 and adopting her first child in 2025, Millie Bobby Brown has officially announced the adoption of her second child. While most of the internet supports the couple, plenty of negative comments target Brown’s personal choices.
Pressure to stay young
Being a woman in the public eye invites many people to share strong opinions about what she should or shouldnât be doing. Brown is a 22-year-old actress, producer, businesswoman, wife, and mother. Despite her success in disproving the common criticism that Gen Z tends to be lazy, some online instigators claim Brown should be acting more like what they deem a ânormalâ girl in her early 20s. After her first adoption, one user on X even said that they felt sad for her.
To feel sorry for a woman who has built a life she is proud of is to disregard her independence and autonomy. It assumes she was coerced into something, when in reality, she wanted it. No responsible adults should be told they have to wait to start a family so that they have more time to “act their age.” Especially for a couple like Brown and Bongiovi, who have access to all the resources and support they need, there is no perfect standard for how soon they can have a family.
Love and capabilities
While some people have shared negative comments regarding Brownâs youth since her first adoption, new opinions have surfaced since the announcement that her family of three was becoming a family of four without any biological children.
Some see the coupleâs decision to continue to adopt as somewhat reckless, while others see it as a wider statement on womenâs supposed avoidance of giving birth. Another example of neglect of a womanâs autonomy. Any two adults with help and resources to raise children can adopt, and the fact that the mother is a young celebrity does not change that. Online comments discount the fact that adopting is something Millie Bobby Brown has felt a connection to for a long time and that she sees it as more than just âcollecting kids like PokĂ©mon cards,â as some users have compared it.
Brown has been open about her positive thoughts towards adoption since a young age, living with the philosophy that her home has an âopen door.â She also studied human servicesâakin to social workâat Purdue University and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, becoming the youngest appointee at 14. Through this, sheâs built a strong and loving relationship with adoption and helping children feel at home. This should never carry shame, just as there should be no shame in not having biological children.
A woman should never feel obligated to give birth just because she is young and physically capable, assuming that she has no medical complications. Millie Bobby Brown is a strong woman with an active career who may not be willing to put it on hold. Regardless of her career or health status, pregnancy and childbirth are mentally and physically exhausting, and potentially dangerous. Therefore, insisting a woman go through it would be upsetting.
The Variety of Motherhood
Becoming a mother is a beautiful, fulfilling thing, and there is no reason to criticize a woman for the timing and process that work best for her. Brown is a resilient female role model who has accomplished so much. She still has so much more to do; her family will be with her through it all.