Family disputes can have a profound impact on children, often influencing their emotional development and sense of security. The ongoing legal conflict between and his former mother-in-law, Jackiey Budden, over access to his son Freddy has brought this issue to the forefront.

Jeff has launched a legal bid to stop his youngest son from seeing ’s mother, Jackiey, citing concerns over the negative effects the relationship has had on Freddy’s well-being. As the feud continues to unfold, experts weigh in on the potential consequences of such disputes for children, shedding light on the lasting impact of family conflicts.

Dr. Sarah Thompson, a child psychologist who works with Family Action, explains that family feuds can significantly affect a child’s emotional stability. "Children thrive in environments where they feel loved, safe, and secure," she says. "When they are exposed to ongoing conflict, especially between important family figures, it can create feelings of anxiety, confusion, and fear. For young children like Freddy, whose sense of stability is already fragile due to the loss of his mother, additional turmoil can compound existing grief."

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

Freddy, now 20, was just a young boy when his mother, Jade Goody, tragically passed away from cervical cancer in 2009. Growing up without her and navigating complicated family dynamics is bound to have left its mark. While Jeff has been a constant in Freddy's life, as well as his older brother Bobby's, providing stability and care, the involvement of other family members -particularly Jackiey - has seemingly been a source of contention.

Family feuds like the one between Jeff and Jackiey can lead to divided loyalties and emotional stress for children caught in the middle. According to Dr. Thompson: "When parents or guardians prevent children from having relationships with extended family members due to personal conflicts, it can cause emotional harm. Children often feel torn between the two sides, which can lead to confusion and a sense of abandonment."

In Freddy’s case, the legal action that Jeff has taken to restrict his contact with Jackiey suggests that he believes the relationship may be detrimental to Freddie’s emotional health. While the specifics of the allegations remain private, it is clear that Jeff feels this intervention is necessary to protect his son from potential harm.

"Children need to feel that their emotional needs are being met by the adults around them," Dr. Thompson continues. "When these relationships become sources of tension, children may withdraw, become anxious, or struggle to trust those closest to them. In severe cases, it can lead to long-term psychological effects."

The grief that Freddy and Bobby have experienced after Jade’s death cannot be understated, according to the child physcologist. Losing a parent at a young age is one of the most traumatic experiences a child can face. As an expert in child grief counseling, Dr. Thompson explains: "The impact of losing a mother, particularly in such a public and tragic way, can leave lasting emotional scars. If a child is then exposed to family conflict, it can deepen their sense of loss, making it harder to heal."

For Freddy, the dynamic with his maternal grandmother may have been further complicated by these complex emotions. As someone who has been through a difficult breakup and witnessed personal relationships disintegrate, Jeff may be understandably protective of his children’s well-being, wanting to shield them from what he perceives as toxic relationships.

"Children look to their parents for guidance on how to handle relationships, grief, and emotional conflict," Dr Thompson explains. "If a child sees a parent struggling to manage these issues, it can make it harder for them to form secure emotional attachments of their own. Jeff's actions may stem from a desire to provide his children with stability and prevent further emotional damage."

Despite the challenges posed by family conflict, experts agree that it is crucial for children to have access to a supportive network of family members, friends, and professionals. Dr. Thompson notes: "While it is essential to protect children from harmful relationships, it is equally important to foster positive, nurturing connections. If a child is denied access to an emotionally supportive figure, such as a grandparent, it can further isolate them."

In the case of Freddy, Jeff’s decision to prevent contact with Jackiey may have been made with the best intentions for his son’s mental health. However, it raises important questions about the balance between protecting a child and ensuring they have a broader support network. Experts suggest that finding a middle ground—such as mediation or counseling—could help address the issues at hand without causing further emotional strain on Freddie.

The legal battle between Jeff and Jackiey is a painful reminder of the toll that family feuds can take on children. While Jeff's desire to protect Freddie from what he perceives as a harmful relationship is understandable, experts caution that children may be better served if their emotional needs are addressed in a holistic manner, with a focus on creating a stable and loving environment.

"Ultimately, it’s about striking a balance between shielding children from harmful influences while ensuring they are not deprived of the love and support that comes from extended family," says Dr. Thompson. "Every family dynamic is different, and what works for one child may not work for another. It’s important to keep the child’s best interests at the heart of every decision."

It has previously been reported how Freddy had a 'secret feud' and 'storms out the house' after huge rows, opting to stay at nan Jackiey flat in southeast London to cool down. While appearing on Celebrity Race Around The World, Jeff even revealed he doesn't 'see loads of him' as "Fred isn't at home loads".

It has since been claimed that Jeff has begun legal proceedings and hired a barrister ahead of an upcoming hearing. An insider claimed to : "This is something Jeff and anyone who cares about Freddy hopes will help keep him safe from a relationship that has been incredibly detrimental to his wellbeing for a long time now.

“The fact that Jeff is going down this route shows how concerned we all are, and how our efforts to keep Fred safe are being grossly undermined by other people.’’ Last year, sources claimed Freddy and Jeff's arguments get so intense the model would storm off to see his nan.

"Freddy will often turn up on the doorstep, sometimes very unhappy, and wanting to see his nan,” a source claimed to the at the time. "He and Jeff often argue, the rows can be bad, things go really, really pear-shaped between them and that’s it, he leaves.

“While Jackiey has her issues - and will be the first to admit she isn’t the most perfect or archetypal grandmother - he can share his feelings with her which is something he can’t do at Jeff’s."