Alex Nation Shares Emotional Post About Her Ex-Husband Joel On Instagram

A rare insight into the reality stars life pre-Bachelor - by Grace Back

We're no strangers to following along on Alex Nation's love life. Ever since the former Bachelor star hit our screens, and won over Richie Strahan's heart, we've been paying close attention. But, we're often not given much when it comes to Alex's life pre-Bachelor. Until now.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, the reality star shared a rare photo of her ex-husband Joel with a lengthy caption. She began, "There was a time where this fella and I couldn’t sit across from each other without having a heated discussion. We both had a lot of growing to do and we needed to work on a few things.

"I am so thankful for Joel and the relationship we now have. How special it is that Elijah has two parents that love him so much they are willing to work hard to co-parent and have a great, healthy friendship with each other because to be real, it can be really fucking hard and it does take work and we are continually working at this."

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There was a time where this fella and I couldn't sit across from each other without having a heated discussion. We both had a lot of growing to do and we needed to work on a few things. I am so thankful for Joel and the relationship we now have. How special it is that Elijah has two parents that love him so much they are willing to work hard to co-parent and have a great, healthy friendship with each other because to be real, it can be really fucking hard and it does take work and we are continually working at this. @jtporter you're an awesome EX Husband(😂) and an even more awesome Dad ❤️

The couple shares six-year-old son Elijah. Nation regularly opens up about the criticsm she faces for her parenting choices.

"Being a parent is tough. Sometimes it's pure exhaustion and sometimes it's pure elation. I'm not sure that there is an in-between, I'm personally yet to find it," she wrote to Instagram. "As mothers/parents, we can often be too hard on ourselves. We put this unrealistic expectation of ourselves to be the 'perfect parent'. Truthfully, there is no such thing.

"We are human, we make mistakes. But mistakes should be embraced because that is how we grow. We learn from our mistakes and keep on keepin' on. I'm so self-aware and I know I am absolutely not the perfect mum, but I give it my all day in and day out and my son is loved abundantly. So, when Elijah says to me "Good night Mumma, you're the best mum ever". That's all the fortitude I need.

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This article originally appeared on InStyle Australia.

Grace Back

Grace is our Digital News and Entertainment Editor. When not stuck in a seemingly endless Instagram scroll, you'll find Grace with her head in a good book.