Susanna Reid, the beloved television presenter, has admitted to occasionally breaking her own strict no-phone rule at the dinner table
—a rule she expects her children to follow without exception.
During a recent episode of Good Morning Britain, the 52-year-old journalist revealed how her sons often call her out for sneaking a glance at her phone while they eat.
The discussion arose as Susanna and her co-host, financial expert Martin Lewis, debated how excessive mobile phone usage is impacting personal relationships, including marriages.
As the conversation progressed, Susanna shared her own struggles with enforcing phone etiquette at home.
A Rule Meant to Be Followed—But Not Always by Susanna
Susanna, who shares three sons—Sam, 20, Finn, 18, and Jack, 17—with her ex-partner, sports journalist Dominic Cotton, 55, has long maintained a rule that prohibits phone use at the dinner table. However, she candidly confessed that she often finds herself breaking this rule when an urgent message arrives.
“We have a rule in my kitchen,” she explained. “The one time you’re not allowed to look at your phone is at the dinner table. But then I’ll get a text from my editor, and I’ll glance at my phone. My kids immediately call me out on it: ‘Mum, you’re doing exactly what you told us not to do!’”
Acknowledging the irony, she admitted, “There’s always a reason, but there should never be a reason at the dinner table. Phones off.”
Martin Lewis Relates to the Dilemma
Martin Lewis, 51, could relate to the situation, explaining that his 10-year-old daughter also keeps him accountable when it comes to phone use. “She’s very anti us using our phones,” he admitted. “We get told off if we’re all together, and actually, she’s quite right.”
Their discussion highlighted how phone use has become a deeply ingrained part of modern life, even in moments meant for undistracted family bonding. It also emphasized how children today are highly aware of the impact screens have on personal interactions.
Concerns About an Empty Nest
In addition to her phone dilemma, Susanna has been open about her concerns regarding her sons eventually leaving home. Since ending her 16-year relationship with Dominic Cotton in 2014, the Good Morning Britain host has primarily focused on raising her children. However, as they grow older, she is beginning to face the reality of an empty nest.
“When the boys leave home, I know that’s going to be challenging,” she revealed in The Sunday Times Magazine. “I’m perfectly happy with my own company—I talk to people all day, I have a terrific team, and I love my close-knit family. But it will be a big adjustment.”
A Peek Into Susanna’s Daily Routine
In the same article, Susanna shared what her average day looks like, shedding light on the effort that goes into presenting a live television show. Her mornings begin with a 3:40 a.m. alarm, giving her just five minutes in bed to check the latest news headlines and emails before jumping into her morning routine.
By 6:00 a.m., she’s on-screen, delivering the latest news and engaging in thought-provoking discussions with her co-hosts. After the intensity of her workday, she prioritizes unwinding in the evenings.
“I like gentle TV—nothing gruesome,” she explained. “A bath is a must; it completely de-stresses me. On a good night, I switch the lights off at 10 p.m. and I’m asleep within minutes.”
Balancing Parenthood and Work
Susanna Reid’s openness about the challenges of balancing work, parenting, and personal discipline resonates with many working parents. Her candid admission about struggling to follow her own dinner table rule is a relatable moment for anyone trying to navigate the digital age with their children.
As technology continues to shape how families interact, Susanna’s experience is a reminder that setting boundaries—especially around screen time—is an ongoing effort. Whether or not she always sticks to her own rules, her commitment to family time remains clear.
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