Karla Mendoza experienced criticism from fellow passengers during a recent flight with her children. Here’s what unfolded.
For those fortunate enough, perhaps your little ones doze off right after takeoff and remain blissfully unaware of the in-flight chaos. But inevitably, the moment arrives when they wake up, unleashing a barrage of demands for snacks, toys, and screens. In those moments, you might even consider parting with a kidney just to restore some peace and avoid the impending public embarrassment. After all, private jets exist for a reason, catering to those who can’t handle the sounds of toddlers in transit.
“I have a toddler and a baby; my youngest is just nine months old. We had an early flight yesterday, waking up at 4:00 AM, and as my daughter made playful noises to entertain her brother, the woman behind us remarked, ‘Is that absolutely necessary?’” shares Karla Mendoza. “To which my husband replied, ‘Well, there’s plenty three-year-olds do that aren’t absolutely necessary.’”
Known for her role as the sharp and determined attorney on the ABC series How to Get Away with Murder, Mendoza is a protective mother in real life. When it comes to her children, Gianna and Luka, she doesn’t hold back.
Flying with kids is already a challenge, but adding a pandemic and mask mandates makes it even tougher. Mendoza recalls wishing for a sense of collective understanding among passengers that day, which unfortunately was absent.
“Then my inner mama bear came out. I reacted, which I don’t recommend. I turned around and said, ‘Is it absolutely necessary to dye your hair black and wear those ugly boots?’ I shouldn’t have said it, but honestly, maybe I should have,” Mendoza admits.
Currently, Mendoza stars in the ABC sitcom Home Economics, where she plays a character married to a struggling writer portrayed by Topher Grace. After years of drama alongside Viola Davis, she’s excited to dive into comedy, where her character discusses motherhood and candidly shares experiences like dealing with clogged milk ducts and the realities of parenthood.
“I didn’t want to return to TV, but when I heard my character would address motherhood and the challenges that come with it, I was intrigued. They were open to making my character pregnant, which I appreciated,” she explains.
During the pandemic, Mendoza discovered the rejuvenating power of quick naps between shoots. Initially overwhelmed by the demands of parenting during lockdown, she admitted to relaxing her no-screens rule, opting to let her children watch shows in Spanish instead. “We made family walks a priority, and Brene Brown’s podcasts were lifesavers for me,” she adds.
Mendoza’s show, while comedic, sheds light on issues like income disparity, though it doesn’t delve deeply into the economic hardships many face. “It portrays a family’s comedic struggles, not the harsh realities of income inequality. The characters are still from a privileged background, despite the inclusion of a Latina partner,” she notes.
Mendoza hopes her show will inspire discussions among women about personal finance, a topic often shied away from in many households. “I grew up in a family that talked about money openly, unlike my husband’s, where it remained a taboo subject. It’s such an essential part of life; I wish more people would feel comfortable discussing it,” she reflects.
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Summary:
Karla Mendoza faced criticism while flying with her children when a fellow passenger questioned her daughter’s playful noises. Despite the challenges of flying with kids, especially during a pandemic, Mendoza’s fierce protective instincts emerged. Now starring in the sitcom Home Economics, she discusses motherhood and personal finance openly, hoping to encourage women to engage in these often-avoided conversations.