Couple slammed for arguing that spending weekends child-free is 'incredibly healthy' for their relationship

An Australian couple have been slammed for their decision to spend weekends apart from their young daughter.

The duo in question are model Rachael Finch - who is best known for appearing on talent show Dancing With The Stars - and her husband Michael Miziner, who she refers to as Mish.

'Every weekend [Violet] goes to Mish's mum's house, and we get our weekend to ourselves. I think that's incredibly healthy for the relationship,' Rachel told Sunday Style.

'And on Sunday, when we pick her up, we have 100 percent energy back.'

Clearly stunned by the 29-year-old's very frank revelation, many hit out at the parents' remark.

'This is really bizarre. I completely value time away from my kids, but it's an exception, not the standard,' commented one mother on Facebook.

'No way could I have someone parent my child every single weekend. Poor kid.'

Another agreed: 'I think it's very sad. Some of the best family time happens on the weekend. Everyone needs an occasional evening or even weekend away, but not every weekend. If you want to live a child-free lifestyle, don't have kids!'

A third admitted that while they wouldn't mind having a bit of free time from their little one, making memories together is so important.

'One weekend a month would be nice but don't you want to take your kid to the park or zoo or whatever?' they mused.

'All those memories will be with her grandmas, not you....also your mother has already raised kids, it's your turn now.'

Following the backlash, Rachael responded to her critics via Instagram.

'A mother should never be made to feel they are not good enough for their child when they are doing everything they can to keep them safe, happy and loved. Only the parents of a child truly know what is best and should always have faith in their decisions', she wrote.

'I value dearly the relationship Violet has with her Grandmother and I believe this is one of the most important and influential relationships growing up. I work hard so that I can provide the best future for the amazing soul we have created. I won't ever stop believing in her or the strength of the family unit.'

Rachael and Michael welcomed their daughter Violet in September 2013. In March 2017, the pair became parents to a little boy.