People aren't happy with how this woman was treated when her child burst in during a live TV interview

Parents all over the UK are currently grappling with not only having to work from home but also juggling childcare.

While some schools and nurseries have re-opened, with reduced class sizes, not all have and many are still keeping their children at home.

Which is why journalist Deborah Haynes had to deal with an unexpected guest while doing an interview with Sky News anchor Mark Austin.

As Haynes – who is Sky’s Foreign Affairs editor – spoke about the impact of the new Hong Kong security law via video link, a small blonde-haired boy entered the room.

“I’m really sorry, that’s my son… arriving,” said a visibly embarrassed Haynes.

“Mummy, can I have two biscuits?” her son was heard asking.

“Yes,” replied Haynes. “You can have two biscuits”.

But rather than laugh at the sweet interaction which provided a brief moment of levity, the reaction of Mark Austin, Haynes’ colleague, has prompted criticism.

Sighing, Austin said:

Well we’ll leave Deborah Haynes in full flow there with family duties, but that’s what happens during lockdown and trying to report in lockdown.

His short response and decision to cut the interview has been questioned by other journalists, including BBC journalist Samira Ahmed.

“She was multi-tasking just fine and had resolved the whole thing,” replied Ahmed.

“Did he really cut off the interview at the point when the biscuit negotiation had already been concluded?”

Victoria Derbyshire also questioned why she was cut off.

While others remembered another expert who was treated very differently upon his children marching into an interview.

There were also comparisons to a recent interview on BBC News, conducted between Christian Fraser and Dr Clare Wenham.

Wenham’s daughter Scarlett also interrupted their chat but Fraser’s response was very different.

As the little girl asked her mother where a frame should go. Fraser kindly asked Wenham what her daughter’s name was.

“She’s called Scarlett,” replied Wenham.

“Scarlett, I think it looks better on the lower shelf,” said Fraser.

Scarlett then asked “Mummy, what’s his name?”

“My name’s Christian,” Fraser replied, chuckling.

It was held up as a direct contrast to Austin’s handling of the situation.

“Thought there was quite a contrast between how [Mark Austin] approached it and the anchor on the BBC today,” tweeted New Statesman Political Editor, Stephen Bush.

“[Christian Fraser] welcomed the child, let the package breathe a bit rather than cutting her off. A much better approach!”

However, some defended Austin, saying producer input could have been involved.

Haynes made no comment on the discussions over what happened but confirmed that her son had managed to successfully negotiate himself two chocolate digestives.

What a savvy operator.