Jenna Bush Hager is often happy to share what it's like raising her three children, Poppy, Mila and Hal. She is also quick to cite her own parents as her parenting inspiration. In fact, she recently shared details about the parenting advice her mom, Laura, has given her over the years.
Jenna, her mom Laura, and Jenna's two daughters are featured on the cover of the upcoming issue of Southern Living. In the interview, Jenna opens up about what it was like to grow up with her mom.
She says, "My mother led by example. She has a grace about her. She’s unflappable, so even in the midst of trying times, she’s been the rock, the steady force that has kept our family calm in moments that were unspeakably turbulent." Jenna also says that her mom was always able to keep the family steady, no matter what they were facing.
"Nobody was ever tense. Nobody was walking on eggshells. What she always conveyed is that we have the power to create the kind of home we want our kids to remember."
Jenna also says that one piece of parenting advice that her mom gave her is to resist the urge to compare her daughters. "My mother never once compared my sister, Barbara, and me, and I try hard not to compare my girls. If they are sad, scared, or confused, we let them feel those feelings and encourage them to talk about them with us. We tell them that being who they are is great and makes their dad and me so proud and happy."
Laura also shares that her own mother, Jenna Hawkins Welch, was pretty incredible as well. "My mother was interested in the outdoors and was a knowledgeable self-taught naturalist. Her best advice was to look up at the sky and the stars. I can still remember bird-watching with her and lying on the grass on a blanket in the summer, looking up at the constellations. In fact, Midland’s motto is ‘The Sky’s the Limit.’ Isn’t that great? It was so good to grow up there."
Laura also said that if she could share any advice with her grown daughters now, it would be pretty simple. "I’d tell them to look out to the beauty of the natural world. Right now, that’s particularly good advice because everyone’s looking down at their screens."
Jenna also recently shared what it was like for her family of five to celebrate Easter while staying at home. She said her 7-year-old, Mila, wasn't too into the idea of even participating in the holiday because "we aren’t leaving the house. We don’t get to see Mimi and Bumpy. We are watching church instead of going."
But Mila soon changed her tune, all because her baby brother was there with them. Jenna said, "And I thought that’s it baby girl — it isn’t about where we travel, or parties full of people, it is about the greatest and most simple gifts like their baby brother on his first Easter,” she said. “We are praying of those who feel alone, lonely. Those who have lost hope. May you find joy and comfort knowing you are loved."
In addition to Easter, the Hager family had another big day to celebrate: Mila's birthday! "Happiest 7th Birthday to our Mila! Named after both your grandmothers, you have their love of life, love of books and love of laughter. Your empathy and kindness amaze. I hope you never have to guess how loved you are because our love for you is infinite."
It seems that Jenna is really appreciating having the time to slow down and be with her children and her husband. Last week, she wrote that the family had a particularly wonderful evening together. "Last night we showered our girls, laid down an old blanket, and watched the full moon. I wish you all simple magical moments of love."
Jenna and her Today cohost Hoda Kotb also just celebrated their one-year anniversary of working together. The pair took to Instagram Live to chat about what the year has been like for each of them. Jenna's 4-year-old, Poppy, also showed up in the video celebration.
Jenna and Hoda decided to answer viewer questions while on Live together. After a little bit of back-and-forth, Hoda ended up taking everyone on a behind-the-scenes tour of the empty set where she was working. She showed everyone the kitchen along with Jenna's dressing room and hair and makeup room.
Jenna has definitely been working to keep creative content coming for fans of the show as everyone remains at home. She also recently shared that like many working parents, she's struggling right now.
She said, "We’ve been staying home, and I have to say, it’s been a journey."
Jenna continued, "It really has because at the beginning, we weren’t used to seeing each other for this much time. Last night, Henry said, ‘We’re a team now,’ and I feel like that. There’s been moments that are messy, quite literally, like tons of laundry but really beautiful moments, too."
