Jenna Bush Hager Shares Her Struggles with Postpartum Depression and Her Fears for Her Children’s Future.
Jenna Bush Hager Reflects on Motherhood and Overcoming Challenges
Jenna Bush Hager, a celebrated author and television personality, has opened up about her experience with postpartum depression and her biggest concerns for her children’s future. Speaking candidly, she revealed the struggles she faced and the lessons she has learned along the way.
“One of my biggest worries as a mother is that kids today aren’t given the chance to fail,” Jenna admitted during an episode of Today. “I’ve faced failure in the public eye, and I’ve come to see it as my greatest strength.”
She emphasized the importance of resilience, stating, “You can come out of difficult situations stronger. We need to teach our children that setbacks aren’t the end of the world—they are a part of life.”
Life in the Public Eye
As the daughter of former President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush, Jenna was in the spotlight from a young age. Her experiences were often scrutinized, including a well-publicized incident at 19 when she was cited for alcohol possession and using a fake ID. Despite the challenges of growing up under public scrutiny, she now sees those moments as valuable lessons.
“I believe one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the ability to fail and learn from it,” she shared on a previous Today episode. “My parents allowed us to fail, even when the world was watching. Looking back, I admire their courage for letting us figure things out.”
Raising Children in a High-Pressure World
Jenna, who shares three children—Mila (11), Poppy (9), and Hal (5)—with husband Henry Hager, is increasingly concerned about how societal expectations have evolved. In a conversation with Monica Lewinsky on Today, she expressed her fears that modern pressures don’t allow children the space to make mistakes and grow from them.
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Addressing the ‘Nepo Baby’ Label
Jenna Bush Hager also touched on the debate surrounding nepotism. “Sometimes my kids joke about ‘nepo babies,’ and I tell them, ‘Yeah, I guess I kind of am one,'” she said with a laugh.
However, she also acknowledged the pressures that come with it. “People sometimes expect ‘nepo babies’ to fail. Barbara and I have always worked incredibly hard, and I think it’s because we want to show that success isn’t just about where you come from.”
Finding Balance Between Career and Family
A dedicated professional, Jenna has been part of the Today family since 2009, in addition to her past work as a teacher and author. However, she admits that balancing career and motherhood is not always easy.
Read More:
- Al Roker regrets risking everything to fulfill his father’s dying wish, even sacrificing his health and potentially his life, leading to severe consequences for his son.
- Al Roker’s stepdaughter, Courtney Roker, reveals the truth about her relationship with her father’s current wife: “We just can’t talk.”
- Al Roker unintentionally exposes the state of his marriage to Deborah Roberts on the Today Show, leaving colleagues stunned: “She doesn’t like me.”
“I’m proud of the work I’ve done, and I’m grateful for my family, but at some point, I have to allow myself to say, ‘I’ve done enough. I’ve proved myself.’ And I also want to enjoy my time with my kids at home. It’s a balancing act.”
A New Chapter: Touring with Barbara
In March, Jenna and her twin sister, Barbara, will embark on a book tour for their latest children’s book, I Loved You First. The sisters have collaborated on multiple books, including Sisters First (2019), Love Comes First (2023), The Superpower Sisterhood (2022), and their 2018 memoir Sisters First: Stories from Our Wild and Wonderful Life.
What do you think about Jenna’s perspective on failure, motherhood, and success? Join the conversation in the comments!
