Jenna Bush Hager is known for her warm and relatable approach on Today, often sharing personal insights about her life as a mother.
Recently, the television host opened up about a major concern she has for her three children—one that she believes is a growing issue for many parents today.
A Candid Conversation on Parenting
During a heartfelt discussion on Today with Jenna & Friends, Jenna sat down with Monica Lewinsky for an open conversation about life experiences, resilience, and parenting.
It was during this discussion that Jenna revealed what she considers one of the biggest challenges facing her children’s generation: the fear of failure.
“It’s actually my biggest concern as a mom,” Jenna admitted. “I don’t think our kids are allowed to fail.”
Her words resonated with many parents who feel that today’s children are often shielded from setbacks in an attempt to protect them. Jenna, however, believes that experiencing failure can be a crucial part of growing up.
Learning from Her Own Mistakes
Jenna didn’t shy away from reflecting on her own past struggles, explaining how her own missteps have shaped her into the person she is today. She described how facing failure publicly gave her the strength to overcome challenges, ultimately helping her grow as a person.
“I failed publicly and it’s actually what makes me, I feel like, my superpower,” she shared.
Jenna’s past has not been without controversy. In 2001, she and her twin sister, Barbara Bush, were arrested for alcohol-related offenses twice within a short span of time. At just 19 years old, Jenna was charged with underage possession of alcohol. A month later, she faced another misdemeanor charge for attempting to use a fake ID to purchase alcohol.
Looking back, she acknowledges that these experiences, while difficult at the time, taught her valuable lessons about accountability and resilience. Now, as a mother, she wants her children to understand that mistakes are a part of life—and more importantly, that they can be overcome.
“I feel brave because you can come out of something,” she continued. “We need to teach kids that they can come out of things.”
Parents and Educators Weigh In
Jenna’s perspective struck a chord with many parents and educators, who took to social media to share their thoughts. In response to a clip from her interview, one commenter agreed, writing, “I say this in my classroom all the time. Kids need to know they can fail!”
Another parent echoed her sentiments, stating, “So true, and it’s okay to tell kids no.”
In today’s world, where social media often amplifies pressure on young people to appear perfect, Jenna’s message serves as an important reminder that setbacks are a natural part of personal growth.
Balancing Protection and Growth
As a mother of three—Mila, 11, Poppy, 9, and Hal, 5—Jenna is navigating the challenges of modern parenting firsthand. Along with her husband of 16 years, Henry Hager, she is raising her children in a world that is very different from the one she grew up in.
Between social media influences, academic pressures, and the ever-present fear of making mistakes in the public eye, children today face unique struggles. Jenna’s concern highlights a broader conversation among parents about how to balance protecting their kids while still allowing them the space to learn from failure.
By openly discussing her own missteps and the lessons she has learned, Jenna is not only setting an example for her children but also offering reassurance to parents everywhere that imperfection is a natural and necessary part of life.
Her message is clear: failure is not something to be feared. Instead, it is an opportunity for growth, strength, and resilience—qualities that she hopes to instill in her own children as they navigate their own journeys.
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