Jenna Bush Hager Reveals ‘Numbing’ Addiction Keeping Her Away from Her Three Kids

Jenna Bush Hager has never shied away from candid conversations, and her latest revelation about social media addiction struck a chord with many parents. 

During a heartfelt discussion on Today with Hoda & Jenna, the beloved television host opened up about her struggle with excessive phone use—

particularly the lure of Instagram—and how it has impacted her ability to be fully present with her children.

The 42-year-old mother of three—Mila, 11, Poppy, 9, and Hal, 5—revealed that she made the difficult decision to delete Instagram 

from her phone after realizing that it was consuming too much of her time and attention. Calling the app a “numbing” distraction, 

Jenna admitted that her phone often kept her from engaging with her children in the way she wanted to.

A Common Struggle in the Digital Age

Jenna’s confession is one that many parents can relate to. The temptation to scroll endlessly, check notifications, or get lost in social media feeds can often take precedence over real-life interactions. While discussing her decision with her co-host, Hoda Kotb, Jenna acknowledged how frequently she found herself staring at her phone instead of focusing on the present moment.

“This is the thing that I think distracts me, but probably others, from getting in flow…. I bet you can guess it,” Jenna said during the segment. Without hesitation, both she and Hoda answered in unison: “Staring down!”

Jenna went on to describe how she had noticed that when she wasn’t feeling quite like herself, it often correlated with spending too much time on her phone. She admitted that mindlessly scrolling through Instagram had become an easy habit, one that made her feel disconnected rather than engaged.

Taking Steps to Break the Habit

Recognizing the hold that social media had on her daily life, Jenna made the decision to take action. She was inspired by her twin sister, Barbara Pierce Bush, who had already removed Instagram from her phone and had experienced a noticeable improvement in her overall well-being.

“This is what I have to do to get off of it… I have to have somebody else change my password because it’s addicting,” Jenna confessed.

Barbara’s experience without Instagram reinforced Jenna’s determination. Her sister had shared that since deleting the app, she felt more present in her daily life. Barbara described how she was now more engaged with her surroundings, running into friends, and savoring everyday moments—experiences that she realized social media had actually been diminishing rather than enhancing.

“She told me, ‘I don’t miss anything. All the things it gave me actually made me feel less joy,’” Jenna recalled. This realization pushed her to make the decision right then and there—”I’m gonna take it off today!” she announced.

The ‘Numbing’ Effect of Social Media

For Jenna, the problem wasn’t just about the time spent scrolling—it was about how social media made her feel. She emphasized how easily platforms like Instagram can become a form of escape, a way to tune out rather than tune in to life’s most important moments.

“Numbing!” she exclaimed, highlighting how quickly one can lose track of time and presence when glued to their phone. Instead of enjoying real-world experiences with her children, she found herself absorbed in a digital space that left her feeling detached.

Hoda could relate to Jenna’s experience and shared her own perspective on mindfulness. She described how she recently made an effort to slow down and truly be present during a walk through Central Park.

“I walked home from here through Central Park and as I was walking, I took deliberate steps. I slowed it all down, instead of like walking to get somewhere, I kept going, ‘one step, one step, one step,’” Hoda explained.

The difference was profound. She described how the walk felt much shorter because she was fully immersed in the moment, rather than rushing through it.

Jenna agreed wholeheartedly, pointing out that had Hoda been distracted by her phone—checking messages, listening to a podcast, or scrolling through social media—she wouldn’t have had the same enriching experience.

“Here’s the thing, had you been looking or even maybe listening to a podcast or music, which is what we always do, but had you not been just really present, you wouldn’t have been in the flow,” Jenna remarked.

Prioritizing Presence Over Distraction

For Jenna, this conversation served as an important wake-up call. While social media has its benefits, she realized that it was preventing her from being the mother she wanted to be. By stepping away from Instagram, she hopes to be more engaged with her children, creating meaningful moments rather than letting them slip away unnoticed.

As technology continues to play an ever-growing role in daily life, Jenna’s decision is a reminder of the importance of setting boundaries. By prioritizing real-world connections over digital distractions, she is taking a step toward a more present and fulfilling life—both for herself and for her family.

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