Jenna Bush Hager, co-host of *Today with Jenna & Friends*, recently shared a humorous yet heartwarming story about the challenges of parenting, particularly when it comes to their youngest child, Hal. On the Friday, March 28 episode of the show, Jenna, 43, was joined by her husband Henry Hager, 46, as a guest co-host. During the segment, they opened up about a recent amusing situation involving their 5-year-old son, who has been feeling a bit left out and, in his own way, devastated by his parents’ affection for each other.
Jenna and Henry, who share three children together—Mila, 11, Poppy, 9, and Hal—revealed that their youngest has been struggling with feelings of jealousy, particularly when he witnesses his parents showing each other love and affection. It’s a scenario many parents can relate to: children, especially at a young age, often don’t fully understand the dynamics of romantic relationships between adults, leading to moments of confusion or, as in Hal’s case, emotional outbursts.
“Our youngest son is jealous of our romance,” Jenna casually remarked, sharing the playful predicament the family has found themselves in. Henry quickly corroborated her statement and proceeded to tell a story that perfectly illustrated the “devastation” Hal has been experiencing whenever he sees his parents share even a simple act of affection.
Henry recounted a recent incident that took place in their kitchen. The family was gathered together, enjoying a peaceful moment when Henry leaned over and gave Jenna a small kiss. Hal, who had been happily eating his meal moments before, suddenly burst into tears at the sight of his parents’ display of affection. Henry described the transformation in his son’s demeanor, saying, “His face, he was all smiles eating, and then just, total devastation.” It was a classic case of a child being momentarily overwhelmed by emotions they don’t yet fully understand.
As the situation unfolded, Jenna added that her husband, trying to comfort their son, had to explain to Hal the reason why he and Jenna share a special bond. “Just to be clear, the reason you’re born is because your mom and I like each other,” Henry had to clarify, a statement that seemed to bring some clarity to Hal, though it did little to ease his initial heartbreak.
In response to his son’s tearful reaction, Henry decided to take a moment to further reinforce the concept of boundaries. “So I went in for another kiss,” he continued, acknowledging the importance of showing Hal that while affection between parents is normal and healthy, there are certain boundaries that need to be respected. “You’re my spouse and he can’t move in on my wife,” Henry quipped, adding a lighthearted touch to what was clearly a tender family moment.
It’s clear from the way Henry and Jenna described the situation that they both find humor in the challenge of parenting a young child who is still learning about relationships and boundaries. While it may seem like a small moment, it’s a reflection of the bigger picture that many parents can relate to—navigating the complexities of familial dynamics, especially when it comes to teaching children about relationships, love, and respect.
The Hagers’ three children, including their two older daughters, Mila and Poppy, seem to be growing up in an environment full of love and affection. However, it’s clear that Hal, being the youngest, is still adjusting to the idea of his parents having a romantic relationship that is separate from his own familial connection with them. The humorous tale of Hal’s reaction to his parents’ kiss is just one example of how their family is adjusting to these growing pains.
Henry and Jenna’s willingness to share these candid, behind-the-scenes parenting moments with their audience only further humanizes them, making them more relatable to their fans. It’s evident that while they juggle their busy careers and family life, they are still very much immersed in the everyday challenges that come with raising children.
As for Hal, he may not fully understand the nuances of his parents’ relationship just yet, but as Henry humorously pointed out, they’re doing their best to help him navigate this confusing phase. With time, Hal will likely come to understand that love between parents isn’t a threat to his place in the family but rather something that strengthens the entire household. And, perhaps, in the near future, Hal will be able to enjoy those affectionate moments between his parents without feeling so devastated.
As Jenna and Henry continue to raise their children and share glimpses into their lives, their fans can only appreciate the honesty, humor, and heart that they bring to their roles as parents and as public figures.
The Hagers have found a way to balance their professional and personal lives, showing that even in moments of “devastation” from their young son, love and humor are always at the center of their family’s dynamic.
