“Shocking Parenting Hack: TODAY Host’s Surprising Method for Conquering Back-to-School Anxiety”

TODAY host Jenna Bush Hager has shared some strategies for helping her children cope with back-to-school anxiety.

Hager, mother to Mila (11), Poppy (9), and Henry “Hal” (5), recently discussed her approach on the TODAY show.

“Mila was worried about finding her way around 6th grade,” Hager revealed. “I told her, ‘I remember walking in with shaky knees.’ Hal was surprised to hear that, which opened up a conversation about how it’s normal to feel nervous.”

She emphasized to her children that experiencing nervousness is perfectly acceptable and shared her own experiences. Hager attended a small private school for middle school before transitioning to a large public high school with 1,000 students in her freshman class.

Hager noted that she can sense when her children are anxious, even if they don’t verbalize it. Regarding Hal, she said, “I could feel it on him.”

“He looks unhappy in the photo,” Jenna commented about Hal, “but everything will be alright.”

Her co-host Hoda Kotb praised Hager’s parenting approach.

“I’ve noticed this often,” Kotb remarked. “Instead of just saying ‘It’ll be fine!’ you say, ‘I was scared too. Tell me why you’re feeling this way.'”

Last year, Familyguide reported on Hager’s decision to not give her children phones:

“My 10-year-old won’t be getting a phone for quite some time,” the TODAY host explained. “She’s aware of this. I want her to engage with the world, not just scroll. I want her writing songs or reading.”

Hager often discusses her parenting philosophy and her aspirations for her children—Mila, 10, Poppy, 8, and Hal, 4.

“Most of my parenting efforts focus on raising kind children,” she stated during a TODAY WITH HODA & JENNA episode. “The other aspects aren’t as important to me. Their intelligence is great, but I’m not concerned about them being top of their class or attending prestigious schools. I just want them to be kind individuals.”

Hager’s middle child, Poppy, recently celebrated her ninth birthday on August 13, while her youngest, Hal, turned five on August 2.

On social media, Hager shared a collection of photos with Poppy, writing, “Happy birthday to my ray of sunshine: Poppy Louise! She’s funny, loving, and one-of-a-kind! Nine years with this wonderful girl has made my world more enjoyable, vibrant, and definitely filled with more laughter! We adore you!”

For Hal’s birthday, she showcased photos of him enjoying outdoor activities.

Her caption read, “Five years with this wonderful boy! I love you Hal Hager! Today and always! ❤️❤️❤️❤️”