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Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kobt Recall Comments Over Looks, Parenting Style

During their segment on the Today Show, Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kobt, who are mothers themselves, recalled the harsh criticism they’ve gotten over their looks and decisions regarding their parenting styles.

Society can be very judgmental—especially with women, who despite giving birth, are expected to look good. Today Show hosts Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kobt are not exempted from it either.

During their segment on the show’s Wednesday episode where they tackled Ariana Grande’s TikTok message about the criticism over her body, Jenna, daughter of former US president George W. Bush, recalled how a boyfriend broke up with her years back because, in his eyes, she wasn’t gorgeous.

Ariana Grande
Source: Ariana Grande’s Tiktok

“I had a boyfriend in 7th grade who broke up with me after we went swimming together, after he saw me in a bathing suit,” Jenna, who is a mother of three, shared.

“I feel like even sometimes now when I feel great — I have three kids, three C-sections, I feel really great in my body, and I think of it as a beautiful thing — I’ll walk in a pool and have a moment.”

Hoda herself remembered when she got a letter where she was questioned for bringing a child into the world at her age and asking if she doesn’t know what she was doing.

“It took my breath away because that actually was my ouch. I was scared. Is this something that is smart for me to do? Am I helping, or am I ultimately going to be harming?” Hoda shared.

Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kobt
Source: TODAY with Hoda & Jenna

Doing it it their way

Despite the harsh criticism and comments, Jenna and Hoda said it stems from what they believe in thanks to the foundation they’ve gotten from their families.

“This took care and time and research. And so when I was feeling terrible, because I was, my dad passed when I was in college. And I remember thinking, we have our parents for a period of time. I know the foundation he left,” Hoda said.

“I know it was worth every second of that time. But it’s real, it can hit you in a place that you’re the most vulnerable.”

Jenna for her part said that while some people are meaning to help, commenting on women’s bodies should stop.

“It’s so much more the way you look. It’s about the way you feel which she (Ariana) is saying. Nobody knows what was going on with her. So stop!”

In the end, both agree that all they want is good kids.

“All we want is loving children. We don’t need the star kid, the this, the that. We want kids that are kind,” Jenna said.

More stories on body positivity:

Three Celebrity Moms Remind Everyone to Stop the Body Shaming!

This Powerful ‘Reverse Selfie’ Ad Shows How Social Media Hurts Our Teens’ Self-Esteem

This Children’s Book on Body Positivity Helps Empower Little Girls

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