During a discussion on July 11, 2023, television personality Jenna Bush Hager expressed her discomfort with the term “mom friends,” stating it undermines the value of her true friendships. Hager, who is a co-host on the TODAY show, shared her thoughts while speaking with former NBA star Dwyane Wade.
Hager, a mother of three—daughters Mila, 12, and Poppy, 9, and son Hal, 5—reflected on her experiences with other mothers she met during her parenting journey. “Some of my best ‘mom friends’ — which I sort of hate that term because it implies they’re not my true friends — but some of my best mom friends are from the time I had my 12-year-old,” she remarked.
The Importance of Parenting Communities
She highlighted the significance of having a support network as children grow. “We were all in this baby group together,” Hager continued. “One of my best friends in the world, we met through the baby group and now we have pre-teens. So, to go through every stage of life together? I think it is necessary to have that community.”
Wade, who shares a 6-year-old daughter named Kaavia with his wife Gabrielle Union, agreed with Hager’s sentiments. He emphasized the importance of relationships with other parents, especially as children begin to form their own friendships. “Once they get their friends, you have to have a relationship with their parents,” Wade said. “One, for them to allow their kids to come over or vice versa, but also two, if their parents are going to come over.”
Wade’s perspective reflects a broader understanding of modern parenting dynamics. He noted the necessity of engaging with the parents of his children’s friends, joking, “Something — or, I’m just not going to ever be around for playdates.”
Friendship and Well-Being
Research supports the idea that friendships play a crucial role in mental health. According to various studies, maintaining social connections can protect against loneliness and depression. Moreover, friendships may lower blood pressure and contribute to a longer lifespan. Shared experiences, such as parenting, enhance these connections. Studies have shown that people tend to rate experiences more positively when they partake in them with others.
Jenna Bush Hager’s candid remarks about the term “mom friends” and the importance of community resonate with many parents navigating similar challenges. The conversation not only highlights personal experiences but also underscores the value of forming genuine bonds with others in the parenting journey. As both Hager and Wade illustrated, these relationships are not just beneficial for the children but also essential for the parents themselves.
Elise Solé, a seasoned writer and editor specializing in parenting and pop culture, emphasizes the importance of such discussions. Having transitioned from New York to Los Angeles, she continues to explore themes that resonate with modern families.