Alyssa Farah Griffin, co-host of *The View*, has opened up about the challenges of balancing her career and motherhood after welcoming her first child, a son named Justin Patrick Griffin Jr., in February 2026. During a recent episode of the *Behind the Table* podcast, she explored the feelings of guilt and emotional turmoil that often accompany being a working mother.
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The 36-year-old television personality reflected on her experiences as a new mother while discussing insights from actress Keke Palmer, who appeared as a guest on *The View*. Palmer had shared her own thoughts on the ups and downs of motherhood, suggesting that experiencing tough days is a natural part of parenting. Griffin admitted that Palmer’s words resonated deeply with her, saying, “I swear I was looking at Keke and I was like, ‘My soul needed this.’”
Griffin, who also serves as a former strategic adviser and press secretary for the United States Department of Defense, is navigating the complexities of motherhood while maintaining her professional commitments. She articulated her struggles with “mum guilt,” particularly when she has to leave her young son in the care of a nanny, Maria, whom the family holds in high regard. “We are so lucky to have Maria, this amazing woman, amazing caretaker who’s a member of our family,” she explained, but added that she often feels a pang of jealousy knowing that Maria gets to spend time with her son that she cannot.
The new mother described a continuous internal conflict, torn between feelings of guilt for being away from her child and the rational understanding that her work is necessary to provide for her family. “I feel extraordinary guilt that I’m away from him as long as I am because I’m at work during the day and I do CNN in the evenings and sometimes in the morning,” she disclosed.
Despite her busy schedule, Griffin reaffirmed her commitment to being present when she is home. She sought to reassure herself that when she is with her son, he receives her full attention. Nevertheless, the pressure of meeting societal expectations about motherhood weighs heavily on her. “I feel like I am wrestling with turmoil in my soul of this mum guilt that we project on ourselves,” Griffin shared.
The burgeoning talk show host revealed that her absence from home often leads her to question her own worthiness as a mother, worrying that she may miss crucial moments in her son’s life. She expressed the underlying desire to cherish every second with him, yet recognised the reality of her obligations in the workplace. “I want every second with him, but that’s not reality,” she admitted.
The challenges of traversing the dual roles of a professional and a mother are ones that many working parents encounter. Griffin highlighted the importance of maintaining a dialogue about these challenges, noting how discussing her feelings with friends who have experienced similar situations has been helpful.
As she continues to navigate this new chapter in her life, Griffin emphasised the necessity of striking a balance between career ambitions and familial responsibilities. Her reflections offer a candid insight into the joys and struggles of parenthood in the public eye, showcasing the delicate dance many parents, especially mothers, must perform in today’s fast-paced world.