Jenna Bush Hager has opened up about the unconventional way in which her six-year-old son, Hal, expresses his affection for her. During a recent episode of “Today with Jenna & Sheinelle,” the author and television personality shared a rather amusing insight into her family life, revealing that Hal sometimes chooses to lick her face as a gesture of love.
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In the interview, Bush Hager explained that this peculiar behaviour is likely influenced by their family pets. “He likes to lick my forehead like a cat. We have cats,” she remarked, trying to provide some context to Hal’s unique display of affection. However, she was quick to clarify, “And not on my mouth — you guys, don’t get all freaky.”
Her co-host, Sheinelle Jones, responded with a laugh, suggesting that such behaviour might be more acceptable coming from a toddler than a six-year-old. Nevertheless, Jones admitted she would not enthusiastically welcome a toddler licking her face either. The conversation took a light-hearted turn as Jones likened Hal’s licking to that of a cub, prompting a further discussion about boundaries.
Bush Hager noted that although she does try to discourage the licking, her attempts are not always successful. “I say, ‘Please don’t lick me. Please stop licking me.’ But sometimes it doesn’t work,” she said, adding light-heartedly, “He loves me, what can I say?” It seems that Hal’s whimsical affection is just one of the endearing quirks of her youngest child.
Hal is the youngest of three children for Bush Hager and her husband, Henry Chase Hager. The couple also have two daughters, Mila, who is 13, and Poppy, who is 10. Bush Hager frequently shares her family experiences on social media, highlighting the joys and challenges of parenting.
In a heartwarming tribute posted on Instagram to celebrate Hal’s sixth birthday, Bush Hager shared a series of photos capturing candid moments with her son. One image showed them enjoying a boat ride, with Hal dressed in a lifejacket, as his mother bent down to give him a kiss. Alongside this touching image, she expressed her love for him saying, “Happiest to my son! My sun 🌞.”
The transition into a new school year has also been a major milestone for Bush Hager’s family. Earlier this September, she announced that Hal had started kindergarten, while her other two children embarked on their new school journeys—Mila entering seventh grade and Poppy into fourth grade. Reflecting on these significant changes in her children’s lives, Bush Hager expressed the mixed emotions many parents feel: “I can’t believe it. But they had such a good day!”
The former First Daughter also touched on the notion that, as a parent, it is impossible to attend every important event in a child’s life. “So to miss the first day was hard, but the other thing is, kids are so resilient. Humans are so resilient,” she reflected, offering a reassuring perspective on parenting amidst the busyness of life.
With her candid sharing of family moments, Bush Hager continues to resonate with many parents facing similar challenges and joys in their parenting journeys. Her willingness to embrace the quirky aspects of family life—like Hal’s unusual gestures of affection—adds relatability to her public persona.
As Jenna Bush Hager navigates the complexities of motherhood, she exemplifies the love, humour, and resilience that come with raising children. It is evident that each quirky moment, including a playful lick from her son, is cherished as part of her family’s unique story.