Jenna Bush Hager's Scare at Daughter Mila's Birthday Party: A Moment of Panic

Today s Jenna Bush Hager Lost One Child at Daughter Mila s Birthday Party

Courtesy of Jenna Bush Hager/Instagram

Jenna Bush Hager’s daughter Mila’s 11th birthday party was a blast for the kids, but it was a bit overwhelming for Jenna herself.

"We decided to celebrate at the American Dream mall, which is pretty fancy if you're familiar with the area," Bush Hager, 42, shared on the Monday, April 15, episode of Today With Hoda & Jenna. "I thought it would be a great idea to take 15 girls to both a water park and a theme park. It turned out to be a bit chaotic."

Bush Hager, along with her husband Henry Hager, shares daughter Poppy, 8, and son Hal, 4, with Mila. During a recent outing, Mila and her friends had a great time, but there was a moment of panic when they realized one child was missing.

Even though they were using the buddy system, one of Poppy's friends got left behind because she didn't want to go on a "scary ride" that the rest of the group wanted to go on.

"I used to be a teacher and once took 24 kids on the subway in Washington, D.C. alone. So, I thought I could handle anything. Turns out, I was wrong," Bush Hager admitted. She reassured Poppy that they should always stick together and never leave anyone behind.

After a frantic search, the missing child was finally found at the wave pool in the in-mall water park. Bush Hager laughed, recalling how Poppy didn't mention she might be waiting by the lion statue. She jokingly told Poppy to be clearer next time, saying, "That should have been the main point!"

After the crazy birthday bash, Bush Hager is done with water parks and big parties. She told her cohost Hoda Kotb, "I've decided to scale back. Just a cousin and a friend for small gatherings from now on. No more big parties for me. Momma needs a break."

Today s Jenna Bush Hager Lost One Child at Daughter Mila s Birthday Party

Jenna Bush Hager often posts about her children on Hoda & Jenna. Recently, she mentioned that her daughter, Mila, was not a fan of seeing her parents kiss at a New Year's party. She also found it surprising that her kids were already showing interest in skincare at a young age.

During a recent episode of the NBC morning show in March, Bush Hager shared why she allows her daughter, Mila, to read The Summer I Turned Pretty book series, which is meant for teenagers. She explained that she prefers her children to learn about sensitive topics like sex and drinking from books rather than from YouTube. Bush Hager emphasized that she would rather have her kids come to her with questions and have open conversations, rather than relying on influencers for information.

Additionally, Bush Hager mentioned that the books have been helpful in teaching Mila about the importance of consent. She tells her daughter, "You are the one who gets to decide. If something doesn't feel right to you, don't do it." This approach allows Mila to understand the concept of consent and empowers her to make decisions that align with her values.

Kotb, who is 59 years old, commended her cohost for the parenting choice they made. She mentioned that children come across much more "inappropriate" material on the internet compared to the books from The Secret Ingredient That Powers books. Kotb, who has two daughters named Haley, 7, and Hope, 4, with her ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman, also expressed her appreciation for children who show interest in reading.

Editor's P/S:

Jenna Bush Hager's account of her daughter Mila's 11th birthday party highlights the challenges and joys of parenting. While the party was a blast for the kids, it was also a reminder of the chaos and responsibility that comes with overseeing a large group of children. Hager's experience is relatable to many parents, who often find themselves stretched thin when managing multiple children, especially in unfamiliar or crowded environments. The incident with the missing child serves as a valuable lesson in the importance of staying organized and communicating effectively, even in the midst of a hectic situation.

Furthermore, Hager's approach to parenting is commendable. She recognizes the importance of open and honest communication with her children, and encourages them to seek her guidance rather than relying solely on external sources like the internet. Her willingness to discuss sensitive topics with Mila, such as consent and sexual health, demonstrates her commitment to fostering a healthy and informed relationship with her daughter. By providing age-appropriate information and support, Hager is empowering Mila to make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of growing up.