Jenna Bush Hager, 43, shared candid insights into her parenting style on the latest episode of Jenna and Friends, revealing how she sometimes struggles to make her children listen and reflecting on how she wishes her father, former President George W. Bush, had been a stricter parent like NFL star Jason Kelce.

The discussion was inspired by parenting advice Jason Kelce shared on his wife Kylie Kelce’s podcast, Not Gonna Lie, where the retired NFL player detailed how he keeps his four children — Wyatt, 6; Elliotte, 4; Bennett, 2; and Finnley, 6 months — in line.

Jason Kelce’s Parenting Philosophy

During the podcast, Jason Kelce explained his method of asserting authority:

“I mean, honestly, a good, like, ‘Look at me right now,’ Have them look at you in the eyes. ‘Stop what you’re doing right now. We are done doing this. You’re gonna piss me off. We’re done doing it.’”

Kylie Kelce added that her daughters immediately respond when their father uses this technique, demonstrating its effectiveness. Jenna Bush Hager admitted that while Jason’s advice was amusing — especially because he delivered it dressed as Kristoff from Frozen — she recognized its practical value.

Comparing Parenting Styles

Jenna reflected on her upbringing, noting that even though her dad was the leader of the free world, he was friendly, funny, and laid-back rather than strict. She shared:

“Even though my dad was the leader of the free world… He was just friendly. He was funny and friendly, and we just kind of were like, ‘Oh, Popsiccy.’”

Bush Hager and her twin sister, Barbara Bush, affectionately nicknamed their father “Popsiccy,” revealing a lighthearted dynamic that prioritized warmth over discipline.

Parenthood Today

Jenna is mother to three children: Mila, 12; Poppy, 10; and Hal, 7, with her husband Henry Hager. She admitted that while her son Hal is “an angel,” her daughters often challenge her patience.

“I can get things done, you know? But mainly there’s a lot of… When I’m like, ‘Girls, I’ve had it. I’ve come in here three times. Turn around, go to bed,’ they just laugh,” she explained.

Jenna joked about sometimes losing her temper, then needing to apologize afterward, acknowledging the challenges of modern parenting. Her approach now involves letting go, setting boundaries, and using sound machines to maintain peace at bedtime.

Finding Humor in Parenting

Despite the chaos, Jenna maintains a humorous and relatable perspective. She shared a final tip for parents, saying,

“I think we need to ignore them more.”

Her candid reflections highlight the universal challenges of parenting, from balancing authority with love to adapting strategies that work for different children.

Lessons from Role Models

Jenna also noted the influence of others on her parenting philosophy, such as Jason Kelce’s assertive approach and her own family experiences. She and her sister Barbara continue to cherish their father’s warmth while applying lessons to their own households, showing that parenting styles can evolve while honoring family traditions.