On the September 1 episode of TODAY with Jenna & Friends, Savannah Guthrie and Jenna Bush Hager shared heartfelt reflections about their summer experiences, revealing unexpected lessons learned while their children attended sleepaway camps. What began as a casual parenting update evolved into a candid conversation about family dynamics, personal growth, and the surprising insights their kids’ absences brought to light. The NBC hosts, both seasoned mothers, opened up about moments that reshaped their perspectives, leaving fans touched and curious about the revelations that left such a lasting impact.
Jenna, mother to Mila, 12, Poppy, 10, and Hal, 6, with husband Henry Hager, recounted her experience dropping her daughters off at camp. Unlike Savannah, whose two children, Vale, 11, and Charley, 8, shared with husband Mike Feldman, both attended camp simultaneously, Jenna kept her youngest, Hal, at home. This created a unique dynamic, as Jenna discovered a different side to her son. “He loved being an only child,” she shared, noting Hal’s remarkable behavior without his siblings. “He was so well-behaved, and I told my girls that. I was like, ‘Hal has gone through a major transformation without you guys here. He was excellent.’” Her daughter Mila’s response was a revelation: “Maybe we’re the problem.” Jenna admitted that Mila’s words sparked a new understanding of her family’s dynamics, highlighting how children can sometimes illuminate truths parents overlook.
Savannah, meanwhile, described a rare taste of freedom when both Vale and Charley attended sleepaway camp for three weeks, marking the first kid-free period in 11 years for her and Feldman. “It was amazing and so quiet,” she said, recalling how the couple initially embraced the chance to dine out and socialize. However, they soon settled into a more relaxed routine, retreating to bed by 6:30 p.m. to watch TV and read. “It reminded me of when we were dating,” Savannah reflected, evoking a nostalgic sense of rediscovery. The experience allowed her and Feldman to reconnect in a way they hadn’t since before parenthood, underscoring the profound shift that children bring to a relationship.
Savannah also had hopes that camp would transform the dynamic between Vale and Charley, who frequently bicker despite their deep bond. The siblings attended separate camps but reunited weekly, a setup Savannah hoped would foster a stronger connection. “They fight consistently,” she admitted, but added, “they love each other.” Despite her optimism, the weekly meetings didn’t yield the sibling harmony she envisioned, offering a humbling reminder that some relationships evolve on their own timeline.
For Jenna, the summer highlighted the power of her children’s insights. Mila’s candid observation prompted Jenna to reevaluate how sibling interactions shape behavior at home. “I didn’t realize it until she said it,” Jenna noted. “Sometimes our kids just lead us in the right direction.” This moment of clarity resonated with viewers, who appreciated the authenticity of her reflection. Similarly, Savannah’s story of rediscovering a quieter, more intimate routine with her husband struck a chord, reminding parents of the importance of carving out time for themselves.
The conversation between Guthrie and Bush Hager revealed more than just summer anecdotes; it showcased their growth as parents navigating the complexities of raising children in the public eye. Fans were moved by the hosts’ vulnerability, as they shared not only the joys of parenthood but also the unexpected lessons that come with it. As the TODAY audience continues to follow their journey, these revelations have sparked curiosity about how these experiences will shape their family lives moving forward. For now, Guthrie and Bush Hager’s candid reflections serve as a poignant reminder that sometimes, the most profound growth comes from the quiet moments and the wisdom of children.
