If you're a fan of Modern Family, you know Julie Bowen isn't just a talented actress—she’s also one of the most down-to-earth moms out there. Known for her quick wit and warm humor, Julie brings that same energy to raising her three sons: Oliver and twins John and Gustave. Recently, she sat down with Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager on TODAY With Hoda & Jenna to share some candid thoughts about parenting teenagers in today's wild world.
Parenting Teens: It's All About Perspective
On Thursday, September 12, Julie Bowen joined Hoda and Jenna to dish on what it's like navigating the ups and downs of raising teens in 2024. With her signature charm, Julie opened up about watching her boys grow into their own personalities over the years. "They're constantly evolving," she said, laughing. "And yes, they all have those 'stupid haircuts.' But hey, bless them—I love my kids."
Stylin' or Strugglin'? The World of Teen Haircuts
When asked by Hoda and Jenna to describe her boys' haircuts, Julie didn't hold back. "Oh, there's the flohawk, the jiffy pop, and the alpaca," she joked, gesturing wildly with her hands. Jenna, clearly amused, chimed in, "I love that you named them all!" Julie laughed and replied, "Well, how else am I supposed to keep track? They’re all so creative with their looks these days!"
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At 54 years old, Julie approaches parenting with a mix of humor and patience. She explained that while she finds her kids' hairstyles hilarious, she tries not to let it bother her too much. "You know, they're just figuring out who they are. And honestly, their confidence is more important than whether their hair looks perfect."
Parenting Across Coasts: Staying Connected Through Snapchat
Since Julie has been working on the East Coast, staying connected with her boys in Los Angeles has become a bit of a challenge. But thanks to technology, she's found creative ways to bridge the gap. "Snapchat is basically my lifeline," she admitted. "I see everything from their weird poses to their daily shenanigans. Sometimes I just shake my head and laugh. Other times, I'm like, 'What are you even doing?'"
This isn't the first time Julie has talked about her boys' love for Snapchat. In a November 2023 interview with TODAY.com, she joked about using the app as a parenting tool. "I always ask them, 'Who got in trouble at school today?' That's my go-to question," she revealed. "But deep down, I really want to know who they're snapping with and who they like. You can't just ask that outright, though. You've got to normalize it. All kids get into trouble sometimes—it's part of growing up."
Embracing 'Good Enough' Parenting
Julie also discussed the concept of "good enough" parenting, a philosophy she's embraced wholeheartedly. "When I first started having kids, I thought I had to be perfect," she confessed. "But now I realize that just keeping them alive, fed, and healthy is a huge win. Seriously, we need to give ourselves more credit for that."
She went on to joke about the pressures parents often put on themselves. "Instead of celebrating the fact that your kid survived another day, we're worried about why they didn't get an A+ or why they're dressed like a crazy person. Let's focus on the big picture here!"
Learning to Let Go: Advice from Her Sister
Julie admitted that her sister played a key role in helping her shift her perspective on parenting. "There was a time when I was miserable about how selfish teenagers can be," she recalled. "They'd make last-minute plans and I'd get upset. 'How do you think you're getting there?' 'Who's paying for it?' 'How is this magically happening?' I felt like I was just an ATM or an Uber driver."
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But then her sister gave her some advice that changed everything. "'It sounds like you're expecting your kids to meet your emotional needs,'" Julie remembered her saying. "And she was right. I just wanted them to acknowledge that I was human. But kids don't see us as humans—they see us as parents. And sometimes, that's okay."
