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Chatting with Jenna Flannigan by Home Insemination Kit
Updated: Dec. 2, 2016
Originally Published: June 20, 2013
Several months ago, bestselling author Jenna Flannigan, known for her works like Please Excuse My Daughter, You Had Me At Woof, Love At First Bark, and Friendkeeping, graciously interviewed me to promote my book, Motherhood Comes Naturally. I wanted to show my gratitude for her time by—wait for it—not posting the interview right away. I know, I’m amazing! Anyway, better late than never, here’s our delightful conversation. And seriously, do yourself a favor and check out her books—they’re fantastic, and I could use a little more of that timely magic in my life!
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Your new book is hilarious, and I love how the chapters are structured around common lies. One that resonated with me was “You Are Your Own Harshest Critic.” Which lie did you come up with first?
That one was a breeze to write. Just last week, my son Max told a particularly snotty little Ben that he was the grossest thing he’d ever seen—and trust me, he’s seen his mom NAKED! But the lie that sparked it all was “It Gets Easier.” New moms often hear that while they’re overwhelmed, struggling, and feeling like they’ve been hit by a truck. But honestly, those early days of newborns who only need to be fed and changed? That’s about as easy as it gets. Sorry, new moms!
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I loved your humorous take on the holidays that compete with Mother’s Day. I was tickled to see that National Bologna Day falls right before my birthday (Erev Jenna’s Birthday). What are your plans for celebrating Hairstyle Appreciation Day?
Living in Baltimore, I think a classic bouffant is a must! It’s an underrated holiday that deserves way more love. Let’s bring it back in style!
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You’re known for your honesty in parenting. Have you ever had a “scary mommy” moment that felt too intense to write about?
Oh, I definitely get real in the book! I think the scariest feeling is when your child drives you so nuts that you feel like tossing them against the wall. Before becoming a mom, I could never have understood how you can love someone completely and yet feel so frustrated with them at the same time. I hesitated to include that chapter, but if I didn’t address those feelings, who would?
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One of my favorite moments as a mother is seeing someone I can judge. I once saw a mom giving her toddler sugar to keep him awake for a dinner party. What’s a smug moment you’ve experienced?
Oh, there was this mom in a grocery store at midnight with her hyper child sipping Coke. Why on earth is a kid awake at that hour—let alone with a soda? But a few months later, I found myself in a 24-hour pharmacy with my son, who had just been discharged from the ER for stomach pains. Turns out it was just gas, and the doctor suggested soda might help. So, there I was at 11:30 PM with a four-year-old and a Sprite! It definitely taught me to hold off on judgment, because I’m sure someone’s judging me right now.
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I actually think your book makes a perfect gift for those who have chosen not to have kids. What feedback have you received from that crowd?
Oh, they adore me! They see my books and blog as confirmation that they made the right choice. I also like to think it serves as a great form of birth control. If every teenager had access to this book, I’m pretty sure unplanned pregnancies would drop significantly!
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Recently, my daughter called me the worst mother ever for not letting her download an app that I’m fairly certain she already has. I used to think mothers who sell their kids for crack were the worst, but now I’m not so sure. Who do you think the worst mothers are?
Oh wow, I’m the worst mom? Because Lily just told me I was last night for not allowing her to go back to the mall for the third time this month! Honestly, the worst moms, according to kids, are probably the best ones—the ones who care that their children don’t look like tramps and actually get some fresh air now and then. But my kids have told me before that I “don’t understand ANYTHING,” so clearly, what do I know?
This article was originally published on June 20, 2013.
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Summary:
In this engaging chat, Jenna Flannigan shares her comedic take on motherhood, revealing the lie that inspired her latest book and discussing the joys and challenges of parenting. She emphasizes the importance of honesty in motherhood, reflects on moments of judgment, and provides a humorous perspective on how non-parents view her work.