Jenna Bush Hager Children: What Raising the Next Generation of Bushes Is Really Like

You’ve seen her on your TV screen every morning, laughing with Hoda Kotb (and now the new crew) and sharing those "oh my gosh" parenting moments that make her feel like your best friend rather than a former First Daughter. But behind the scenes of Today, Jenna Bush Hager is basically just a regular mom of three trying to survive the chaos of the tween and elementary school years. Honestly, if you think having a former president for a grandpa means these kids are perfectly polished all the time, you haven't been paying attention to Jenna’s hilarious on-air confessions.

The Hager household is a mix of high-energy antics, strict "no-tech" zones, and deep-seated family traditions. Jenna and her husband, Henry Hager, have been married since 2008, and their three kids—Mila, Poppy, and Hal—are growing up fast. In fact, as of early 2026, Mila is officially navigating the murky waters of middle school, and the family dynamic is shifting in ways that any parent of a pre-teen will recognize instantly.

The "Wolf Pack": Who’s Who in the Hager House

Jenna often refers to her kids as her "wolf pack." It’s a fitting name for a trio that seems to have inherited the famous Bush sense of humor and a certain level of "spirited" energy.

Margaret Laura "Mila" Hager

The firstborn, Mila, arrived on April 13, 2013. Now 12 years old, she’s named after her grandmothers, Margaret Hager and Laura Bush. Mila is the one who famously "spills the tea" when she visits her mom at work. Remember the time she told the whole world on live TV that Jenna doesn't wear underwear? Yeah, that happened.

Mila is currently in seventh grade. She’s transitioned into that stage where having Secret Service around is "a bit embarrassing," yet she’s still sweet enough to write heartfelt letters from summer camp to her younger siblings. Jenna has mentioned that Mila is the "empathetic" one, the leader of the group who keeps the younger two in check—mostly.

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Poppy Louise Hager

Named after her great-grandfather, George H.W. Bush (whose childhood nickname was Poppy), Poppy Louise was born on August 13, 2015. She’s 10 now and entering the fourth grade. If Mila is the leader, Poppy is the one keeping everyone on their toes.

Jenna recently revealed that she has a bit of a "spy" situation going on with Poppy; because of how their Apple IDs are linked, Jenna gets all of Poppy’s text messages and FaceTime calls on her own phone. Imagine being 10 and having your mom accidentally see every "lol" you send to your friends. It's a classic Hager-style tech fail.

Henry Harold "Hal" Hager

The "baby of the family" isn't such a baby anymore. Henry Harold, known as Hal, was born on August 2, 2019. He turned 6 last summer and just started kindergarten. He’s named after his dad and Jenna’s maternal grandfather, Harold Welch.

Hal is the only boy in a house full of strong women, and he seems to be leaning into his role as the "Hal Pal." He recently had a viral moment when Jenna told him he was "cut out of her tummy" (referring to her C-section), and he responded with pure, wide-eyed horror. Kids are so literal, right?

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Parenting Without the Pedestal

Jenna is remarkably open about the fact that she doesn't strive for perfection. "I find perfection to be wildly boring," she’s said more than once. That’s a refreshing take from someone who grew up in the literal White House.

When it comes to Jenna Bush Hager children, the rules are surprisingly grounded:

• The Tech Ban: Jenna is famously strict about screens. Her kids aren't scrolling TikTok all day. She’s mentioned that they don't use devices for anything other than schoolwork or education. In a world where every toddler has an iPad, this is a pretty bold move.
• Kindness Over Grades: She recently admitted on-air that she doesn't really care if her kids go to "good schools" or are number one in their class. Her primary goal? Raising kind humans.
• The Power of Reading: Given her "Read With Jenna" empire, it’s no surprise that her kids are big readers. Cuddling up under the covers with a book is a non-negotiable part of their routine.

Growing Up Bush-Hager in 2026

Life in 2026 looks a bit different for the Hagers. With Mila entering her teen years, Jenna has talked about the bittersweet feeling of giving her children independence. She recently shared that she’s learning to step back, acknowledging that she won't be part of all of Mila’s memories—and that’s how it should be.

It’s not all sunshine and boat days, though. Jenna has been honest about the "mom guilt" that comes with missing the first day of school because of her work schedule. She’s also shared the struggle of keeping her kids grounded while their "Gampy" and "Grammy" are former world leaders.

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The kids have a very close relationship with George W. and Laura Bush. During a recent birthday celebration for Laura, a photo surfaced of all three kids with their grandparents, and it was clear that Hal has inherited the "Bush eyes," while the girls have that distinct Laura Bush poise—at least until they start joking around.

Actionable Insights for Modern Parents

Watching Jenna navigate life with Mila, Poppy, and Hal offers some real-world lessons for the rest of us:

1. Embrace the "Messy" Conversations: Don't be afraid to let your kids see you're human. Jenna’s willingness to laugh at herself (and let her kids roast her) builds a bond of trust that is far more valuable than a "perfect" image.
2. Set "Analog" Boundaries: If you’re worried about screen time, take a page out of the Hager playbook. Limit devices to school-only use during the week and prioritize physical books or outdoor play.
3. Prioritize Presence Over Perfection: When you are with your kids, be 100% there. Jenna’s sister, Barbara, often leaves her phone in another room to ensure she’s "witnessing" her children’s lives. It’s a small habit with a huge payoff.
4. Teach Independence Early: Letting your kids go to camp or handle small responsibilities on their own helps them find their "internal compass." As Jenna says, you want them to be able to stand on their own two feet without looking to you for every answer.

Raising children in the spotlight is never easy, but the way Jenna Bush Hager handles her trio suggests that at the end of the day, it's the simple things—kindness, humor, and a really good book—that matter most.

To keep your family life as grounded as the Hagers, consider implementing a "tech-free" hour every evening where the only entertainment is conversation or a shared family activity. Focusing on building "kind kids" instead of "successful kids" can fundamentally shift the energy in your home from high-pressure to high-connection.