If you’ve ever tuned into the Bravo comedy Mommy Mayhem, you probably find yourself wishing Jenna Hartman was your mom bestie. Not only does she star in the series, but she also created it, drawing from her own experiences navigating the Upper East Side parenting scene and transforming it into relatable, laugh-out-loud entertainment.
With her new book, Sprinkle Confetti on My Grave: Observations, Rants, and Other Enlightening Thoughts About Life, hitting the shelves, we sat down with Jenna to chat about parenting advice, the perks of being in your forties, and the art of using your kids as a solid excuse to skip out on social obligations.
Everyone needs that brutally honest friend, right? It’s the perfect way to take the focus off their own parenting shortcomings for a minute.
So, Jenna, what’s the upside of being in your 40s?
Jenna: Honestly, you start to care a lot less about other people’s opinions. You become more aware of your own mortality, which makes you appreciate each day a bit more. Plus, you develop a pretty strong sense of self, which helps you navigate life with a more instinctual compass.
What advice would you offer to someone expecting their third child?
Jenna: Buckle up and invest in some help! I used to think I could handle it all myself, and trust me, I’d be a total mess if not for the help I got. Also, make sure to carve out alone time with your partner, because things get even crazier!
We know work/life balance is a myth. Got any tips for keeping both afloat?
Jenna: Couple getaways a couple of times a year are essential! You need to remind yourselves of life before the kids. And little surprises—notes or gifts for no reason—go a long way in keeping the spark alive.
What was your last “mommy meltdown”?
Jenna: Just a few minutes ago! I found myself yelling at the kids to stop fighting. Classic mom moment!
When was the last time you used your kids as an excuse to bail on something?
Jenna: Oh, just last night! One of the perks of being in my forties is not feeling obligated to go anywhere I don’t want to. I simply said I was staying home with the kids while I actually enjoyed a night out.
Have you ever been the couple that got uninvited?
Jenna: Absolutely! There have been times when our outspoken views on various topics led to us being dropped from invites, which honestly, was probably for the best. I usually complain on the ride home about how it was a mistake to attend in the first place.
What’s the least amount of sleep you can function on?
Jenna: Eight hours, please! Anything less and I’m a zombie.
What’s the biggest challenge of raising kids in New York City? And the best part?
The worst is the constant exposure to excess—kids talking about private jets, luxury homes, and all that flashy nonsense. But the best? If you embrace NYC as a third parent and explore all five boroughs, your kids will be so worldly and inspired by the diverse experiences available!
Lice or a stomach bug—what’s your preference?
Jenna: Lice, definitely! It’s annoying, but I’d take it over the chaos of throwing up and diarrhea any day.
How do you handle it when your kids say they hate you?
Jenna: I usually just brush it off. Later, when they say they love me, I’ll cheekily remind them, “Oh, I thought you said you hated me?” They always end up apologizing and giving me a hug.
For more insights from Jenna, don’t miss her book and if you haven’t started watching Mommy Mayhem, now’s the time!