The Moms Behind the Icons
Lessons in Motherhood from the Mothers of Beyonce, Billie Eilish & Finneas, Selena Gomez, and Travis & Jason Kelce
You can view the full Glamour Interview Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26RnfVEkDrU
Motherhood is one of the most beautiful, challenging, and rewarding journeys a woman can experience. But what happens when your child isn’t just growing up—they’re growing up in front of the entire world? Recently, four incredible women—the mothers of Beyoncé, Billie Eilish and Finneas, Selena Gomez, and Travis Kelce—shared their personal reflections on motherhood in a way that deeply resonates with anyone who’s ever had the privilege of raising a child. Their insights are a powerful reminder that even the most famous faces are shaped by the love, values, and guidance of their moms.
In a time where there’s so much pressure on parents to do it all, and to do it perfectly, their words are a much-needed breath of fresh air. They offer a glimpse into what it takes to raise not only successful people but also kind, thoughtful, and independent individuals. Whether you’re a new mom, a seasoned parent, or even just curious about the wisdom behind the stars, there’s something valuable here for everyone.
Be a Good Person First: The Heart of Tina Knowles-Lawson’s Message
Tina Knowles-Lawson, Beyoncé’s mom, has always been a strong influence in her daughter's life, not only shaping her as an artist but, more importantly, as a person. One of the key takeaways from her reflection on motherhood is a simple yet profound lesson: “Be a good person. I’m most proud when they’re being a good person first.”
For Tina, success isn’t defined by the awards, accolades, or recognition her daughter has achieved—it’s about character. It’s about raising someone who treats others with respect and kindness, who leads with empathy. As moms, we often get caught up in wanting our kids to succeed in school, sports, or whatever their chosen passion may be. But Tina’s reminder grounds us: at the end of the day, being a good person is what matters most. It’s a trait that will carry our children far beyond their accomplishments.
She also shared how proud she feels when her children use their platforms to give back: “I’m most proud when they do something artful that also has a good repercussion on the world. When they’re teaching someone something, or doing charity work, I can’t stop smiling.” This sentiment highlights how we can encourage our children to not only follow their passions but also to use their gifts to make a positive impact on the world.
The Power of Boundaries: Maggie Baird on Protecting Mental Health
Maggie Baird, the mother of both Billie Eilish and Finneas, offered a perspective that many moms—especially those raising kids in today’s high-pressure, social-media-driven world—can relate to. Billie and Finneas became famous as teenagers, and the sudden thrust into the public eye created unique challenges for their family. Maggie shared: “Sometimes the best thing for them is everyone leaving them alone and giving them a break. You’ve gotta have some rails and not be afraid to have some people say, ‘This is the truth.’”
Her point about setting boundaries is crucial, especially in a time where kids are constantly connected to the world via their phones. Maggie’s message to other moms is clear: it’s okay to say no. It’s okay to protect your child’s mental health, even if it means pulling back from the pressures of the outside world. Parenting in the digital age is, as she described, an “experimental generation.” There are no easy answers, but her wisdom reminds us that we need to create space for our kids to disconnect, breathe, and just be themselves—away from the gaze of the world.
Standing Back and Letting Them Shine: Mandy Teefey on Watching Them Grow
For Mandy Teefey, Selena Gomez’s mom, motherhood has been a mix of awe, pride, and a little bit of nerves. As she watched her daughter grow into the incredible artist and philanthropist she is today, Mandy reflected: “We get to sit back and watch them turn into fabulous humans that give back. It’s all her—we just get to be part of the journey.”
This speaks to a universal experience for moms: the bittersweet realization that as our children grow, they become more independent. As much as we might want to hold on tightly, there’s something magical about stepping back and watching them soar on their own. Mandy’s words are a beautiful reminder that our role as mothers evolves over time. As our kids grow, so do we. We don’t stop being their biggest supporters, but we also learn to give them the space they need to carve their own paths.
Instilling a Strong Work Ethic: Donna Kelce on Grit and Determination
Donna Kelce, mom to NFL superstar Travis Kelce, knows a thing or two about raising resilient, hardworking kids. She shared how important it was for her to instill a strong work ethic in her children: “If you work hard and have a good work ethic, you can achieve anything you want.”
This is a lesson that resonates with so many of us. Whether your child wants to be a professional athlete, an artist, or simply pursue their passions, teaching them the value of hard work is key. But Donna’s words also suggest something deeper: that resilience is just as important as talent. We can’t always control what happens in life, but we can teach our kids how to keep going, how to push through challenges, and how to never give up on their dreams.
Finding Inspiration in Pop Culture: The Moms’ Favorite Depictions of Motherhood
The interview also touched on something fun and lighthearted—each mom shared her favorite depiction of motherhood in pop culture. From Claire Huxtable on The Cosby Show to America Ferrera’s character in Barbie, these fictional mothers have left an impact on how these women view their own parenting styles.
For Donna Kelce, Claire Huxtable was the gold standard: a successful lawyer, mother of five, and a loving wife. She could “do it all,” and that was the kind of mother Donna aspired to be. Meanwhile, Maggie Baird connected with characters like Julia in Barbie, women who were career-driven but still deeply invested in their children’s lives. These pop culture role models show us that there’s no one way to be a good mom, and that’s a powerful reminder for all of us.
Breaking Cycles and Healing: A Message of Generational Growth
One of the most profound themes that emerged from this conversation was the idea of generational growth and healing. Maggie Baird spoke about how each generation of mothers hopes their children will grow beyond them: “As you hope your children grow much farther than you and have better lives... that’s what we do. We stand in the gap for our kids.”
This theme of breaking cycles and creating something better for the next generation is so important. It reminds us that part of our job as moms is to heal, to grow, and to help our children rise beyond the struggles we’ve faced. We can model resilience, kindness, and strength in ways that help our kids move forward, knowing that they can achieve anything.
You can view the full Glamour Interview Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26RnfVEkDrU
