Mother's Day Issue
Jessica Seinfeld, Author & Good+ FounderGet to know a different side of Jessica Seinfeld, our #VBGIVESBACK woman. In addition to being founder and president of Good+Foundation, she’s also a hands-on mom to her three children with comedian Jerry Seinfeld. We sat down, one on one, and chatted about all things motherhood and—for the parents in the room—got her tips to inspire a love of giving back in our own children. To learn more about her philanthropic works and how her social worker mom was the motivation, click here.
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Jessica and Jerry Seinfeld with their children, Sascha, Julian and Shepherd, and their dachshunds
Q&A
What are your Mother's Day traditions?
Our traditions remain the same as when I was growing up—handmade cards and homemade brunch.
Our traditions remain the same as when I was growing up—handmade cards and homemade brunch.
Best Mother's Day gift given?
Years ago, I gave my mom a lemon tree that bears tons of fruit every year. It gives and gives and gives.
Years ago, I gave my mom a lemon tree that bears tons of fruit every year. It gives and gives and gives.
And the best one you received?
A few years ago my husband gave me a big brown box. Out of the box popped a kitten, whom I named Javier.
A few years ago my husband gave me a big brown box. Out of the box popped a kitten, whom I named Javier.
What's the best advice you received from your mom?
She taught me about the importance of lifelong friendships. She also taught by example, that having a pursuit you feel called to do never feels like work.
She taught me about the importance of lifelong friendships. She also taught by example, that having a pursuit you feel called to do never feels like work.
Favorite mother-daughter activity growing up?
My mom taught me how to cook and grocery shop efficiently.
My mom taught me how to cook and grocery shop efficiently.
What's family time like at your house now?
Having three teenagers, it takes effort to find things they want to do with their parents. They would rather be with their friends or on their phones, frankly. But we eat dinner together every night, and try to watch movies once a week. Monopoly and Scrabble are also in the mix.
Having three teenagers, it takes effort to find things they want to do with their parents. They would rather be with their friends or on their phones, frankly. But we eat dinner together every night, and try to watch movies once a week. Monopoly and Scrabble are also in the mix.
“Years ago, I gave my mom a lemon tree that bears tons of fruit every year. It gives and gives and gives.”
What's your morning mom routine?
I get the kids off to school, the animals fed, have coffee, shower and spend as little time as possible getting ready. The most exciting part of my wellness routine is lathering on oils and lotions—I am a scent freak. Then I walk or Citi Bike downtown to my office. I love having a long commute that forces me to walk for an hour—built-in fitness.
I get the kids off to school, the animals fed, have coffee, shower and spend as little time as possible getting ready. The most exciting part of my wellness routine is lathering on oils and lotions—I am a scent freak. Then I walk or Citi Bike downtown to my office. I love having a long commute that forces me to walk for an hour—built-in fitness.
What are your hacks to keeping work, family and personal ambition in balance and in check?
I am of the age where I am comfortable saying "no" to things, events or people that might throw off my balance. My battery gets charged by my family, my work at Good+Foundation and my friendships. I keep my focus on those three areas of great importance to me.
I am of the age where I am comfortable saying "no" to things, events or people that might throw off my balance. My battery gets charged by my family, my work at Good+Foundation and my friendships. I keep my focus on those three areas of great importance to me.
Your advice to encourage philanthropy and volunteerism in children?
I believe in modeling; I don't believe in nagging. I've found that, with my own kids, seeing me spend time working on behalf of the underserved has made them more compassionate, global citizens. I hope one day they dedicate their lives—whether in small ways or large—to public service.
I believe in modeling; I don't believe in nagging. I've found that, with my own kids, seeing me spend time working on behalf of the underserved has made them more compassionate, global citizens. I hope one day they dedicate their lives—whether in small ways or large—to public service.
Greatest lesson learned from being a mom…
Smile at your children every time they walk into the room.
Smile at your children every time they walk into the room.
