Scarlett Johansson recently opened up about a heartfelt conversation with her 10-year-old daughter, Rose, regarding the sensitive topic of ghosting. During an appearance on Today With Jenna & Friends on January 23, the actress shared how she guided Rose through her first experience with a young admirer. Johansson explained that Rose had stopped talking to a boy who liked her, unintentionally leaving him feeling “terrible.”
“I introduced the ghosting concept,” Johansson said, emphasizing the emotional impact it can have on the person being ghosted. She explained to her daughter that while it may seem like an easy way to avoid confrontation, it often leaves the other person questioning themselves. “It kind of sets them on this spiral,” she added, highlighting the lasting emotional toll.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Johansson admitted that she, too, has ghosted people in the past, citing her dislike of confrontation as a driving factor. However, she also acknowledged the pain of being on the receiving end of ghosting, describing it as an experience that leaves you haunted with unanswered questions.
Encouraging Confrontation Over Avoidance
Johansson and co-host Jenna Bush Hager delved deeper into the importance of teaching children to confront difficult situations instead of avoiding them. Bush Hager, who shares three children with her husband Henry Hager, agreed that kids need to learn not to fear confrontation. “We do need to teach our kids not to be scared of confrontation,” she remarked.
However, Johansson humorously acknowledged the challenge of instilling this lesson when many adults themselves struggle with confrontation. “But how do we do that when we’re scared of confrontation?” she asked, to which Bush Hager jokingly suggested therapy as the solution. Their lighthearted banter included the idea of attending “couples therapy” together, showcasing their relatable struggles as parents navigating these complex lessons.
The conversation highlighted the necessity of open communication, not just for children but for adults as well. By modeling healthy conflict resolution, parents can equip their children with the tools to handle relationships maturely and empathetically.
A Proud Mother-Daughter Moment
Johansson’s guest-hosting stint on Jenna & Friends also offered a rare glimpse into her family life. During her time on the show, she shared how her daughter reacted to her on-screen debut. Rose, who tuned in to watch her mom, had glowing feedback—but not necessarily for Johansson. Instead, she was captivated by the performance of Broadway stars Jennifer Simard and Christopher Sieber, who sang a number from Death Becomes Her.
“My daughter watched the show. She’s 10 years old. She absolutely loved it,” Johansson said, adding that Rose was particularly impressed by Simard’s performance. However, Johansson joked that her daughter didn’t comment on her own role as guest host, focusing instead on the musical numbers. “My daughter… was blown away by the performances,” she said with a laugh.
Despite the lack of direct compliments from Rose, Johansson expressed how much she enjoyed the experience. “I was buzzing. I mean, it was just so fun, like, [an] absolute dream job,” she remarked, showing her enthusiasm for trying new ventures and sharing memorable moments with her family.
Balancing Stardom and Parenthood
Johansson, who shares Rose with her ex-husband Romain Dauriac and also has a 3-year-old son, Cosmo, with her current husband, Colin Jost, has always been private about her family life. However, her candid conversations on Jenna & Friends shed light on the relatable parenting challenges she faces, from navigating early crushes to finding ways to balance her career and family.
Through her reflections, Johansson has shown that even Hollywood stars grapple with everyday parenting dilemmas. Whether it’s teaching her daughter about empathy in relationships or celebrating small moments of connection, Johansson’s stories resonate with parents everywhere.
A Lesson in Growth and Communication
Johansson’s candid remarks about her daughter’s early experiences with relationships underscore the importance of open dialogue and teaching empathy. By introducing the concept of ghosting and encouraging her daughter to consider how her actions affect others, Johansson is fostering emotional intelligence and accountability.
Her conversation with Bush Hager also highlighted the universal struggle of handling confrontation, a skill that many adults continue to refine. Through humor and honesty, Johansson and Bush Hager offered insights into navigating the complexities of relationships, both for children and their parents.
As Johansson continues to embrace her role as a mother, her willingness to share these moments publicly provides a valuable reminder that parenting is a journey of learning and growth—for both children and their parents.
