Sheinelle Jones is opening up about the impact her words and habits can have on her daughter, Clara. On the July 15 episode of Today With Jenna & Sheinelle, the host said kids are listening closely when parents speak negatively about their bodies.
Jones, who shares son Kayin and twins Clara and Uche with her late husband Uche Ojeh, said Clara has picked up on her mannerisms. She added that the two even sometimes dress alike, which reminded her that children notice behavior even when no one says anything directly, according to E! News.
The 48-year-old said she wants to model the kind of self-respect she hopes Clara will carry forward. Jones explained that she does not want to criticize the body that has kept her healthy, and she wants her daughter to learn that message by example.
Jones and cohost Jenna Bush Hager also discussed the idea of being a “chooser,” a concept inspired by actress Tracee Ellis Ross. Bush Hager said that mindset can apply to more than relationships, including big decisions like school choices, and that it is important to teach girls early that they have agency.
Jones recently marked Clara and Uche’s 14th birthday with a tribute on Instagram, writing that their lives changed forever when they were born and reflecting on memories from their childhood. She also said her children will always be her babies.
