Jennifer Lopez Admits Mom Guilt While Raising Her Twins: “I Should Have Been Around More”

Jennifer Lopez might be a global superstar, but when it comes to motherhood, she shares the same struggles many working moms face. As she gears up for her Up All Night Tour, the 55-year-old opened up to Spanish outlet El País about the guilt she felt while raising her twins, Emme and Max, now 17.

“I was a working mom when they were little,” Jennifer said. “They probably didn’t get as much of me as they wanted, right?” It’s a feeling that echoed with moms everywhere — the constant push and pull between chasing your dreams and being there for your kids. 

As Jennifer explained, “Because when you’re a working mom — and so many working moms out there know this — you always have that guilt. ‘I should have been around more. I shouldn’t have left at all. I should’ve just stayed home.’ But they got the experience that they got. And you always do your best as a mom.”

Looking back, Jennifer doesn’t just see the guilt — she also sees the beauty. “Looking back on it, it was an amazing experience. And I was glad that I was able to take them around the world. They were on tour with me. They would go to American Idol with me,” she shared.

Her kids, born into a whirlwind of bright lights and global tours, got a front-row seat to their mom’s journey.

Now, as teenagers, Max and Emme are stepping into their own spotlight. Just this March, Jennifer was seen out with Emme at the star-studded opening night of Othello, featuring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, at New York’s Barrymore Theatre. The duo turned heads in stylish matching dark outfits. Jennifer wore a shimmering navy two-piece set from Zuhair Murad with a dramatic black fur coat, while Emme rocked a bold pinstriped suit, printed tie, and chunky loafers.

Earlier this year, Jennifer celebrated a major mom milestone: her twins turning 17. She posted a touching video tribute on Instagram that gave fans a peek into her journey as a mother. The montage featured sweet family moments — from posing on a tire swing and backstage hugs to cozy restaurant selfies.

“Seventeen. I love you beyond forever 🥥🥥,” she wrote in the caption, using the twin coconut emojis she often associates with her kids.