Kelly Ripa recently shared her concerns about her youngest son, Joaquin, as he navigates college life far from home.
Despite her pride in his accomplishments and independence, Ripa admitted that her motherly instincts have been on high alert, especially after receiving two separate calls from the hospital within just two weeks of each other.
Joaquin, who has been attending the University of Michigan and balancing his academic pursuits with his passion for wrestling, has encountered a few challenges that have left Ripa feeling worried about his well-being and safety.
In a candid moment, Ripa opened up about her initial fears when Joaquin first left for school, revealing that, like many parents, she has struggled with letting go and allowing him to face difficulties on his own.
She confessed that the recent hospital calls stirred her protective instincts, making her second-guess the decision to have him so far away.
Although she refrained from sharing all the details, Ripa hinted that Joaquin’s injuries, though not severe, were enough to make her consider asking her husband, Mark Consuelos, to bring him home immediately.
The experience has been a difficult one for Ripa, as she grapples with balancing her desire to protect Joaquin with her knowledge that he is in the process of growing and learning through these challenges. Her maternal impulse, she shared, is to step in and make sure he’s safe, but she knows that part of parenting is allowing her children to experience their own journeys—even if it means watching from afar as they learn to handle life’s hurdles. Ripa admitted that, in these moments, she’s had to lean on her husband, who, she said, helps provide perspective and remind her that Joaquin is surrounded by a supportive team and medical staff who are well-equipped to take care of him.
Reflecting on how parenting changes over time, Ripa acknowledged that, while she has navigated similar worries with her older children, this feels different because Joaquin is her youngest and has faced unique challenges. With a laugh, she joked that she’s “just one more call away from driving out there herself,” emphasizing her motherly love and lighthearted humor despite her worries.
Ripa’s openness about her parental concerns struck a chord with many parents, who appreciated her vulnerability and honesty about the mixed emotions that come with letting children grow up and face the world on their own. As she continues to adjust to her new role in Joaquin’s life from a distance, Ripa remains hopeful, sharing that she knows he is resilient, and that these challenges are ultimately helping him build strength and independence. Her heartfelt reflections offer a relatable glimpse into the evolving journey of motherhood.
