Scarlett Johansson recently shared an insightful conversation she had with her 10-year-old daughter, Rose, about the emotional impact of ghosting. Appearing on Today With Jenna & Friends on January 23, the actress recounted how Rose unknowingly hurt a young admirer by abruptly cutting off communication, prompting a heartfelt discussion about kindness and consideration.
“I introduced her to the idea of ghosting,” Johansson revealed, explaining how avoiding difficult conversations can leave the other person feeling confused and hurt. “It kind of sets them on this spiral,” she added, emphasizing the emotional toll of unanswered questions.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Johansson admitted that she, too, had ghosted people in the past, largely out of discomfort with confrontation. However, she also recognized the pain of being ghosted herself, describing it as a lingering experience that leaves unresolved emotions behind.
Encouraging Healthy Communication Over Avoidance
During the discussion, Johansson and co-host Jenna Bush Hager explored the importance of teaching children to handle difficult conversations rather than avoiding them. Bush Hager, who has three children of her own, agreed that instilling confidence in young people to face confrontation is crucial.
“We need to teach our kids not to be afraid of confrontation,” Bush Hager remarked.
Johansson, however, humorously pointed out the irony of trying to pass on a skill that many adults still struggle with. “But how do we do that when we’re scared of confrontation ourselves?” she asked. In response, Bush Hager jokingly suggested therapy as the answer, sparking a lighthearted exchange between the two about attending “couples therapy” together.
Their conversation underscored the significance of open and honest communication, not only for children but also for adults. By modeling healthy conflict resolution, parents can equip their children with the tools they need to navigate relationships with empathy and maturity.
A Special Mother-Daughter Moment
Johansson also offered a rare glimpse into her family life during her guest-hosting stint. She shared how her daughter, Rose, had tuned in to watch her on Jenna & Friends—but instead of commenting on her mother’s role, she was mesmerized by Broadway stars Jennifer Simard and Christopher Sieber, who performed a number from Death Becomes Her.
“My daughter watched the show. She’s 10 years old. She absolutely loved it,” Johansson said. But instead of praising her mother’s guest-hosting skills, Rose was captivated by Simard’s performance. “She was completely blown away by the musical numbers,” Johansson laughed.
Despite the lack of direct compliments from her daughter, Johansson expressed how much she enjoyed the experience. “I was buzzing. I mean, it was just so fun—an absolute dream job,” she said, embracing the joy of new experiences and sharing special moments with her family.
Balancing Hollywood Stardom and Parenthood
Johansson, who shares Rose with ex-husband Romain Dauriac and also has a 3-year-old son, Cosmo, with her husband, Colin Jost, has always maintained a private approach to her family life. However, her candid stories on Jenna & Friends highlighted the relatable parenting challenges she faces—whether it’s helping her daughter navigate early relationships or juggling her career and motherhood.
Through her reflections, Johansson showed that even global celebrities encounter everyday parenting dilemmas. Whether guiding her daughter through social interactions or celebrating shared moments, she continues to embrace the journey of raising emotionally aware children.
A Lesson in Growth and Emotional Intelligence
Johansson’s conversation with her daughter about ghosting underscores the importance of instilling empathy and communication skills from an early age. By encouraging Rose to consider how her actions affect others, she is helping her develop emotional intelligence and accountability.
Her lighthearted exchange with Bush Hager also touched on a universal truth—handling confrontation is a skill that even adults struggle to master. Through humor and honesty, Johansson and Bush Hager highlighted the complexities of relationships and the lifelong journey of learning to communicate effectively.
As Johansson continues to embrace her role as both a mother and a public figure, her willingness to share these personal moments serves as a reminder that parenting is a continuous process of growth, learning, and connection.
