***** I understand what you're saying; but I don't think Tamar, or other mothers, mean that you should have kids even if you just don't want them just because you should. In that situation, I agree with you; the responsible thing is to do what's best for you. I think she's trying to say don't deny yourself the blessing of children because you're scared of what "might be," or scared you won't be as great a mother as you want to be. It's like not going to a job interview for fear that you won't get it. (I know a child is a COMPLETELY different situation, but that's the best example I could think of quickly, LOL)
+ReneeOfSunshine. You made an excellent comment that I forgot to mention! Jeannie's dad is an honorable man and good father. He really is a REAL man. I am so glad that you mentioned him.
Yes! That was earth shattering in its impact. DATELINE and OPRAH dropped the ball on that one! As soon as this show hit the scene the network news journalists should have been sitting each one down and getting their story so that we could have heard it from their network first. Could have been huge for an aspiring journalist. They were sleeping on the job. I would like to see an in depth interview with each of the ladies to hear their full story.
Omg jeannie's story shredded my heart to pieces. I've never ever been touched by any story like this. Thank you so much Loni for turning that around and making it positive.
Tamar missed the point. Jeannie was trying to say (with out actually saying it) that Tamar and Tamera are the two on the panel that most financially stable. So, yes, she is still figuring things out, but college tuition, private school, and health care aren't something that keeps the up at not; rather they do right by their money or not, at least they have it. Lonnie is from the projects, Adrienne is from the Bronx, and Jeannie is from the Bay. They are the bread winners in their families. It's hard when everyone is depending on you. I think Tamera understood more so than Tamar, but I'll give credit and say Tamar tried.
Jeanie is really strong! You see her everyday all happy with the biggest smile on her face. Like Tamar she walks around like everything is fine when it's not always like that but she don't want to ruin someone else happiness. And that is something I can take from her. So thank you Jeanie for that.
umou ceesay I've made no secret of what I think of Jeannie but I can give it up when deserved. ;) I'm glad she shared this and I'll never forget it. I have immigrant parents too so this story is near and dear to my heart.
The story about her dad saying he's not hungry and saying he ate so his kids could be full and then having to pick through trash, it just gives you chills
OMG this story just shredded my heart. Has anyone else seen that video of the Asian dad who keeps lying to his daughter about things until she starts to realize what's really happening? This story reminds me of that video and it tore my heart apart.
arghhhhh this is why love Jeannie (and people like her) who walk around always happy, getting on with life, rarely complain, just fun sunshiney people...then you hear their story and it shows you how strong they are. Personally, it means a lot that there are people in the world like her who spread joy despite their pain instead of negativity. I respect her so much.
everyone has an opinion and a right to say so and it's just their pride and joy of stuff because I'm going to want to have a family or settle down with somebody and it's not always negativity all the time when I quote something on my account is just being honest or being truthful everybody has their opinion specially me and I know it's a hard will factor for a facts of life because someone wants have a family and it responds with I just don't want that and I know I'm not always thinking of myself but everybody is thinking of thereself the part where they want so I have rights as much as one of whatever I want to it's not being strong are being rape it just being a regular citizen a person as well being in this life cuz it's not always have to be strong or be a control of towards someone and keep it real yes but I think it's the show is a show and this is a reality but it's just kind of feel like what someone is battling depression or when they're up and down and you I have anxiety and depression is different cuz it relates is not the same so not all of them are going to be so strong about everything else and it's my account so my opinion it's just me being realistic on my RU-vid account I just don't want I have a child and I'm not stopping for someone who wants that and of course they use a family by Santa's on there because I'm a woman on here I think it's so easy for a guide for not to have one more glass on a gal I know okay Samantha's leave again how he does have a whole bunch of child support to support a person I like the court myself and not be a lie on somebody in a relationship level is it doesn't always work that way and reality of the world because hebra how perfectly it is as not always going to be perfectly strong or not that person eventually going to leave someone so commitment is not always realistically a real life back in those days. so can always keep somebody because they have a family or a kid so the reality is I just don't want to jump into things cuz everyone else is doing it I make that decision myself I know something here is just wants to be liked by everyone else because they have that I don't care to be liked or being noticed or you know that's okay the think of yourself cuz the treasure might bring that person down can't lie on everybody sometimes you need to focus on yourself it's just real life this is a showI do like the other side better but not being pressured to have the kid cut someone has a coton planned I don't want to speculate everyone to be like me I expect to be myself and that person be theirs on well-being of their selves cuz everyone else is thinking of their self why they're having that and crushing other ones how they live their life on there phone service and texting messages and posting something on their account it doesn't feel like it's their account when everyone else's opinion is controlling and it doesn't make them stronger it's all about controlling someone so I don't like to be control of the society so I will do what I like as a person for myselfwhoever wants a have a family or a kid that's just fine I'm not rich ready for that responsibility because it's my decision and it doesn't make someone a better person when someone did a kid with his own plan I think I'm making this plan for myself I do not have to have one because everyone else is doing it I made that decision myself 🎂🍬🍭🍬
As the child of African immigrants, I can totally 100% relate to Jeanie's story. And I can relate to that pressure, the pressure we feel to give back to our parents and take care of them as adults...if we fail, it's as if we're wasting all of the sacrifices they made to give us a better life.
Same here...my parents also immigrated from West Africa. I've seen both of my parents struggle and work several jobs at a time to make ends meet. There were many nights I cried myself asleep because I hated seeing my parents suffer. For the longest time, I also didn't want children because I didn't want them to have to want for anything and have to face hardships like my parents, my siblings, and myself. Now that I'm older and wiser, I would love to start a family, but only after I am financially and emotionally stable enough to take on that responsibility as well as take care of my parents.
I feel the same exact way! We immigrated as well and I too have seen struggle after struggle. It always motivated me to stay on top of my studies and has even played a factor in my pursuit of law degree. It's like every decision I make centers around provision and always worrying about my family. I don't want them to have to struggle anymore. I also fear having children. I remember when I was younger I always wanted a huge family but as of lately 2 kids tops IF that. lol. I just pray that I'll get to a point where I don't have to worry about their well-being.
I as a hispanic of immigrant parents I feel you the same pressure to give back to those warriors we call parents I'm such a loving person i just want to hug you ladies blessings to each one of you 😘
Gossiptgirl aren't you in Hogwarts though??? In all seriousness though, you just try your best and one way or another your parents will be proud of you
Jeannie's story is very near and dear to me. My dad was laid off multiple times before I was born, and I never knew until I interviewed him for a social studies project in 9th grade. When I was younger my dad would always cook soup and fry fish for us, and being as young as I was, I never understood why my parents always let my sisters and me eat the meat off the fish while they took the bones for themselves. My mom would say that she likes chewing on bones but as I grew older, I realized my parents always put their children's needs first, and they would never show how much they struggled in front of their children. My dad used to literally eat rice with fridge water, so my sisters and me could enjoy the soup. I felt like my parents never cared for me growing up, but I grew to realize that, that's all they ever did. I always try to encourage children to respect their parents, because I don't have that chance with my deceased dad anymore
It's because of what Jeannie's father did for her, that made her who she is today. Jeannie's father made some huge sacrifices, and with every sacrifice joy comes afterwards. It's the struggles that makes the happy times worth it. My respect goes to Jeannie and her father and family.
Wow. There was always something about Jeannie that I liked. I always got the feeling under her "bubbly" personality was a strong, selfless woman with a huge heart. She is always thinking about her family and of others. That type of love for other people is few and far between. Thank you for being such a good example, Jeannie.
Hats off to Jeannie's dad. He sacrificed for his family, and hats of Jeannie for wanting to return the favor to her family! She honors her parents so much!
After hearing her story I have so much respect for her and I love her so much . May God always bless you and your family with joy good health and happiness .
As a child of immigrant parents, my heart went out to Jeannie. When i heard her story, i just could not stop crying. I know how tough it is to see your parents live in a country where they started out with nothing and have to raise their children at the same time. At one point there was a time where my dad had to work three jobs to support our family. I rarely saw him and when he was home, he would be sleeping because he was too tired. My dad didn't let me feel poor though. He didn't want me to feel like I had less than everyone else, even if it meant cutting some of his own needs to provide for me. Thank you so much for sharing your story Jeannie and letting people know the reality of immigrant families.
Every time I watch this it just makes me cry, like tears just flowing down my cheeks. The amount of love and sacrifice that goes into being an amazing parent just gets to me. Jeannie should look at that situation as an example of a real man, a great father/dad doing what he had to do for his children, especially when so many people aren't blessed with an amazing father like that. #fathergoals #fatheroftheyear
my parents say the same thing when they bring home food "you guys eat as much as you want we will eat what ever is left." but we would always save more than enough for them because we went through a time in our life when we ate uncooked popcorn probably 3-4 times a week as food. i remember my parents eating just rice and soup for dinner. Now that me and my siblings all have jobs now, we all chip in for the rent, the electricity, and the phone bills. my parents just basically work for money that they can spend on whatever they want and food for themselves. me and my siblings buy our own food. i love my parents to death because of what they had to do for us and i can't thank them enough for it. it would take me two lifetimes.
Jeannie made me cry... her father did what he had to do for his family and that's what a real father does. I went through a lot of hard times growing up too. My mom and dad had five of us and a cousin that lived with us as well. My youngest brother has cerebral palsy so my mom was unable to work and my dad wasn't making much at his job but both my parents made sure we ate every single day. Some days less than others. Some days they didn't even eat. I understand why Jeannie works so hard to help her family because I do the same for mine. Now that I have a daughter I work twice as hard. Sorry my comment was so long but this segment just brought back so many memories for me :'( Thanks to Jeannie for sharing that!
cooks noyl Jeannie uses her personality to be a positive and happy person for others. I think she looks the opposite when she gets deep, heavy, and somewhat depressive with others. She doesn't want to show or give off a sad or serious vibe that could bring others down.
Asians are family oriented. Jeannie's parents sacrificed a lot of her and in return she is now taking care of them, so much it gets in the way of her marriage since her husband is not Asian, so it's hard for him to understand. The same thing is happening to my sister and her Caucasian husband.
It’s the same way with Brazilian families. Much so that you don’t leave your parents’ house until you are married, living with your boyfriend/girlfriend, or going to college in another town. Of course you get a job as soon as the law allows you to do so, so that you can help with the bills, and also tale care of the house. But you never leave your parents to age in the dust by themselves.
Oh darn it, these tears won't stop. She has such a big heart, I am sure she spoils her parents like crazy. Wow! I feel so grateful for my parents now, who knows what they had to sacrifice for me.
Jeannie's dad is a true example as a provider for a family. As a kid, I had a lot of friends who's dads would go to a bar for dinnertime and the mother would have to cook or take to a drive thru, he put his family first and himself second, she must have so much love and care for him
This is sad. No one truly knows what a person has been through or is going through. Just because you see a big smile on their faces everyday, some people are in a lot of pain. I respect your dad Jeanie and I'm glad that now you are able to help in the best possible way, you should be proud of yourself.
I love Jeannie Mai, I gain more and more respect for her each show. I love the ladies of "The Real" for being real and not ashamed of who they are. Jeannie you would make a spectacular mother!!!
I can't believe they were not nominated for outstanding talk show hosts at the Emmys! All of these beautiful women have something that we can all relate too
Huge respect to her father for doing whatever he could to make sure he could provide for his family. I was getting a little teary eyed while hearing this.
Wow, this really touched me. Hearing about her dad and seeing her mum appear on the show it's crystal clear to me why she's such an incredible, beautiful, strong, independent and hard-working woman that she is today. Thanks for sharing Jeannie, very brave.
Watching Real Daytime for the first time, staying up til 4am and still going, I have to say these stories are just worth listening to :) I'm in love with the positivity on this show! I wish it aired in Sydney, Australia!! :) Jeannie's story made me cry xx
There goes my mascara while having lunch. Awwwe Jeannie we all shed a few tears when you told this story. Keep your chin up lady, your dad is a remarkable man, along with momma Mai.
I understand Jeanie's concerns or worries about having children. However, the child would depend on her and Freddie. not just her. I am sure her Mom and siblings would help as well. It takes a village to raise a child. When you let fear consume you, you worry and stress yourself out. I just hope she realize she has a great support system and don't put some much pressure on herself. It's okay to get help from others when you need it. I'm not just talking about having children but in anything she does. Sometimes in life, you have to reach out to others for help. Your not in this alone.
+jade basham I understand that but the way things are set up nowdays she might end up in a position when the child/children have just her to depend on, that is scary as well
Jeannie was so brave to share this story. She is so strong-minded and amazing. The Real is getting real real! Its amazing to see. Tamar is so kind a genuine too. I am glad to see Tamar and Jeannie getting closer!
I suspected fear to be behind Jeannie's reason for not wanting a to have children. And for the sake of peace in her heart, I pray that she will surrender that fear to God and give Him full control of her life: Marriage, career, family and all. But that story of the selfless acts of her father, oh my gosh, left me undone. Lord have mercy to hear about stories like this of the most beautiful people that God has ever put on this earth is........WOW! There are no words to describe. Jeannie is really a beautiful person. I believe she will make a good mother. She has so many great examples before her already. God's will for her in His perfect timing, may it be done.
I really cried :( ...it has happened to the best of us. I speak for myself about the recession that those were some hard times for a lot and for my fam. She is a strong woman, smart, and outgoing , and I admire her. That is why it is always good to have some education as a back up in case anything were to happen. Back up plans are always a must. Jeannie you are beautiful.
Dang her story just made me extra sad cause I know my pops would've never done that for my family, oh well. Imma continue to grind & support my mother tho 😴
It takes a lot of strength in character to do what Jeannie's father did. Do not feel sad, instead YOU be the force of light and goodness in your family.
Uggghh just hearing Jeanie's story really hurt my heart. Parenting is a tough job and Lonnie is right, her father was a real man and a real provider. It hurts to hear people struggle so much just to get by in life. It great that she could be a blessing to her parents, though, and that she learned great work ethic. A lot of people lack that these days.
Wow, Jeannie has such an interesting life. I love hearing her stories, it's so cool learning from people like her and getting to understand the different struggles people face.
Jeannie's father could have left his family out of fear and resentment. I don't know him but I love and respect him and any other man that will sacrifice for their families!
Sad story but definitely inspiring because you just never know what a person have gone through to get to where they are today. I damn near cried but I'm in class so I had to hold it back ❤
This is the most touching video I've seen in a long time. May God continue to bless you and your family. Thank you Jeannie for sharing such a deep and real memory.
I think on this show, I can relate to Jeannie the most. I come from a very poor family and that motivates me to work hard in college so that one day I can provide for my siblings and I'm also someone they can look up to. Thank you Jeannie for sharing your story !!
One of the most needed REAL Talks I've listened to. I'm so afraid of failing that I hold back. And to see people like Jeannie Mai, who is 10x more successful, have the same fears as me makes me realize that everyone has these fears and we shouldn't let that stand in our way of what we are meant to be. If Jeannie ever has a child, I hope she's the best mom she can be.
As a child of two asian immigrants, I relate to Jeanie so much. My parents left everything in our country so that I can have a better future. My parents' families were very poor and they both worked their butts off to become doctors so they can take care of their families. But they gave up everything to move to north america. We didn't know anyone here and they can't practise here. I remember that my dad had to work as a security guard and a waiter to make ends meet. Never once complained. They gave up their amazing jobs for that. I admire them so much.
Growth! Yessss to Jeanie, taking that leap of faith. Overcoming fear and becoming a mother. Love watching these old episodes and seeing how much everyone has evolved. Respect!
