‘Am I enough?’: Jennifer Lopez reflects on raising twins and the realities of being a single mom
Jennifer Lopez has a way of taking on roles that don’t just entertain—they resonate. Her latest film, Unstoppable, feels especially personal. In a candid new interview with Entertainment Weekly, the actress, singer, and mom of two opens up about her emotional connection to Judy Robles, the mother of real-life wrestling champion Anthony Robles, who she portrays in the film.
“I’ve been a single mom at times in my life, and [I’ve asked,] ‘Am I enough for them?’” Lopez admitted, reflecting on her journey raising her 16-year-old twins, Max and Emme.
Haven’t we all had those nights where we lie awake, worrying if we’re enough for our kids? Lopez reminds us that love and showing up are what truly matter, even on the hard days.
Parenting is no easy feat, and Lopez has navigated its highs and lows with the added challenges of a high-profile career and personal heartbreaks. For her, Unstoppable was more than just a role—it was an opportunity to deepen her understanding of a mother’s resilience. In the film, Judy Robles is a single mom battling an abusive relationship while fiercely supporting her son’s dreams.
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“There was a lot about her that I understood,” Lopez shared. “With those types of people, there’s a part of them that fools you into thinking that they care about you and that they truly love you—and it’s really about their damage that they’re putting onto you.”
Lopez’s reflections on motherhood extend beyond her twins. Her recent divorce from Ben Affleck, finalized earlier this year after two years of marriage, was another chapter in her story of resilience.
In a 2022 Vogue interview, Lopez spoke about her efforts to co-parent and blend their families. “What I hope to cultivate with our family is that his kids have a new ally in me, and my kids have a new ally in him,” she said at the time. Lopez’s words highlight the care and thought she put into building bonds with Affleck’s three children and ensuring her own twins felt supported through the changes in their family.
Earlier this year, Lopez celebrated Max and Emme’s Sweet 16 with an unforgettable trip to Japan. In a heartfelt Instagram video marking the occasion, she included the message: “HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY COCONUTS, I love you.”
The twins, now teenagers, are growing into their own unique identities. Emme, who uses gender-neutral pronouns, has showcased their musical talent by performing alongside Lopez at major events, including the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show. Max, on the other hand, has displayed his social consciousness, encouraging his mom to attend a Black Lives Matter protest and even helping to make the signs.
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Moments like these remind us that it’s not about being a perfect parent; it’s about showing up. Through the ups and downs of parenting, Lopez’s experiences—both as a mother and as an artist—offer a powerful takeaway for all parents. “You hear it in Anthony’s voice, and look what he’s been able to accomplish,” she said, referring to her Unstoppable character’s son. “That’s what the movie gave me: You are enough.”
Lopez’s reflections on motherhood remind us that even the most iconic superstars grapple with the universal questions of parenthood. Am I doing enough? Am I enough? But her answer is one that every mom needs to hear: “All you need is really one good parent to love you.”
