Jennifer Lawrence has always been known for her authenticity, wit, and grounded personality, even while navigating the high-pressure world of Hollywood. Now, as a mother, she has added another role to her already impressive résumé — and it’s one she says has changed her perspective on life and career forever.
The Oscar-winning actress, best known for roles in The Hunger Games, Silver Linings Playbook, and Don’t Look Up, recently opened up about how becoming a parent has reshaped her priorities. Lawrence, who welcomed her first child with husband Cooke Maroney in early 2022, shared that motherhood has not only brought immense joy but also challenged her to find a balance between her professional ambitions and personal life.
A Shift in Priorities
In a candid interview, Lawrence admitted that her outlook on work has evolved since becoming a mother. She explained that before having a child, she often said yes to back-to-back projects, throwing herself entirely into acting. But now, her schedule is shaped as much by nap times and playdates as by script readings and film shoots.
“I used to work nonstop because I loved it,” she said. “Now, I still love my work, but my heart and mind are also somewhere else when I’m away from my child. I want to be there for every little milestone.”
This change in priorities doesn’t mean Lawrence is slowing down entirely. In fact, she’s still involved in major projects, but she’s more selective than ever. She says it’s about quality over quantity — and making sure that every job she takes is worth the time away from her family.
Support and Partnership
Balancing a demanding career with raising a child can be overwhelming, but Lawrence credits her strong support system for helping her manage it all. She praised her husband, art dealer Cooke Maroney, for being an equally involved and supportive partner.
She also acknowledged that having resources like flexible schedules and access to childcare has given her privileges that not all parents have — something she doesn’t take for granted.
Redefining Success
Lawrence says motherhood has also redefined what success means to her. Winning awards and starring in blockbuster films used to be the pinnacle of achievement in her mind, but now she measures success differently.
“Success for me now is being able to put my child to bed at night and feel like I’ve been present as a mom and still proud of the work I did that day,” she shared.
She admitted that there’s pressure in Hollywood for women to “bounce back” quickly after childbirth, but she’s learned to reject unrealistic expectations. For Lawrence, being kind to herself and taking time to adjust has been just as important as returning to work.
Lessons Learned
Reflecting on the journey so far, Lawrence said that motherhood has taught her patience, empathy, and the art of slowing down. She described moments of simply sitting on the floor and playing with her child as “the most grounding experiences” of her life.
“I’ve learned to live in the present more,” she said. “Hollywood is always about what’s next — the next role, the next premiere — but kids force you to focus on the now.”
Looking Ahead
As for the future, Lawrence remains committed to acting, but she’s equally committed to protecting her family’s privacy. She has always been vocal about keeping her child out of the public eye, and she plans to continue doing so.
“There’s so much pressure on women to prove they can do it all, but I’m learning that you can define ‘all’ in your own way,” Lawrence said.
Fans can expect to see her on-screen again soon, but it’s clear that Jennifer Lawrence is approaching her career with a fresh perspective — one that puts family at the heart of every decision.
Sources:
- Vanity Fair: Jennifer Lawrence on Motherhood and Career Choices (2023)
- Vogue: Jennifer Lawrence Talks Balancing Acting with Parenting (2023)
- People Magazine: Jennifer Lawrence Opens Up About Life as a Mom (2023)