Bethenny Frankel revealed that for almost ten years, she devoted herself to shielding her daughter from the intense emotional turbulence of her long and exhausting divorce proceedings. Speaking candidly during her appearance on Wednesday’s episode of the popular podcast “Call Her Daddy,” she reflected on how her near-decade-long split from her second husband, Jason Hoppy, was marked by extraordinary levels of conflict and distress—so overwhelming, in fact, that she described it as even more chaotic than her extremely troubled upbringing.
Frankel, with striking transparency, recalled moments from her early life that many would find almost unimaginable. She shared that she had witnessed her mother’s darkest moments, including self-harm and emotional breakdowns. Her youth was marked by scenes of violence, instability, and danger: following her mother in desperate attempts to stop her self-destructive behavior, being surrounded by unsettling environments that included firearms and underworld figures, and seeing physical abuse play out before her eyes. Yet, despite having endured such traumatic experiences in childhood, Frankel confessed to host Alex Cooper that nothing she had previously endured could compare to the emotional and psychological strain of her prolonged divorce battle. It consumed her life for years on end and tested both her resilience and sense of hope.
The reality television personality, widely known for her role on *The Real Housewives of New York City*, married businessman Jason Hoppy in 2010, and together they welcomed their daughter, Bryn, not long after their nuptials. However, their family life unraveled quickly, and they publicly announced their separation in 2012. What followed was nearly a decade of protracted legal and emotional turmoil before the divorce was officially finalized in 2021. Reflecting on that period, Frankel described it as a relentless fight that drained her emotionally and physically. She admitted that the stress took a toll on her body—at one point, she noticed her hair falling out from the overwhelming tension. She even acknowledged moments when she doubted whether she could survive the ordeal, confessing that it was her daughter’s wellbeing alone that gave her the strength to keep moving forward. For a long time, she believed she might never find happiness again.
Despite the magnitude of her suffering, Frankel made a conscious decision to protect her daughter from the bitter aspects of the separation. She emphasized that, even at her lowest points, she never spoke negatively about her ex-husband in front of their child. Although Bryn could likely sense the undercurrent of emotional strain—what Frankel described as an “energetic” awareness—her mother worked tirelessly to ensure that the child’s direct experience remained as sheltered as possible. Frankel later realized that this emotional tension surfaced unexpectedly during the pandemic, when Bryn, then eleven years old, began processing more of what had happened around her.
Through that painful experience, Frankel said she gained insights that she believes are invaluable for all parents navigating divorce, especially those with young children. She stressed that divorce is not a brief episode but rather a long and winding journey during which children eventually become aware of the truth on their own. Therefore, she explained, parents do not need to verbalize the negativity, justify their actions, or attempt to win their children’s allegiance. In her view, one of the worst mistakes a parent can make is to speak ill of the other parent, as doing so can deeply wound a child and distort their sense of security and love. Frankel believes that maintaining a neutral, respectful stance is an essential act of protection during a child’s most formative years.
Instead of allowing bitterness to define her parenting, Frankel prioritized emotional health and open communication within her home. She said that therapy plays a significant role in their family dynamic, offering both her and her daughter the tools to navigate complex feelings constructively. Through that process, she has watched Bryn grow into what she proudly describes as a joyful, well-adjusted, and compassionate young person—a reflection, she believes, of the mindful choices she made as a mother even in her darkest days.
Frankel’s reflections resonate with a broader trend among high-profile parents who have publicly addressed the importance of maintaining respect and emotional balance after separation. In a 2023 interview with *Stellar Magazine*, actress Jennifer Garner revealed that she intentionally avoids reading or engaging with any press coverage involving herself or her ex-husband, actor Ben Affleck. She explained that keeping such information out of sight helps protect her peace of mind and prevents unnecessary emotional distress, even when the attention seems positive. Similarly, in an October 2023 conversation with *Bustle*, Gwyneth Paltrow described how she and her former husband, musician Chris Martin, made a deliberate effort to ensure their children did not experience their divorce as a traumatic rupture. They were determined, she said, to keep their children from feeling caught between parents or exposed to criticism directed from one parent toward the other.
Together, these accounts underscore a shared philosophy among parents who have endured public and personal separations: that emotional maturity, restraint, and prioritizing a child’s sense of safety are paramount. Frankel’s story, in particular, illustrates how courage, self-awareness, and compassion can transform even the most painful chapters of life into powerful lessons in resilience and unconditional love.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/bethenny-frankel-divorce-parenting-rule-kids-rhony-2025-12
