Kailyn (Kail) Lowry's Twitter bio says it all: She's a single mom of three kids, an NY Times best-selling author, co-host of an AMAZING podcast called "Coffee Convos", and a DSU graduate, not to mention she's one hell of a mom with a bad ass personality.
Kail first began on the MTV show "16 & Pregnant" and soon after became one of the moms on "Teen Mom 2". We've seen the happy moments, the sad moments, and all the moments in between, but what does she have to say about being in the spotlight and raising her children?
Q: What's harder and why: being a single mom or a reality star?
Kail: I don’t think you can compare the two. They can be equally hard for completely different reasons, but being a single mom is day in and day out. With reality TV, there are days off.
Q: What's it like raising not only one but three children in the spotlight? Does it phase them?
Kail: You know what, I just talked about this the other day. It’s kind of crazy... a lot of reality tv people can relate to the chaos of filming and being in the spotlight but what’s unique to us is ours is directly focused on being in relationships and with that, parenting, so it can be really hard to continuously put myself out there when so many people are criticizing us as not just people, but parents.
I think as the kids get older, they become more aware of their surroundings and so it started to phase them. We are at the point where I will ask them if they want to film and if they say no, then they don’t film that day.
Q: Do you have any advice for any single moms who are trying to get through college themselves?
Kail: Take your time, but do not give up. There is light at the end of the tunnel. It took me almost 7 years to complete a 4-year degree, but I know that the end result is that I will be that much closer (I hope) to better job opportunities. If this means one class at a time, that’s OK.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years or where do you want to be in 5 years?
Kail: I’ve had a change of heart and I’m actually going back to school, so I hope I’m working in my field, potentially out of the spotlight. I want to continue raising my babies and hopefully taking them to travel with me as often as possible.
Q: Is it hard being in the spotlight practically 24/7?
Kail: It can be really hard sometimes. People really think they know us based on what they see, which sometimes is great because they’re able to connect but then there are people who genuinely see us as characters and not real people and they don’t allow us room to make mistakes. We are already so hard on ourselves that having those few trolls can make it even harder.
Q: How do you deal with the constant hate from people? Does it ever get to you?
Kail: Oh my gosh, does it. I try my best to let it go in one ear and out the other or just not read it but I’m always stuck between a rock and a hard place. Do I address the rumors and the hate to clear it up? Or do I ignore them to avoid possibly bringing more attention to it?! It sucks sometimes!
Q: What's the reasoning behind writing your newest book "A Letter Of Love"?
Kail: Honestly, it started as a letter to Lux, an apology for what I brought him into. I’m still struggling with the whole thing and I just wanted him to know that I’m doing my best and I am learning from my mistakes and hopefully what I had to say would eventually help him in a later situation and the same goes for all my boys. I’ve learned so much up to this point so maybe I can help give them a different perspective on things.
I can genuinely say that I give so much respect to Kail because she has truly been put through hell and back. Although I don't know her on a personal level, I have followed her story for years and I love seeing her succeed. She has changed SO much in the best of ways since I saw her episode on "16 & Pregnant" and I can't wait to see what she does next.
Preorder Kail's newest book "A Letter of Love" here and listen to her podcast "Coffee Convos" with Lindsie Chrisley here and be sure to keep up with her on social media to see what she'll be up to next.
