Jennie Garth has opened up about the profound personal transformation she experienced while navigating co-parenting with her ex-husband Peter Facinelli.
In a candid interview, the former "Beverly Hills, 90210" star explained that focusing on raising their three daughters—Luca, 28, Lola, 23, and Fiona, 19—required her to confront her own emotions and limitations head-on.
"In order to be the best co-parent I wanted to be, I had to really come to a reckoning inside myself of forgiveness, of acceptance," Garth revealed. "And it wasn't even forgiving or accepting of someone else—it was really forgiving and accepting myself through it all."
The actress, who recently published her memoir "I Choose Me," emphasized that this journey of self-compassion directly improved her parenting abilities. "That made me a better mom," she continued. "Definitely more present, more connected to what they are going through, instead of so much about what I'm going through."
Garth, now 54, reflected on how motherhood initially helped her navigate uncertain times in her life. She gave birth to her first daughter at 25, describing how caring for a newborn provided crucial focus during what she called "a wild time in my life where it was a lot of unknown feelings."
"I was able to take care of a baby and put all of my focus and energy on keeping her alive and happy and healthy," Garth explained. "And I think that was a big part of saving myself from myself."
Despite occasional parenting doubts, Garth finds validation in her daughters' continued closeness. "My doors are always open to my girls, and having them around me is just a constant proof of purchase," she shared. "Proof is in the pudding with these guys that I've done something right."
She also acknowledged the reciprocal nature of their relationship, noting, "My daughters are my greatest teachers. Just really accepting that and reminding myself that I don't have it all figured out. I'm still learning and growing, just like they are."
Garth will be sharing more about her personal growth journey at her upcoming I Choose Me Summit in Los Angeles.