Jennifer Lawrence Reveals Why Motherhood Made Her Rethink Hollywood!

Jennifer Lawrence’s life took on a new dimension with the arrival of her son, Cy, in February 2022. The Oscar-winning actress, who had long been a major figure in Hollywood, has opened up about how motherhood has reshaped her world, influencing both her career choices and her approach to life.

In September 2021, PEOPLE confirmed that Lawrence and her husband, Cooke Maroney, were expecting their first child together. The couple, who married in October 2019, welcomed Cy the following February, and in the months after his birth, Lawrence made a conscious choice to shield her son from the public eye. However, in a 2022 Vogue interview, she confirmed Cy’s arrival and shared the meaning behind his name. Cy is named after Cy Twombly, the renowned American painter known for his abstract works. Twombly was one of Maroney’s favorite artists, and this artistic connection between father and son made the name choice even more special.

While motherhood has been a source of immense joy for Lawrence, she was candid about her initial worries. In a conversation with Vogue, she admitted she was nervous about whether she would love her son as much as her beloved cat, joking that she might only love him as much. “It’s so scary to talk about motherhood,” she said, reflecting on the anxiety many expectant mothers feel. “Fortunately, I have so many girlfriends who were honest… so I felt so prepared to be forgiving.” Lawrence’s humor and vulnerability shone through as she expressed that the love she feels for Cy has been life-changing. “I love you so much it’s impossible,” she said, encapsulating the deep, overwhelming bond she shares with her son.

Since Cy’s birth, Lawrence has taken a different approach to her career, prioritizing projects that align with her values and time with her family. “There’s no squeezing when you have a baby,” she told Cameron Diaz in 2023, explaining how becoming a mother has helped her better evaluate her professional commitments. She now carefully considers whether a project is worth being away from her child for extended periods. Lawrence also mentioned that her choices have helped her focus on what truly matters — her family.

Motherhood has also made Lawrence more reflective about the challenges her children may face, especially growing up in the public eye. She acknowledged the difficulties Cy might encounter as the child of high-profile parents, but she remains committed to being a loving and supportive presence. “The best thing I can do is just make sure he knows he’s loved, and that he’s our number one priority,” she said.

One of the most significant adjustments for Lawrence was her relationship with the paparazzi. The actress, who was previously known for her candid reactions to being photographed, shared that motherhood has helped her approach these moments with more serenity. “If he feels that I’m anxious before I leave the house, or I’m angry when we’re outside, that’s going to impact him,” she explained, recognizing the importance of maintaining a calm and positive energy for her child.

Despite these efforts, Lawrence admitted that like many mothers, she struggles with guilt. In a conversation with Viola Davis, she opened up about the challenges of balancing her career and motherhood, saying, “Every day of being a mom, I feel awful… I’m playing with him, and I’m like, ‘Is this what he wants to be doing?’” Yet, she also expressed confidence in her role as a mother, saying, “I know I can do it, and I know that I love it.”

Looking to the future, Lawrence and Maroney are expecting their second child, with Vogue confirming the pregnancy in October 2024. This upcoming addition to the family further solidifies Lawrence’s commitment to her children and her desire to create a fulfilling, balanced life.

From her candid reflections on motherhood to her excitement about expanding her family, Jennifer Lawrence has shown a side of herself that’s both relatable and inspiring. Her experiences with Cy have deeply influenced her approach to life and work, and as she prepares for her second child, it’s clear that family remains at the heart of her journey.