Let’s talk about Kathie Lee Gifford, shall we? You know her—she’s the Today show co-host with the heart of gold and a story to tell. Now that her kids are all grown up, Kathie Lee is reflecting on her journey as a mom, and trust me, it’s a conversation worth having. She’s looking back at some of the best moments and some of the not-so-great ones, sharing insights that might just make you rethink how you approach parenting. And here’s the kicker—she’s never once told her kids she’s proud of them. Let me explain why.
Why Kathie Lee Doesn’t Use the Word “Proud”
“We don’t say ‘proud’ in our family—we never have,” Kathie told People magazine. Now, before you judge, let me break it down for you. When her son Cody Gifford, now 27, went off to college at the University of Southern California film school, he came back with straight A’s on his first report card. Impressive, right? Her daughter Cassidy, 24 at the time, asked her mom if she felt proud of Cody. But Kathie had a thoughtful response, rooted in her beliefs and values.
Here’s what she said: “Cass, pride comes before the fall. A good book says that.” Kathie was referencing a Bible verse, and she had a point. She wanted to teach her kids a lesson about humility and gratitude. It’s not about being proud—it’s about recognizing the blessings in life and staying grounded. Cassidy, being the smart cookie she is, suggested they come up with a better word for "proud" that incorporates their faith into the definition.
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Introducing “Groud”: A New Word for Gratitude
Kathie thought long and hard about Cassidy’s suggestion and came up with the word “groud.” Now, this isn’t just any word—it’s packed with meaning. “Groud” means being “grateful to God for every good thing that’s happening in your life, but totally aware that you could screw it up at any moment because you’re just human.” It’s a beautiful way to express gratitude while staying humble, and it resonates deeply with Kathie’s worldview.
Think about it. Instead of saying, “I’m so proud of you,” Kathie says, “I’m groud of you.” It shifts the focus from personal achievement to divine providence, and that’s a powerful lesson for any child.
Kathie Lee Gifford with her late husband Frank Gifford and their two children.
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The Hard Lessons of Motherhood
Parenting isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, and Kathie Lee knows this firsthand. Being a mom-of-two with her late husband Frank Gifford wasn’t always easy, and she admits she didn’t get everything right. One of her biggest regrets? Not leading by example when it came to teaching her daughter about confidence, body image, and self-love.
“I would stand in front of a mirror and say negative things about myself, and my daughter would hear it,” Kathie confessed. “She was the one who ultimately said to me, ‘Mom, please don’t say that. Please don’t say that mommy—it’s not true.’ And it affected her. She’s fine now, but she didn’t like it. I thought I was being honest, but I don’t think it was helpful to her.”
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This is a powerful reminder for all of us. Our kids are always watching, even when we don’t realize it. The way we talk about ourselves sets the tone for how they perceive themselves. It’s a lesson Kathie Lee learned the hard way, but one she’s eager to share with others.
