Before Jess Hilarious

ever dreamed of performing in sold-out arenas nationwide, appearing on Wild ’N Out, or co-hosting The Breakfast Club, she envisioned marrying her boyfriend and raising a family in their hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. Hoping that having her partner’s child would solidify that future, Jess became pregnant at nineteen but reluctantly realized that her life vision—as a wife and mother—would need to be re-imagined.

After several failed attempts at a relationship with her son’s father, Jess accepted that, although they would never marry, they were forever connected through their lifelong commitment to raising their child together.

They quickly realized that co-parenting is like co-piloting a very turbulent flight where neither of you agrees on the destination. Still, the passenger (aka your kid) demands in-flight snacks, entertainment, and occasional emergency landings. They discovered they must learn an intricate dance of choreographed chaos, becoming experts at coordinating school drop-off schedules that are like managing a presidential motorcade and negotiating bedtime routines that are like hostage situations. They encountered a lot of “YOU let him do WHAT?” and “WHERE is his homework?”—but amid the madness, they managed to keep their tiny human alive.

With her characteristic wit, insight, and honesty, Jess shares her experiences to serve as a genuine example for co-parents who struggle to prioritize their children while shielding them from the ups and downs of adult relationships.

Take it from Jess, the road is hella bumpy, but your kid is worth it.