Life Lessons from Honey Boo Boo's Mom, June Shannon
June Shannon may have made a name for herself as a coupon queen, but she's best known for being pint-size beauty queen Honey Boo Boo's mom. Early on, she faced criticism for giving her youngest daughter, Alana, a mixture of Red Bull and Mountain Dew that she called "Go go juice" before beauty pageants, but fans of the show love her for her down-to-earth disposition. With "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo" slated to return to TLC on Sunday (with a Christmas special, of course), Mama June took the time to chat with Yahoo! Shine about what she wishes she knew before she became famous, what she hopes to teach her kids, and what makes her mad.
Related: 8 Reasons Why Mama June Is A Good Parent
What do you wish someone had warned you about before you and your family became TV stars? What would you warn someone else about?
The attention. Nobody could predict that it’d be this big, but you should prepare for anything. I didn’t realize paparazzi would hang around this much. I also didn’t realize fans would approach us this much, but we do love them and don’t mind them at all. It’s great to meet people from all over the country.
What do you think is most important in your life?
My kids. They are my everything. Without them, I’d be lost.
How do you help your kids deal with the people who say bad things about your family or the show?
I just tell the kids to ignore them and not care what anybody thinks of you. People are usually really respectful, and we haven’t really dealt with rude people face to face. We don’t represent rednecks or the state of Georgia – we represent our family.
Do you have a favorite quote or phrase that you try to live by?
It is what it is.
What relationship advice would you give your daughters?
Make sure you find a man who treats you good. If he treats you like trash, do away with him. He isn’t good for you.
What would you tell your girls after a bad breakup?
There are more fish in the sea. If it was meant to be, he’ll come back at some point. If it’s not meant to be, then you’ll move on. Always focus on you.
What makes you happy? How do you hold on to it?
Whatever makes my kids happy. I make sure they have what they need and give them my love. Seeing them happy and smiling every day is what I hold on to.
What makes you angry? How do you let it go?
People who don’t listen. I hate repeating things five times. It’s hard for me to let that go, so I usually just end up hollering at them. As you can see on the show, I am pretty loud.
What are the things you think people are way too worried about in life?
People are too worried about what other people think about them. Who cares? If you don’t like me, don’t talk to me. Trust me, I was fine before you and I’ll be fine after you.
What are your hopes for your kids and grandkids?
I just hope they grow up to be the best people they can be. I want them to know that they’ll always have my love and I will support them in whatever they choose to do in life. I am always there for them and just want them to be happy.
Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently with your life? What advice would you give your 20 year old self?
I don’t agree with everything I did in life, but it’s been a learning experience…and I wouldn’t change that. You learn from the bad and you enjoy the good. I’d tell my 20 year old self to not worry about boys, but worry about getting an education and a stable life. You need to take care of yourself and put yourself first before allowing a man to come into your life.
Also on Shine:
Honey Boo Boo's Mom Talks Show Controversy
5 Styles Inspired by Honey Boo Boo
Why Do People Love Honey Boo Boo?
