Jen Affleck, Whitney Leavitt Talk Mom Guilt on 'Dancing with the Stars'

Jen Affleck, Whitney Leavitt Talk Mom Guilt on 'Dancing with the Stars'

When Jen Affleck, a 26‑year‑old reality‑TV contestant, and Whitney Leavitt sat down with US Weekly this week, they didn’t just talk choreography—they opened up about the crushing mom guilt that comes with juggling rehearsals and bedtime stories.

Background: Season 33 of "Dancing with the Stars"

Season 33 of Dancing with the StarsUnited States kicked off on ABC in early September and will wrap up with a live finale on November 25, 2025. Contestants are expected to clock 40‑60 hours a week in the studio, fitting in costume fittings, cardio sessions, and endless partner practice.

That grind isn’t just a physical marathon; it’s a mental marathon, especially for mothers who have to be on call for tiny humans at a moment’s notice.

The Mom Guilt Conversation

During a post‑performance interview, Affleck leaned into the microphone and said, “It is the realest thing. I feel like I’m letting my kid down every time I walk off the floor.” The moment was captured in a US Weekly story that later surfaced on Reality Tea, a digital outlet owned by Hollywood Soapbox, LLC, headquartered in Los Angeles, California.

Leavitt, who also wears the mom‑badge, echoed the sentiment with a laugh that turned into a sigh: “Oh, my gosh, yes! There’s so much… it feels like I’m missing every bedtime, every snack, every hug.” Her words were covered by both Reality Tea on October 9, 2025, and an AOL Entertainment piece accessed on October 15, 2025.

Inside the Rehearsal Grind

To put the pressure in perspective, the show’s producers schedule six‑hour blocks of practice five nights a week. Add costume changes, makeup, and after‑show interviews, and a contestant is looking at a full‑time job with a Hollywood vibe. For Affleck and Leavitt, that meant negotiating nap times via video call, arranging for grandparents to step in, and mind‑numbing the guilt that bubbles up every time the studio lights come up.

One insider, who asked to remain anonymous, told us, “The producers are aware of the parental load. They’ve tried to be flexible, but the live‑show format simply doesn’t allow for major schedule shifts.”

Reactions from Industry and Experts

Psychologist Dr. Maya Patel of the University of California, Los Angeles, who specializes in parental stress, said, “What we’re seeing is a classic case of role conflict. Moms in high‑visibility careers often internalize society’s "perfect parent" narrative, and reality‑TV pressure amplifies that.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for American Broadcasting Company (ABC) mentioned that the network is exploring “well‑being resources for contestants,” but declined to detail any specific programs.

Broader Implications for Working Mothers in Entertainment

Affleck and Leavitt’s candidness adds to an ongoing cultural conversation about how motherhood is framed in high‑stakes professions. Recent studies from the Pew Research Center show that 57 % of working mothers feel “constant pressure to prove they can do it all,” a sentiment echoed on social media under the hashtag #momguilt.

It’s not just about dance studios; it’s about an entire industry that often expects its stars to be “on” 24/7. When two young moms publicly name‑check their struggle, it nudges the narrative toward more realistic expectations and, hopefully, better support structures.

What’s Next for Affleck and Leavitt?

Both women remain in the competition, with weekly performances slated for Mondays at 8:00 p.m. Eastern on ABC. Their next dance, a Latin‑fusion routine, will air on October 21, 2025. Fans have rallied on Twitter, using #WhitneyAndJen to voice encouragement and share their own stories of juggling work and parenthood.

Beyond the show, it’s likely we’ll hear follow‑up interviews from both contestants—perhaps deep‑dive pieces in parenting magazines or a round‑table on a daytime talk show. For now, the moment they shared on the DWTS stage serves as a reminder that fame doesn’t erase the everyday pressures of motherhood.