Kelly Ripais more than a mom to all her children.
Indeed, the Live With Kelly & Mark host’s daughter Lola Consuelos recalled how her time as a student at New York University helped transform her relationship with her mom into a friendship.
“When I went to university my first year, I was not happy at all,” the 24-year-old told her mom on the June 24 episode of SiriusXM’s Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa. “I was going through a bit of a thing and I really felt like the only people I could speak to were my parents.”
Amid forming new friendships at NYU—where she graduated from in 2023—and missing her high school friends that went to other colleges, Lola explained, “That’s when I started really feeling like I didn’t really want anyone else’s opinion but my parents’.”
And just as the “Paranoia Silverlining” singer is able to see her mom—who also shares sons Michael, 28, and Joaquin, 22, with husband Mark Consuelos—in a new light, she emphasized that parents should also work on their own shift in perspective.
“Parents have to grow as well,” Lola continued, “and understand that when your child is an adult, we can make our own decisions for ourselves and live with them.”
But while the musician was quick to dole out advice to Kelly, she confessed that the All My Children alum’s lifelong words of wisdom ring truer now more than ever.
“When you’re growing up, your parents are always like, ‘I’m just telling you, when you’re older you’re gonna wish you listened to me,’” Lola admitted. “There’s so many times in my life where I’m now like, ‘Oh my god, I completely get it.’”
She added, “When I have children one day, I’ll probably say the same thing to them. That will be the cycle.”
And repeating her parents’ tactics will likely bode well for Lola, as she has a favorite trait she learned from Kelly and Mark.
“The basics of being nice and respectful and kind has definitely gotten me far,” she told her mom. “It’s been really valuable and I forget that a lot of people don’t get that foundational advice that should be like a baseline of respect. It’s amazing that you guys raised the boys and I so amazingly.”
Read on for a deeper look at Kelly and Mark’s family of five.
Empty Nest, No Problem
For the first September in at least 20 years that she didn’t have a kid to see off to school, Kelly filled the void with a throwback from 2008.
Look Out, Behind You!
Looks like Michael’s about to get the drop on his little sister in this pic their dad shared on Lola’s 19th birthday in 2020.
Class of 2021
Joaquin is surrounded by love at his high school graduation.
Big Men on Campus
“Looks like @instasuelos just found out he won’t be @joaquinconsuelos roommate in the fall,” Kelly teased during a trip to Ann Arbor before Joaquin started at University of Michigan.
Kelly took a few days off in March 2022 to watch the Wolverines compete in the Division 1 Wrestling Championships in Detroit.
Still a freshman, Joaquin didn’t wrestle this time, but still, Kelly said on Live upon her return, “It took years off my life watching these young men.”
Generational Health
The whole family finally made it to Greece and Italy in June 2021 after the pandemic had other plans in 2020.
“Last year’s graduation trip for our oldest son and niece was delayed long enough to become a graduation trip for the family newborns as well,” Kelly shared.
Heavenly Holiday
This family pic from their Mediterranean getaway turned out so well, Kelly made it their 2021 holiday card.
A Sweet Memory
“Happy Easter from the year 2012 because Lola approved this photo,” Kelly captioned this throwback, never missing a chance to tease her perpetually appalled teen on social media.
Beautiful Girls
Mark wished the “spectacular women” in his life a happy International Women’s Day.
Apples of Her Eye
“Happy Valentine’s Day to the loves of my life!” Kelly wrote from the heart on Feb. 14, 2022.
Nice View if You Can Get It
Kelly celebrated the fruits of her labor on National Sons Day, Sept. 28, 2021.
Mommy & Son
Kelly and Mark’s eldest child, son Michael Consuelos, 24 at the time, posted this sweet throwback photo of him and his mom on her 51st birthday in 2021, writing, “Happy Birthday, Mom!! I hope you have the greatest day ever. You’re a badass and an inspiration to everyone. Also, when I call you a T. Rex, I mean it as a compliment. You should know that by now.”
History Repeating
In August 2020, Kelly Ripa shared an epic recreation of an old family photo from 2003 on Instagram. With youngest son Joaquin on her lap and older kids Michael and Lola perfectly in place, we’d say they nailed it despite the fact that, as Kelly noted, “objects may appear larger.”
Glad Grad
In May 2020, Kelly and Mark celebrated eldest son Michael’s graduation—albeit a virtual one, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic—from New York University. Marking the occasion, Kelly wrote on Instagram, “And just like that you graduated college. MJC, the joy and pride you have brought our family is indescribable. I love you with all my heart.”
All Grown Up
From kids to teenagers! “#tbt 2011 vs. 2019 Les murs sont devenus plus petits,” Kelly shared in an Instagram post that showed just how much her kids have grown.
School’s Out
“The Graduate #2019,” Kelly wrote on Instagram celebrating Lola’s final days of high school.
Star-Studded Walk
Kelly receiving her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2015 was an all-hands-on-deck event.
Milestone Moments
Kelly matched her son’s gown and the flowers at Joaquin’s middle school graduation.
Selfie Time
When your family is this beautiful, you would likely be posing for selfies more often than not too.
Joy to the World
Holidays always bring family together and this famous crew is no exception.
Family Fun Day
Back in 2003, Kelly and husband Mark Consuelos celebrated the opening night for A Year With Frog and Toad at Maxine’s in New York City.
Red Carpet Pros
Back in 2001, Mark and Kelly took their son to the ATLANTIS The Lost Empire premiere at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City.
Snow Day
Whether they are traveling somewhere hot and tropical or cool and snowy, this family always knows how to have a good time.
