In a year of whirlwind changes, Saturday TODAY co-anchor Laura Jarrett has embraced her new role with enthusiasm, bringing a fresh, relatable perspective to the beloved morning show. While balancing the demands of being a mom to two young children and a senior legal correspondent, Jarrett is taking a more personal approach to her new career chapter. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 41-year-old anchor shares her journey of finding joy in both her career and her family, offering viewers a glimpse into her world beyond the headlines and breaking news stories.

A New Beginning: Laura Jarrett’s Exciting Role on Saturday TODAY

Just months after welcoming her daughter, June Tahay, and transitioning into her new role as NBC News’ Senior Legal Correspondent, Laura Jarrett has found herself in the spotlight once again, this time as the co-anchor of Saturday TODAY. Her excitement is palpable as she describes the opportunity to host the weekend show alongside Peter Alexander, offering a lighter, more playful side to her public persona. “I’m excited for them to get to know my family,” she shared, reflecting on how the new role provides a chance for the audience to see her beyond her serious work on legal stories.

While Jarrett has gained a reputation for her thorough coverage of high-profile stories such as murder trials, impeachments, and indictments, her role on Saturday TODAY marks a significant shift. Now, she’s sharing her family life with viewers, bringing a more personal, heartfelt touch to the show. In her own words, she describes her career in a way that resonates with many working mothers: “My position is there is no balance. Instead, you do the best you can every single day, and make sure you hug your kids and they know that you love them dearly.”

The Demands of a Busy Life and a Special Moment with Her Son

Jarrett’s candid approach to the challenges of her demanding career comes through in her interactions with her children. As a mother to 4-year-old James and 1-year-old June, she juggles her work schedule with parenting responsibilities. She recalls a touching moment with James as she was leaving for work one morning. “He said, ‘Mommy, are you going to work?’ and I said, ‘Yes, James,’” she remembers. His simple, heartfelt response—“Do a great job!”—left her in tears. This sweet exchange made her realize that, despite the demanding schedule, the work she does is ultimately for the most precious people in her life.

Despite the inevitable tension between work and family time, Jarrett cherishes the moments she has with her children. Mornings are particularly special, as she gets to see them before heading off to work. “That’s a privilege when a lot of parents are scrambling to have the time to take their kids to school,” she said. “I get to come back and see them and have that special time in the day.”

For Jarrett, her relationship with her children is a constant source of joy. She is captivated by the changes happening in their lives daily. James, who recently turned four, is deep into puzzles and Sudoku, while June is a bundle of joy from morning till night, constantly laughing and squealing whenever Jarrett walks into the room. “Every day is something different and it cracks me up,” she shares, emphasizing how much her children are growing and changing, and how much joy they bring her every day.

Embracing the Chaos and Finding Patience

Despite the challenges that come with raising young children—Jarrett calls them “exhausting little people”—she approaches parenting with grace and humor. “They require a level of patience I didn’t know I had until I became a mom,” she says. She credits her mother’s wisdom, quoting her advice: “This too shall pass,” which helps her maintain perspective during the more challenging moments of motherhood.

The “busy days” she describes, balancing her career with her family, are both intense and rewarding. Jarrett reflects on the moments when she has had to return early from vacation to cover breaking news, acknowledging how fortunate she is to have “a front seat to history.” Although the work can be demanding, she takes comfort in knowing that this season of life, though full of long hours and little sleep, won’t last forever. “When it stops, I think I’m gonna miss it,” she admits, revealing a bittersweet acknowledgment of the fleeting nature of these busy days.

A Lighter Side to Laura Jarrett: Sharing Her Family with the World

As a co-anchor on Saturday TODAY, Jarrett is eager to introduce viewers to a different side of herself—one that isn’t focused on intense legal coverage or breaking news stories. She’s excited to share the lighter, fun moments of her life with her audience. “Obviously, a lot of our viewers get to see me during the week covering really intense legal stories and a lot of really heavy stuff, but I’m excited for them to see me, have fun and laugh, and talk about my crazy kids,” she says.

This lighter, more relatable side of Jarrett is something she’s excited to show the world. It’s a side that showcases her warmth, humor, and relatability, qualities that have made her so beloved by her fans. Her willingness to share the chaos of her daily life as a working mom makes her an even more admirable figure to viewers, and it’s a reminder that even those in high-pressure careers experience the same joys and struggles as anyone else.

Conclusion: A Heartfelt Balance of Career and Family

Laura Jarrett’s journey into her new role as co-anchor of Saturday TODAY is not just about professional success; it’s about finding balance in a demanding life. Her honesty with her children, her joy in their growth, and her ability to navigate the challenges of being both a career woman and a mother reflect the reality many viewers face themselves. Through her story, Jarrett shows that while there may not be a perfect balance, the love and joy shared with family make every moment worthwhile. Her openness about her career and personal life is a breath of fresh air, and it’s a reminder that we can find success and fulfillment without sacrificing the things that matter most.